This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Eli Tokash: Hello everyone and welcome to episode 171 of Take A Bow. I'm your host, Eli Tokash, and this week we have a brand new type of episode. I can't guarantee that we're gonna be doing these episodes a lot, but I'm curious to see how this goes. Um, I've never actually done an episode completely solo. Uh, and I'm curious to see how that goes. And you know, there's been a lot going on lately, and real talk. We weren't able to schedule a guest. Well, we had a guest, but then it got canceled. Um, and we weren't able to schedule a plan B or anything else. So, um, you know, it's just me today, and I'm here and we're gonna do a Take A Bow Rundown. And so we're gonna be talking all things Take A Bow. Um, you know, I feel like personally, I don't share enough about the process of the podcast or what's going on in my career and stuff like that.

So, um, I'm happy to come on here today just to say, like, hey, we're gonna try it out and see how it goes. Um, I don't know. We're playing around here this week, and with the SAG strike and all of the obstacles that we're dealing with lately. Uh, we are brainstorming, and I'm excited to see how this turns out. So here goes nothing. Basically, like what this is gonna be is like I'm gonna be the interview section of the podcast. So we'll do news first, uh, and we'll talk about some Broadway news because there's a lot going on.

[1:41] Eli Tokash: So I'm excited because it was announced actually yesterday, Wednesday, August 9th, uh, from when this comes out on Thursday, August 10th. Uh, that Spamalot is obviously coming to Broadway, and they announced their cast, which I am so excited about. Um, I didn't think the Kennedy Center cast could get any better, but it turns out that it did. And we are in wild times here because I may have broken some crazy Broadway news for the first time without meaning to. Without meaning to. Um, I meant to like tease it, but it was just a joke. Um, so yeah, so Spamalot's cast was announced, and it's with James and Roe Eigelhart, it's with Leslie Kritzer, Ethan Slater, Michael Urey, Christopher Fitzgerald, Nick Walker.

I mean, the list goes on and on. It's amazing. That's all who's announced right now. Um, all of like the principles were announced, but it was announced that Sir Lancelot, which is the role that Alex Brightman played at the Kennedy Center, will be knighted at a later date.

[2:51] Eli Tokash: So I posted to my story because there was like some cryptic messaging going on with Spamalot's Instagram. So I posted it to my story, and I was like, oh well, this is bright, and I like capitalized it marketing, and they liked my story. And I'm getting all these replies, right? Of like, no way Alex Brightman can be in Spamalot. Um, we can't do that because he's doing Shark is Broken, and that ends in November, and for Spamalot, literally the first preview is October 31st. So it's really not that far, guys. So it's possible that the understudy for Shark is Broken can finish the run. And it's happened before, and it can happen again. Here's what I will say Alex Brightman loves Spamalot. He loved playing that at the Kennedy Center. Listen to the episode I had with him. He was obsessed with the improvisation. He was obsessed with working with James and Ro Eigelhart and these wonderful people. I mean, I really think that this can happen.

[3:55] Eli Tokash: Now, if it doesn't, it doesn't happen. I don't care if I look like a silly goober for making these speculations or starting rumors or whatever. But I really do think that there's a real shot. And if it does happen, I'll look like a genius. So great. But anyways, nonetheless, like it's gonna be fantastic either way. That cast is incredible. Uh, the fact that they've added Ethan Slater and Christopher Fitzgerald just makes my heart beam. I am so excited to see both of those guys back on Broadway. And like, I mean, Christopher Fitzgerald is one of the funniest people on Broadway. Like he's like Gen Samard for guys. Um, in my opinion. I don't know, people may not agree with that. Um, but like in terms of comedy and stuff, like I just think he's absolutely brilliant.

And, uh, and then of course we have Ethan Slater, who's been just the talk of the town lately with Miss Grande. Um, and so I'm thrilled to hear that he's gonna be back on Broadway, and of course Ethan Slater. I mean, he's Slate and Spongebob, so um happy to have him back on Broadway.

