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[0:00] Charlie Murphy: Hello, hello, and welcome to Mapping The College Audition, an MTCA podcast. I'm your host, Charlie Murphy, director of MTCA. That's Musical Theatre College Auditions. Check us out at mtca.com. And today we've got Marcus M. Martin on the show. For our newer listeners, in these artist exploration episodes, we aim to explore the paths to success that artists have forged, and tease out how their theatrical training helped them to blaze that trail. I think you'll find it was a really nice conversation. We covered a lot from some BW specifics, that's Baldwin Wallace, that's a little shorthand, to the conversation about learning differences that I mentioned two weeks ago, to Marcus's perspective on achieving his dream role so early in his career.

And as you'll hear at the top of our interview, this is another follow through on having some younger guests. I'm gonna be honest, I feel like we've been really successful with setting that goal and making it happen. Looking back over the past year, you know, the past couple years, I'm really happy with the mix of ages and perspectives that we've had on, so pat on the back to us. And if you feel like giving us a little pat on the back as well, you could of course leave us a rating and review on your podcast platform of choice, like Cora Clare did recently, where she says, current MTCA family, and this is such an added value to the process. Each show gives me extra insight into the path and process.

Love hearing all of the really experienced performers and department heads, but my favorite ep might be the most recent parent episode. Super relevant. Thanks, Charlie and gang. Thank you, Cora, for the kind words. And speaking of kind words, I just got back myself from Pittsburgh Unifieds. Mere minutes ago, I got back as I record this on a Tuesday night, where I met some really wonderful families and I really appreciated all of the kind words about the podcast from all of you. For those who don't know about it, Pittsburgh Unifieds is like an early consortium style audition experience run by a few been there, done there parents who want to give back in the process. And MTCA attends each year.

I think it's our fourth year now, both to be a support, of course, to our MTCA students who participate. And of course, to help out all the non-MTCA students, which many of those students are not MTCA as well. And I was really touched by how many people approached me, both some MTCA or so I know, but then a lot who I hadn't met yet and who weren't MTCA students just to say how much they loved and appreciated the podcast and how they needed a free resource. And that really was helpful to them. So that meant a lot to me. So thank you. And listeners out there, if you do see me in the wild, I do appreciate you coming up to me and saying something as does, again, I think I've said this before, nearly everyone, nearly everyone likes being approached and someone saying, we think you're great.

So if you're feeling shy to do that to anyone, you know, who you are a fan of, or that you want to just say some kind words to, here's your gentle nudge of encouragement. While we were there, we led a number of meetings with students and parents. We held a really fun class with a group of juniors that were just starting their process. And for the seniors, we offered a little pump up room before their students were to walk into the audition room itself, just to help kind of get them psychologically prepared for the experience. This is not our invention, this invention of Pittsburgh Unifieds, but I really like it. I think it's such a helpful experience, you know, and I do think it is such a large part of what makes students successful in an audition, that headspace that you're trying to achieve before you walk in the door.

And it's one of the reasons we insist on practicing your audition skills, both via mock auditions and early auditions, especially if in this case, you can achieve them in a low stakes way for yourself. It's fantastic. As I can teach you about yourself and how you like to prepare again, you can learn about yourself and how you need to prepare. I'm going to share here some advice that I shared with many of those students in case it is helpful for you, our broader listener base. As the students walked in the room, we would chat about like what was going to happen in the room. Many of them had questions about slating, had questions about how to talk to an accompanist, et cetera. So it's all things that you need to practice so you're not thrown off by them.

Hopefully not asking the questions 10 minutes before you walk in the room. And then almost all of them express some version of how nervous they were. Not that they were all shaking like a leaf, but they were all keenly aware of that sensation of those audition nerves starting to creep up on them. And some of them, it was still pretty unfamiliar, this level of audition nerves, different than just performance anxiety that you might walk into, you know, high school performance with. And what I did with them, and I might encourage you all to find a version of for yourself was first a quick exercise to try to get present in their breath and to feel themselves in their bodies. It's worth noting different people are going to achieve these different ways.

So again, find out what works for you and getting you present, you on your breath. Some people that's about calming down and a little meditation. Some people it's about doing pushups and jumping jacks in terms of what's going to be best for you. But then when we were breathing together, I would give them a quick visualization along with a challenge. And I'm going to give that challenge to all of you. I asked them to, when they pictured the next five minutes and they picture like a wave of nerves coming over them to just remind themselves that nerves are just adrenaline and that adrenaline can be the same thing as excitement. So rather than trying to tamp down or suppress those nerves, that they could instead welcome that wave of nerves and try to synthesize it, to relabel it as adrenaline and to thank your body for it.