[5:05] Eli Tokash: Uh, I'm going long-winded here with Spamalot, but as you can see, I'm very excited for it. October 31st previews on Halloween. How brilliant is that? Um, unless that it is an October 31st opening. I don't know, I'll have to double check that. But um, nonetheless, I think it's gonna be fantastic and something that needs to happen. So hopefully Alex Brightman comes to Spamalot. And with talking about Alex Brightman, uh, I want to congratulate the company and cast and everyone involved of The Shark is Broken. And we're allowed to say, I'm allowing myself to say it because we are gonna be at the opening night tomorrow. I'm so excited. Uh, we're not gonna see the show tomorrow. We're actually gonna see the show tonight. Um, so I may have it plug in a live review um actually outside the theater, perhaps maybe even with Alex Brightman if I get to see him after the show, and I'll be like, hey, can we record a quick plug-in? But that would be so fun.

[6:03] Eli Tokash: Um, so uh yeah, you know, we'll see what happens, and I'm excited to see the show, and I'm excited to cover it tomorrow because they're uh I mean I think it's gonna be great. And you know, who doesn't love Jaws? So um yeah, we'll see what happens, and congratulations to all of them on uh on an opening night. Um, all right, moving on. There's news. Okay, I saw an Instagram post from the Telsey casting office. So anyone interested, I had Patrick Goodwin, who works at Telsey on my podcast before. And if you enjoyed that episode and you are an aspiring casting director, well, I'm here to tell you of this opportunity that Telsey and Lynn Manuel Miranda's family is doing.

[6:49] Eli Tokash: So uh the Telsey office and uh Lynn Manuel Miranda and the Miranda Family Fund is accepting applications for the second class of the Telsey Office Miranda Family Casting Fellowship. Whoa, that is a mouthful. Okay, the fellowship is a two-year full-time salaried position financially supported by the Telsey Company and Miranda Family Fund. Um, and it creates an opportunity to open barriers that have existed in the casting industry, especially for BIPOC and marginalized communities. And they will allow a few people, it's like a little class, uh a job for two years and it's full-time salaried, as mentioned before. And uh it will be a deep dive into learning the craft of casting across musicals, plays, television, film, and commercials while working intensively with casting directors, associates, and assistants.

[7:50] Eli Tokash: So um, this is an opportunity just to get in this industry. And uh I think it's a wonderful thing that the Telsey office is doing with the Miranda Family Fund, obviously. Um, just to give opportunities to young people. I mean, I think it in creatives that want to break into the industry because casting directors work in all, like they are literally the entertainment industry. I mean, they don't work just in Broadway, they work in TV, film, commercials. I mean, like you name it, and they're casting something. Um, even concerts or background dancers, like there are casting directors for all of these things. So if you don't even know, like if you love the entertainment industry and you just don't know where you want to end up, taking this fellowship and working with the creatives that you would be working with, you will meet people in the Broadway community, in the television community, in the commercial community, all of the different fields of this industry.

[8:47] Eli Tokash: Um, and then of course, if you just fall in love with casting, you'll work hand in hand with one of the top casting companies in our industry. So um, just a great opportunity. If you are interested, you can go find more information about that on the Telsey casting website. Uh, I believe it's Telseycasting.com. And uh something that's totally worth checking out if you're interested in casting and just interested in meeting people in this industry. It is a two-year full commitment. Um, but it's absolutely worth it if the opportunity is um, you know, a possibility for you and doable for you. Um and definitely for the marginalized communities, absolutely take the opportunity to learn more about it, even if you're not fully on board yet, go read more information about it, and you would be working with Manuel Miranda in the Telsey casting office.

[9:44] Eli Tokash: So uh just a great opportunity and shout out to them for having that as an opportunity for creatives in our field. Um, okay, moving on. Tickets are now on sale for Kids Night on Broadway. Uh, Kids Night on Broadway is one of my favorite things, literally as a child performer. Um, having a Kids Night on Broadway, it was my favorite thing to perform. I had this discussion actually with like in a bonus episode that I did this month, uh, or this past month, because I guess now that we're in August, with Josie Bray. And she was talking to me about uh student matinees, and those things are brutal because we are literally going to bed past midnight, and then we're gonna wake up for school, and then we're gonna leave school early to be at 11 o'clock matinee.

[10:33] Eli Tokash: And it's just like oh no. Um, but then you get on stage and the kids, uh, the kids' energies, they're just so excited. And so um, thankfully, Kids Night on Broadway is happening at night. Um, but the energy is still there. A lot of these kids are seeing the first Broadway show that they've ever seen. So it's free tickets for kids, right? Um, and then of course, if you're an adult, you'll have to buy your ticket um because the kids can't attend a Broadway show by themselves. So basically it's like a two-for-one deal if you have like a family or a child that you're looking to go to a show with. A lot, majority of the shows on Broadway, I will say, uh, are participating in this, you know, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Lion King, Hadestown, Back to the Future.

[11:16] Eli Tokash: Um, all of like the kid-friendly ones are participating in this. You know, some of them is a debate of like, oh, is this kid-friendly? So they don't always participate. Um, but definitely a great opportunity. Uh, the Kids Night on Broadway is going to be August 29th. So if you're a kid listening to this, go tell your parents, hey, I could get a free Broadway show ticket. Um, and uh, you know, go see a Broadway show if you're in New York and you're able to go see it. Uh, very exciting stuff. Okay, moving on. Uh, Angelina Jolie is joining the producing team of The Outsiders, which is kind of wild to me. Um, The Outsiders has been a show that's been, I feel like talked about coming to Broadway for years.

[12:03] Eli Tokash: Um, I've auditioned for it many times and have made it so close every time, but never close enough. Um, that's okay. That's part of this industry. Uh, but yeah, very excited for Angelina Jolie. It's interesting. I think that we're gonna start to see a trend over here. Um, you know, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, um, Sara Bareilles, like all of these bigger people in the music and I, well, I just named a bunch of music people. But also, uh, like J Hud, you could say she's in like the film world and everything too. Um, they are starting to want to produce Broadway shows more.

[12:47] Eli Tokash: Um, as it gives them an opportunity at like an EGOT. You know, Angelina Jolie, I love her so much, but I don't see her wanting to do a Broadway show as a performer. I hope I'm wrong because I'd probably be the first person to buy a ticket to that. Um, but they are seeing the opportunity to produce a Broadway show as an opportunity to win a Tony Award and kind of check that box and be a part of Broadway. Um, and I love it because it's great for Broadway to get these bigger name people involved in our industry and hopefully a new audience they bring along with it.

[13:28] Eli Tokash: Um, but of course The Outsiders has that fan base already and that uh, you know, established not franchise, but it is like the book, the movie, um everyone knows The Outsiders. Everyone's curious to see what how this play goes and what happens with it. So um, it's a great, I think it's a great combination, and I'm excited to see what comes of it. I'd love to see like Ralph Macchio be like, hey, I'm gonna start producing this. Because obviously, I mean, he is involved in the Karate Kid, but like The Outsiders and the Karate Kid, I don't think they'll be like competition.

[14:07] Eli Tokash: It just happens to be going on at the same time, and they're both in like the same kind of stage in their development of coming to Broadway. Um, and obviously Ralph Macchio was in it. So like that's what I'm saying. Like one of the cast members it'd be cool to see like one of them start to produce it. Um, but needless to say that's my rant for this. Um, very exciting stuff wanted to mention it and then of course talking more about producers for those of you who all are involved and uh producer geek like me not really a geek but like interested in that stuff. Uh, Funny Girl recouped their investment. It's interesting how they literally planned it to a T these investors. Um, they literally just recouped their investment which is great congratulations to all of them by the way because that's a huge, huge risk they're giving us audiences an opportunity to go see a wonderful story and frankly as much as you want to love or hate her, um, a performance of a lifetime and a performance that no one like we dreamed about it but never saw coming to be a reality of seeing Lea Michele uh for all of you Gleeks out there um as Fanny Brice.