And this has a really cool kind of double effect of it helps you get on top of that feeling of your nerves. And it also does tend to slow down that pump of adrenaline itself, right? Rather than when you try to reject the nerves, your body can kind of freak out and pump more because your body's saying like, hey, don't you realize we're in fight or flight here? How much more adrenaline do you need before you're going to run away? Right? Sort of like your body wants to freak out as you say, no, no, no, no, no, no. It's like, yes, yes, yes, yes. I'm freaked out. Right. But that actually, and this is really true, we can sing, act and dance better on adrenaline than we can without it. This adrenaline is like a magical elixir.

It lets us dunk basketballs. It lets mothers lift cars to save their children's life, right? It is an incredibly powerful force. I like to picture my adrenaline as like a giant wave, like a wave in the ocean. Since often my experience of nerves that kind of come at me in a wave and the image I use for myself is just to see myself riding on top of the wave, to let it lift me up instead of crashing over me and kind of drowning me. The wave itself is the same, but my choice is different. And I think that is so often at the core of what makes a good auditioner into a great auditioner. That's psychological shift. The physiology of our body being supercharged is something we can't really prevent, right?

Until at least, until we've had like so much practice that we actually don't care about the stakes of an audition, at which point now we've created a whole other kind of problem. Like the caring is actually a good thing. But if we make the choice of letting our adrenaline be a wave lifting us up, it allows us to do one other key and most important thing in an audition room, which is to actively choose to be there. We've talked about this before. So often when we hear our name called, our body's first instinct is to say, Oh God, it's me. I'm next. I have to go audition. And it takes conscious effort and take some practice to say, Oh God, it's me. I'm next. I get to go audition, right? That subtle shift of, I've got to into, I get to, it makes all the difference in the world.

You are choosing to do this art form. So you want to walk into the room and share your joy of this art form with all of the people behind the table. And the really fun secret that I would share with a lot of those PUA kids, and I'm going to now share it with all of you, is that every single person in that room and in all of those rooms also had that same joy of this art form. They may manifest it differently now in their older age, but they all share your same passion and nerdery for this craft. And secrets abound here. That's true of every person you've heard in all 180 episodes of this podcast, no matter how old and wizened our guests sound, or even if you think your host sounds old and wizened, we were once 17, 18 year old kids with a dream, just like all of you.

And when you can get in that headspace that you can think, my job is to walk in this room and share my joy with a bunch of strangers who also have that same joy, it can make the audition experience one of connection and send a feeling like it's a test, right? That you're going to either pass or fail. And honestly, if you succeed at authentically bringing joy into that room, it can outweigh so many other factors in terms of your preparation or individual artistic choices. But while it sounds like the simplest thing just to walk in there and share your authentic joy. And of course, in some ways it is very simple. It is also incredibly challenging, right? All of the people who are stuck in the, I've got to go audition instead of I get to go audition.

They don't love this art form any less. They just haven't learned yet how to prepare themselves so they can walk in the room and share that joy. But I give that challenge to all of you. That is the goal and something to strive for in your next three auditions and your next 10 auditions. If it takes 20 auditions, as long as it takes you, I give you that challenge and that goal to sort of shoot for that as you go through this journey. And on that note, I hope you enjoy this interview with someone who does a pretty great job of bringing his joy to his process in the ebullient Marcus M. Martin.

[9:15] Charlie Murphy: Well, we are so excited to be joined by Marcus M. Martin. Marcus has a BM in musical theater from BW. That's right, a 2020 grad, folks. We're bringing some young people back onto the pod and not just MTCA young people, actual young non-MTCA people, which we're very excited about. Currently, you can see Marcus, he's standing by on Broadway for The Genie in Aladdin, also having played that on the national tour. He's done some great regional theater. It's places like Great Lakes Theater, North Shore Musical Theater, etc. Not much else time to do anything else in the few short years he's been out of school. So we're excited to talk about that, though we do see coming up on TV in Power Book 2, Ghost.

We may ask about that a little bit. Is that true? Yeah. You looked at me like you're like, we're not supposed to talk about that. I'm like, I think it was on your Instagram. I think it's allowed. We talk about it. Let's talk about it all. Marcus, how are you doing, man? Welcome on the pod.

[10:00] Marcus M. Martin: I'm amazing. How are you doing, Charlie? Thank you so much for having me on this podcast. It is an honor to be here, dare I say, like as I always say, as being first, actor second. I've seen quite quite the lineup of Broadway stars come across my timeline in these podcast episodes. So I'm quite honored to be included in this.

[10:28] Charlie Murphy: Now I see why you're cast as the genie already. That charm is coming out. I'm on your side. You've won me over, Marcus. I love it. All right. So we're going to take you through a little bit of your college journey to start off. But before I get into the auditioning for college journey, would you mind just giving me like a 30 to 60 second catch up of like you up to 16? So talk to me about kind of like you growing up, how you discovered theater, but basically get me up to Marcus at 16 years old, assuming by then you're already interested in musical theater.

[10:41] Marcus M. Martin: Absolutely. So I'm born and raised in Akron, Ohio, home of LeBron James. If you're a sports person, I love sports. And Steph Curry, right? Come on. Both LeBron and Steph, both born in the same hospital, right?

[10:55] Charlie Murphy: Yes. Yes. Absolutely. Come on now.

[10:59] Marcus M. Martin: Absolutely. We don't really claim Steph the same way. Steph moved to North Carolina when he was like three.

[11:03] Charlie Murphy: On this pod, we claim Steph. That's fine. We'll have to-

[11:05] Marcus M. Martin: All right. I got you. I got you. We love LeBron too. Okay. Akron, Ohio. I'm cutting into your 60 seconds here. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio. Big sports fan. I have athletics in my family. I didn't get those genes. Whatever the water my dad and my grandfather and LeBron was drinking, I didn't get it. I didn't drink any of that water. I'm an only child and grandchild. For that reason, my mother and father were very, very particular, very insistent on getting me involved in extracurriculars that would put me around other kids my age to build my social skills. We tried all the sports. I was terrible. I played soccer. I scored a goal for the other team. I played basketball. I airballed more than anything else.

But I've always been a very enthusiastic kid. I've always loved singing. I grew up in the church. That's my musical foundation. I would sing the songs from church at home. Sometimes I would go home and do a one-man show version of whatever the pastor preached about that day. So if the pastor talked about Noah's Ark, I would go home and be Noah, the Ark, the animals, and the water. Okay? Not a hard sell for your parents when it comes time to go, this person might be interested in theater. There's an actor in here. No, no, no, no. Yes. So after all the failed attempts at sports, my parents had a set down, had a conversation. So you know what? Let's try theater camp this time. We're going to do a one-week theater camp and it's stuck and here I am.

[12:24] Charlie Murphy: I love it. All right. That was a pretty good 30 seconds or six seconds, especially with me jumping in there. But now, so talk to me about, as you're thinking about college, at some point then there's a decision to go, hey, let's pursue this in college, right?

[12:31] Marcus M. Martin: Yeah. What were you looking at in terms of approaching this process? Now, not so many years ago, and again, I brought up in your bio, we had a lot of young guests. That was one of my big goals after season one was try to bring on more young guests, most of whom were MTCA alums. So most of whom have already heard our guidance. Everyone was sort of double reinforcing like, hey, people who've gone through this process recently, but we've already given the guidance. I'd love to hear like, what was your approach? How did you approach? And then how did you navigate the

[13:27] Charlie Murphy: Welcome back to Mapping The College Audition. I’m your host, Charlie Murphy, and today I’m thrilled to have Marcus M. Martin with us, who is currently performing in Broadway’s Aladdin.

[13:42] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you for having me, Charlie. I’m excited to be here and share my journey.

[13:50] Charlie Murphy: Absolutely! So, let’s dive right in. You graduated from Baldwin-Wallace University during the pandemic. What was that experience like for you?

[14:02] Marcus M. Martin: It was definitely a unique experience. Graduating in a pandemic meant that we had to adapt quickly. We had virtual showcases and auditions, which was a challenge, but it also taught us a lot about the business side of things.

[14:18] Charlie Murphy: That’s a great point. Learning the business is crucial. How did you navigate that during your time at Baldwin-Wallace?

[14:27] Marcus M. Martin: I think the faculty at Baldwin-Wallace really prepared us for the industry. They emphasized the importance of understanding not just the art but also the business aspects. We had workshops and sessions that focused on audition techniques, networking, and even self-promotion.

[14:49] Charlie Murphy: That’s fantastic. Now, let’s talk about your role in Aladdin. How do you feel the portrayal of the Genie differs between Broadway and the tour?

[15:02] Marcus M. Martin: The portrayal of the Genie can vary quite a bit. On Broadway, there’s a certain energy and presence that you can bring to the stage with the audience right there in front of you. The tour has its own unique challenges, but it also allows for a different kind of connection with the audience.

[15:19] Charlie Murphy: That makes sense. Each venue has its own vibe. Now, I know you’ve also spoken about learning disabilities and how they’re accommodated both in school and in the professional world. Can you share your thoughts on that?

[15:39] Marcus M. Martin: Absolutely. I think it’s important to recognize that everyone learns differently. In school, I had support from my professors who understood my needs and helped me find strategies that worked for me. In the professional world, it’s about advocating for yourself and finding environments that are supportive.

[15:59] Charlie Murphy: Advocacy is key. It’s great to hear that you had that support. What advice would you give to students who might be facing similar challenges?

[16:19] Marcus M. Martin: I would say don’t be afraid to speak up about your needs. It’s essential to communicate with your teachers and peers. Also, find a community that understands and supports you.

[16:39] Charlie Murphy: Wise words. Now, as we wrap up, what are you most grateful for in your journey so far?

[16:59] Marcus M. Martin: I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each experience has shaped me into the artist I am today.

[17:19] Charlie Murphy: Thank you, Marcus. It’s been a pleasure having you on the show.

[17:29] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you, Charlie! I appreciate it.

[17:39] Charlie Murphy: And to our listeners, if you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com.

[17:59] Charlie Murphy: Don’t forget to check out our MTCA events and follow us on social media for more tips and insights.

[18:19] Charlie Murphy: Until next time, keep pursuing your passion and remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

[26:54] Charlie Murphy: Welcome back to Mapping The College Audition. I'm your host, Charlie Murphy, and today we have a very special guest, Marcus M. Martin, who is currently performing in Broadway's Aladdin. Marcus, thank you for joining us today.

[27:24] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you for having me, Charlie. I'm excited to be here and share my journey.

[27:49] Charlie Murphy: Absolutely! So, let's dive right in. You graduated from Baldwin-Wallace University during the pandemic. What was that experience like for you?

[28:09] Marcus M. Martin: Graduating during the pandemic was definitely a unique experience. It was a time filled with uncertainty, but it also taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. We had to shift our performances online, and that was a challenge, but it also opened up new opportunities for creativity.

[28:29] Charlie Murphy: That sounds like a real test of your skills. How did you navigate the transition from college to the professional world, especially during such a tumultuous time?

[28:49] Marcus M. Martin: It was definitely a learning curve. I had to learn the business side of the industry quickly. Networking became crucial, and I had to be proactive in seeking out opportunities, even when everything felt like it was on hold.

[29:09] Charlie Murphy: That's a great point. The business aspect can often be overlooked in training programs. How do you feel your education prepared you for that?

[29:29] Marcus M. Martin: My education at Baldwin-Wallace was invaluable. They emphasized not just the craft of performing but also the importance of understanding the industry. We had workshops with professionals, which helped us gain insight into what to expect after graduation.

[29:49] Charlie Murphy: That's fantastic. Now, let's talk about your role in Aladdin. How do you feel the portrayal of the Genie differs between Broadway and the tour?

[30:09] Marcus M. Martin: The portrayal of the Genie can vary quite a bit. On Broadway, there's a certain energy and spontaneity that comes with the live audience. The tour, while still vibrant, has its own rhythm and pacing. Each performance feels unique, and I love adapting to those differences.

[30:29] Charlie Murphy: That must be an exciting challenge! Speaking of challenges, I know you have experience with learning disabilities. How have those been accommodated in your education and professional life?

[30:49] Marcus M. Martin: It's been a journey, for sure. In school, I had great support from my professors who understood my needs. They provided accommodations that allowed me to thrive. In the professional world, it's about advocating for myself and finding environments that are supportive and inclusive.

[31:09] Charlie Murphy: That's so important. It's great to hear that you've had positive experiences in both settings. What advice would you give to students who might be facing similar challenges?

[31:19] Marcus M. Martin: I would say to never be afraid to speak up about your needs. It's crucial to find your voice and advocate for yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your journey, and don't hesitate to seek help when you need it.

[31:29] Charlie Murphy: Wise words, Marcus. Thank you for sharing that. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?

[31:49] Marcus M. Martin: Just a reminder to stay grateful for the journey. Every step, every challenge, and every success is part of your story. Embrace it all!

[31:59] Charlie Murphy: Thank you, Marcus. It's been a pleasure having you on the podcast today.

[32:09] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you for having me, Charlie. It's been great to chat!

[32:19] Charlie Murphy: And to our listeners, if you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com.

[32:29] Charlie Murphy: Join us next time for more insights and stories from the world of musical theater. Until then, keep pursuing your passion!

[39:51] Charlie Murphy: Welcome back to Mapping The College Audition. Today, we have a special guest, Marcus M. Martin, who is currently performing in Broadway's Aladdin. Marcus, thank you for joining us.

[40:21] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you for having me, Charlie. It's great to be here.

[40:46] Charlie Murphy: So, let's dive right in. You graduated from Baldwin-Wallace during the pandemic. What was that experience like for you?

[41:12] Marcus M. Martin: It was definitely a unique experience. Graduating during a pandemic meant that we had to adapt quickly. We had our final performances online, which was a challenge, but it also taught us a lot about resilience and the importance of staying connected with our peers.

[41:32] Charlie Murphy: That sounds like a tough transition. How did you manage to stay motivated during that time?

[41:52] Marcus M. Martin: I think gratitude played a huge role for me. I focused on what I could control and appreciated the opportunities I had, even if they looked different than I had imagined. I also leaned on my friends and family for support.

[42:12] Charlie Murphy: That's a great perspective. Speaking of gratitude, how do you think that mindset has influenced your career since graduating?

[42:32] Marcus M. Martin: It's been everything. In this industry, there are so many ups and downs, and having a grateful mindset helps me appreciate every opportunity, whether big or small. It keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.

[42:52] Charlie Murphy: Absolutely. Now, let's talk about your role in Aladdin. How does playing the Genie differ on Broadway compared to the tour?

[43:02] Marcus M. Martin: The energy is definitely different. On Broadway, there's a certain magic that comes from performing in a historic theater with an audience that's right there with you. On tour, while the audiences are just as enthusiastic, the venues can vary greatly, which affects the overall vibe of the performance.

[43:22] Charlie Murphy: That makes sense. What have you learned about the business side of theater since starting your career?

[43:42] Marcus M. Martin: I've learned that it's crucial to understand the business aspect of this industry. Networking, marketing yourself, and knowing how to navigate auditions and contracts are all essential skills. Baldwin-Wallace really prepared me for that.

[44:02] Charlie Murphy: It's great to hear that your education has had such a positive impact. How do you think learning disabilities are accommodated in both school and the professional world?

[44:22] Marcus M. Martin: It's definitely an important topic. In school, I had access to resources and support that helped me manage my learning disabilities. In the professional world, it's about finding the right environment that understands and accommodates those needs. Communication is key.

[44:42] Charlie Murphy: That's a valuable insight. What advice would you give to students who might be struggling with similar challenges?

[45:02] Marcus M. Martin: I would say to advocate for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help or accommodations. It's important to find your voice and ensure that your needs are met so you can thrive as an artist.

[45:12] Charlie Murphy: Wise words. As we wrap up, what are you most grateful for in your journey so far?

[45:32] Marcus M. Martin: I'm grateful for the people I've met along the way, the opportunities I've had, and the lessons I've learned. Every experience, good or bad, has shaped me into the artist I am today.

[45:42] Charlie Murphy: Thank you, Marcus. It's been a pleasure having you on the podcast.

[45:52] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you, Charlie. I appreciate it.

[46:12] Charlie Murphy: And to our listeners, if you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com.

[46:22] Charlie Murphy: Join us next time for more insights and stories from the world of musical theater.

[46:42] Charlie Murphy: Until then, keep pursuing your passion and remember to stay grateful.

[47:02] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you!

[47:22] Charlie Murphy: Bye everyone!

[47:42] Marcus M. Martin: Bye!

[48:02] Charlie Murphy: This episode was produced by Meghan Cordier and me, Charlie Murphy.

[48:32] Charlie Murphy: Thank you for listening to Mapping The College Audition.

[48:52] Charlie Murphy: We'll see you next time!

[49:12] Charlie Murphy: Take care!

[49:32] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[49:52] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[50:12] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[50:32] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[50:52] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[51:12] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[51:22] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[51:32] Charlie Murphy: Bye!

[51:48] Marcus M. Martin: I, uh, I am processing delayed, uh, have ADD, um, really hard time focusing, uh, really good, excuse me, really hard time with, with sequences, following long sequences. So actually math and maybe that's why dance was hard for me, but, uh, but, but like math was always really, really hard for me. I couldn't follow, follow along with any of that. Um, and I had to have, you know, extra testing time, go to extra rooms, have extra testing time. Um, I always had to, you know, have tutoring after school. Um, I had an, I, you know, had, had an, had an IEP, uh, individual, uh, education plan while I was in school. Um, and yeah, I mean, I'll, I'll be a hundred percent honest. It, uh, even in, in the type of schools that we picked, we definitely like took that, took that into consideration, right?

Schools that have a rigorous, uh, gen ed schedule, right? The Michigan, Michigan was kind of out of the picture cause that grades had to be really, really good. And there's a lot, you know, there's a lot, quite a bit of gen eds, you know, Carnegie, same thing, you know, NYU, same thing. Um, and so, yeah, I mean, we had to figure out what school, not only was the best fit for me as a performer, but also not, not just for me as a performer, not just for me as a human, but for me as a learner.

[53:07] Charlie Murphy: Yeah. Um, did it come up in your, I mean, did any of these things come up in your auditions or, you know, have that ever come up in auditions in terms of the way, I don't know if it, how, I don't know if it affects stuff like choreography or if it's stuff that you have to have conversations professionally, is, is that something that you ever have conversations with, you know, either with Vicki and we're talking about the college world or in the professional world?

[53:25] Marcus M. Martin: Um, not really in the college world. I mean, I think obviously, you know, when you apply for these schools, obviously, you know, they, they do look at your grades and, and there are, you know, some schools where, uh, you know, the grades are an issue, you know, and they'll have a conversation with you about it. Um, in the professional world, it's navigated honestly very wonderfully. And in my short career, um, I got a shout out Michael Callahan, actually the dance captain here at Aladdin on Broadway. He's great. He's been with the show for years and he is so wonderful at making you feel comfortable learning the show, the way that you learn information. He, and I've, I've even been in, in rehearsals with, you know, where, where multiple people are learning new tracks or learning the show at the same time.

And he'll teach it, you know, or he'll talk to everyone, everyone in the room in a different way in the style in which they need to learn. You know, he had a, even before we started, he had, I had, had an honest conversation with me about how I learned steps, how I learned dance, you know, whether even the small things, right. Do you learn by counts or do you learn by music? You want me to, you know, tell you the steps by, you know, uh, you know, uh, Ray being in ninths or do you want one, two, you know, whatever the counts are.

[54:36] Charlie Murphy: It does not get into YouTube. That was a beautiful dance that Mark had. Soaring through the air. I'm not sure if you saw, it was really nice with the one, two.

[54:45] Marcus M. Martin: Yes, yes, yes. Uh, but yeah, no. Um, so I think, I think, uh, in the professional space, um, it's, and even, even in some of my regional contacts as well, you know, always people checking in, uh, whether it's music directors, you know, Hey, do you need to hear something again? You know, or also.

[55:01] Charlie Murphy: Is that something that you developed for yourself? An ability to say, Hey, this is how I learned it. I do have trouble sequencing. So it's really helpful. Like, is that something that you kind of learned for yourself?

[55:08] Marcus M. Martin: What I need, you know, uh, in terms of your preparation, having learning issues my entire life, I think I was very, very much so championed by my mother. Uh, and also my father and my dad actually who were, who is, is an, is an educator. Uh, he's a principal, uh, he's a principal, principal in the, in the education system. And so they both really encouraged me to advocate for myself. Um, because you know, no one's going to be able to fight for you better than you can fight for yourself. So always being very, very upfront with what I, with what I need, um, before I go into, go into a process. Um, and it's always been met with just such understanding, uh, and grace. Um, and I, and I really love that about, awesome here.

[55:48] Charlie Murphy: Um, I do feel like one of the joys of getting to be in such a family friendly show like Aladdin is that you do get some kid interactions. Um, were you guys able to do some stage door stuff on tour? Do you have any great stories with set of young fan interactions?

[56:02] Marcus M. Martin: Yeah. I mean, I, I love, I love going to the stage door. I love, I mean, it's my favorite part of the job really is, is engaging with the people. My favorite part of my job is honestly, a lot of the offstage things, you know, it's great to get to do this show, especially on tour because I, my mother and I were subscribers to the Broadway series at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. You know, so like I saw, you know, Thursday night was our, was our time Thursday nights, you know, we're seeing whatever tour was in town. Um, and I staged door all of those shows, right. And I had a great conversations with so many actors at those shows. Um, and so, yeah, I mean, uh, uh, engaging with the people, engaging with young actors, engaging with, with, with young people in general, um, is my favorite part of my job, right.

Having a platform is awesome. You know, having people follow you on Instagram, being on billboards and buses in every single city is great. Having your picture, you're getting to go on TV and go on the news and talk about your job is great. All of that is beautiful, but a platform is useless if you don't do anything with it. Um, my mom used to always say, if at your funeral, anybody, all anybody talks about is how well you sing or dance, then you failed. Um, and so for me, that, that type of outreach and engaging with young actors and young artists and, and inspiring people, especially kids that look like me and telling them that you can do it and, you know, telling them, you know, answering their questions that I did it all the time. Um, love stage dooring. It's so important to me.

[57:28] Charlie Murphy: Uh, it's so fun. So, uh, you know, if you come to the new M and I'm on, say, Hey, I'll absolutely, we'll spend time with you. I think one of my favorite interactions was a little kid said, uh, I guess they didn't realize the fact that when I come out the stage, do I don't have my costume on anymore? And so I came out, you know, I'm signing, I'm doing the thing. And, and she goes, I thought you were a powerful genie, but no, you're just you.

[57:58] Marcus M. Martin: And you say, I am powerful little girl. I'm powerful as me, Mark. And it was hilarious. And, you know, like I said, didn't understand the fact that, you know, going it off and it was, it was adorable. It was just hilarious. Uh, but I'm sure, you know, her, her mom kind of don't have to get it on video, even hilarious. So I'm sure they'll watch that back and, you know, it'll, it'll be really fun, but yeah, I just love those moments engaging with people, engaging with artists. Um, cause I was that kid at some point, um, and that's so many people made me feel special as a stage door. So I'll, I'll never hesitate to do that for somebody.

[58:31] Charlie Murphy: And you do really beautifully. I mean, just from checking you out on Instagram and sort of researching this and like, you really do let us in to the process on tour on Broadway. It's really, that's really nice. It's a kind of beautiful thing to be someone who sort of opens up that process and people, people are wondering how does it kind of work? You know, we can follow Marcus M underscore three, three zero on Instagram, I guess.

[58:50] Marcus M. Martin: Yeah. Yeah. I mean, that was always what I wanted to see. Right. I was, again, I was that kid, right? I watched all the broadway.com blogs as a kid, right? I followed everybody on social media as a kid, especially on tours. Right. I wanted to see what the different, you know, uh, what these experiences, what the venues were like and all of that. Um, so yeah, I was that kid that I wanted to see it. And I, like I say, I'm a fan first actor second. Um, and so I just try to create the content that I would have liked to see when I was a kid. And then I still want to see, honestly.

[59:18] Charlie Murphy: Well, one of the things I discovered, you mentioned being recently married, discovered that on your, uh, on your Instagram as I did my deep dive, uh, not the most common for our ilk to be married in their twenties. Right. So what does that look like for kind of a young couple building a life together? You know, as you do stuff like touring, which is not easy on a relationship, I can imagine in regional work. How are you kind of, how are you building that, that young romantic life alongside?

[59:42] Marcus M. Martin: Yeah. Yeah. Oh my God. I love talking about this. Shout out to Lydia, Lydia Martin. Now I'm just an incredible woman. She's, she's just phenomenal. Uh, and she just makes me so happy. Um, I think, you know, it's funny. I, I didn't think, and it wasn't sure if I would be able to have both, right. Have both the career and the love. Um, and I think that's another issue for another day is that we condition people to think that you can't have both. Um, but also, you know, being honest, the reality of the reality of the situation is it's hard, right? This, this field that we're in does not align with the normal white picket fits, you know, two kids and a dog life. It's just not. Um, and I'm sensitive to that. And so I, I always was like, okay, like, I mean, just may not happen for me and I'm, and I'm okay with that.

[1:00:38] Marcus M. Martin: Um, you know, because I, I also, I didn't want to make any woman, um, I didn't want to make any woman to feel like they had to make themselves less than in order to be with me. Right. Because of all that comes with being an actor, whether it's, you know, the geographic changes, the, you know, the financial up and downs, the, you know, having to be with somebody who maybe has a bigger name than you or whatever the case may be. Right. I never wanted a woman to feel like they had to make themselves less than in order to be my partner and be my wife. So, and so I would always say like, you know, Hey, listen, this is what my life is. This is some of the things that may be required of the person that I'm with. If that doesn't fit, I totally understand.

[1:01:25] Marcus M. Martin: I was going to say, I, I always knew I wanted to date a non-performer. I always wanted to marry a non-performer. Uh, for me personally, I just, I need the balance. There are plenty of showbiz shout out to Will and Audra. We love you. Shout out to all the shout out, shout out to all the, the showbiz couples. Y'all are great. We love you. Um, and you guys make it work and I commend you for that. I need the balance. Yep. I need the balance, um, of just coming home to something that, that isn't this right. Having somebody to keep me grounded and Lydia does exactly that.

[1:02:12] Marcus M. Martin: Um, but yeah, no. So, so I came to an impasse when we met, um, we met very unexpectedly, unexpectedly. It wasn't anything that I was looking for. Um, and we met, uh, over the summer when I was doing a summer contract and then I had to go back to school. And so we were weighing whether or not we were going to carry this summer fling into real life or just let it be a summer thing and die right there. And for a long time, I was like, Oh, I'm not going to get married. You know, I'm just going to focus on, especially cause I'm in college. Right. I'm going to focus on Broadway. I'm going to be on Broadway. I can't, I can't, I can't be distracted by girls when I'm trying to get to, you know, I was, I was that, you know, whatever.

[1:02:32] Charlie Murphy: I mean, most people are like, I need to establish myself first. It's hard to.

[1:02:36] Marcus M. Martin: Yeah. Yeah. I didn't think that we would have, I didn't think that I could have both. Um, and so I was just like, I can't, you know, I can't stray from the path or whatever. Um, and so, but then there came a moment and this is how I knew she was the one where I realized all of the accolades and the Tony awards and the credits and the TV shows and the residual checks and everything in the world means absolutely nothing if you don't have anybody to share it with. And if you don't have anyone to pass it down to, um, and I was like, you know what? I would rather say that we tried to do this and we failed, you know, you know, you know, if it fails, I'd rather fail trying with this amazing woman and always wonder what could have been. And I'm so, so, so glad I decided to try. She's amazing.

[1:03:30] Marcus M. Martin: Um, and, and I commend her sacrifice. I want to say it publicly, right. It's such a sacrifice to be with a performer. Um, yes, it is such a sacrifice. And so I commend her, um, for, for everything. And she's, she's a rock star. She's a superstar. Um, but yeah, no, it's, it's communication. It's difficult conversations. It's, you know, prioritizing it's communication, you know, while we were on tour, while I was on tour, um, we, uh, would do, um, date nights, virtual date nights in the sense of, we will both order something on door dash for the other person, but wouldn't tell them until it, you know, you would get to your door. We, you know, order for the exact same time. We'd open our door at the same time and look and see what we got the other person.

And we would sit there and we eat and we talk about it, you know, and, and, you know, me prioritizing her when I was on a different time zone, right. Whether it's, you know, shifting around the schedule a little bit, um, you know, to, to, to squeeze some time in for her, right. Or whether it's her understanding that I'm on vocal rest because it's a five show weekend. Right. And so, you know, and we also talked a lot about, about capacity and, and giving the best of what you have, you know, and she was really big on, and I learned this, she was like, you don't have to give me everything, give me the best of what you have. And that's what I want. And so, you know, I was like, listen, it's a.

[1:05:46] Marcus M. Martin: Gratitude is such a powerful thing. It’s something that I’ve learned to practice daily, especially in this industry where rejection can be so prevalent. I think it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the things that we are thankful for, whether it’s the opportunities we’ve had, the people we’ve met, or even the lessons we’ve learned from the challenges we’ve faced.

[1:06:16] Marcus M. Martin: I graduated during the pandemic, which was a unique experience. It taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. I had to learn the business of the business in a completely different way, navigating auditions and opportunities in a virtual space.

[1:06:38] Marcus M. Martin: The role of the Genie in "Aladdin" is fascinating because it varies so much between the Broadway production and the tour. Each production brings its own flavor and interpretation, which keeps the role fresh and exciting.

[1:06:58] Marcus M. Martin: Learning disabilities are something that I think are often overlooked in both school and the professional world. It’s crucial for institutions to provide accommodations and support for students who may need it, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

[1:07:18] Marcus M. Martin: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who understood my journey and helped me navigate through the challenges. Their support has been invaluable, and I strive to pay that forward by being there for others in the community.

[1:07:38] Marcus M. Martin: Gratitude also extends to the audience. Every time I step on stage, I remind myself that I’m there to share a story and connect with people. That connection is what makes this work so fulfilling.

[1:07:58] Marcus M. Martin: I think it’s important to celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it’s landing an audition or simply getting through a tough rehearsal, acknowledging those moments can help maintain a positive mindset.

[1:08:20] Marcus M. Martin: I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. The industry can be intense, and it’s essential to take breaks and practice self-care.

[1:08:42] Marcus M. Martin: I often reflect on my journey and the people who have supported me. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this, and there’s a whole community behind me.

[1:09:02] Marcus M. Martin: Gratitude can also be a source of motivation. When I think about all the people who have believed in me, it pushes me to work harder and strive for excellence.

[1:09:22] Marcus M. Martin: I believe that sharing our stories and experiences can inspire others. It’s important to be open about our struggles and triumphs, as it can create a sense of belonging in the arts community.

[1:09:44] Marcus M. Martin: The journey is not always easy, but it’s the challenges that shape us into who we are. Embracing those challenges with gratitude can lead to personal growth.

[1:10:06] Marcus M. Martin: I’ve found that gratitude can shift our perspective. Instead of focusing on what we lack, it allows us to appreciate what we have and the opportunities that come our way.

[1:10:16] Marcus M. Martin: I encourage everyone to take a moment each day to reflect on what they’re grateful for. It can be as simple as a supportive friend or a successful audition.

[1:10:26] Marcus M. Martin: In this industry, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to appreciate the journey. Taking time to express gratitude can help ground us.

[1:10:36] Marcus M. Martin: I’ve learned that gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s about showing appreciation to those who have helped us along the way.

[1:10:46] Marcus M. Martin: I think it’s essential to create a culture of gratitude within our artistic communities. When we lift each other up, we all benefit.

[1:10:56] Marcus M. Martin: As I continue my journey, I’m committed to practicing gratitude and encouraging others to do the same. It’s a powerful tool that can transform our experiences.

[1:11:06] Marcus M. Martin: I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and connect with others who are navigating similar paths.

[1:11:26] Marcus M. Martin: Thank you for having me on this podcast. It’s been a pleasure to discuss gratitude and its importance in our lives and careers.

[1:11:46] Marcus M. Martin: Until next week!