You know, this is something that is uh pretty iconic and it's interesting to see how they've planned it out in the sense that they literally recouped their investment just in time leaving the final month all for profits and the final month often is one of the greatest months for any Broadway show.

[14:18] Eli Tokash: Take a look at Parade. Parade obviously closed this past weekend. I had the young adults of Parade on last week, and we talked about closing and everything. It was announced that they literally broke box office records with their grosses last week and for the last month.

[16:04] Eli Tokash: Um, so very exciting stuff, and congrats to all of that. And it's really interesting to see how they kind of timed it all out in the sense of okay, how long do we need Leah Michelle in our show to not only make back what we lost because unfortunately they were losing money originally, um, and then get it to a point where we could make profits before she had to leave and go do her next project or just be a mom or whatever she wants to do. Um it's really interesting to see how that works. So um it's a great it was a gamble that they took and it was a gamble that paid off. And uh, you know, I hope to see more of that on Broadway. Obviously, I don't want to see like any like a gamble in the sense of like I know I'm getting like where's this going?

Um you know, like I don't want there to be like a gamble to make money and endangering the cast, um, because obviously, like Leah Michelle has all these rumors that she's like difficult to work with and everything like that. So if it's a sense that like where they are being you're putting actors in a harmful situation, obviously not wishing for that. Uh, but it's interesting to see uh the gamble that was taken, and maybe we see more of that moving forward and hopefully it paying out for producers, but also for the cast and creating a safe space and a good place on Broadway. Um, okay. Moving on from that. Oh, that's all the Broadway news I have for you folks this week. Oh, that's great. Um, okay. So I want to turn it into a take about rundown.

[17:45] Eli Tokash: Okay. And we're gonna talk about, I've gotten a lot of messages lately in the sense of how does this whole thing work? How do you get into this side of the industry and being, you know, like a press or how do you talk to these people and and um how do you get involved and and all these things? So I'm I'm here to tell you I and kind of break it all down. Um, and I'm gonna be using examples of of recent activities while explaining to you life a little bit lately in the sense of what is coming and what you can expect from Take A Bow and uh, you know, part of the reason that it was difficult to schedule a guest this week. So um this week it was really exciting. So yesterday I was at El Megopop and to be completely honest with you, didn't even know it was a Broadway show coming.

Um, but it's it's a fabulous uh magician and illusionist, and his real name is Antonio Diaz, and the guy is just incredible. I mean, he is fascinating. He went on the Today show and he teleported four people like live in broad daylight. And uh I still don't know how that works. If you are interested in seeing that, go to the Today show and and watch that. Um but he has a Broadway show coming out, and I was we were able to meet him and and talk to him. So uh I can't wait to see the show. I'm gonna go see it uh s next Saturday, and I can't wait to to review this show. This show is literally it it's kind of like Vegas coming to to Broadway because he is an illusionist, but he is a like it's all about audience participation. He's one of the nicest people I've ever met.

[19:35] Eli Tokash: And he learned English three months ago to do this. Apparently he's like a European sensation, and he I mean he has half a million followers on Instagram alone. So I I didn't even look at like the TikToks and the things that's a little bit easier to, you know, kind of grow your brand and everything. Um but uh this guy is incredible. And I was talking to him about the audience participation, and I can't wait to share that with you because I he makes people fly, he transports people, he does all of these things that he was mentioning. And I was like, so how do I be one of his people? Um jokingly, but like actually serious. So uh I can't wait to bring you all that content and how that works is you know, there's a press team that every Broadway show has, right?

And the big ones are DKC OM, Polk and Co. Uh, Bonno Bryan and Brown. Um, we kind of call them BBB. And then um you they have Vivacity, who does Once Upon a One More Time, and uh Little Shop of Horrors. They don't like some of them work with you, some of them don't. O and M, I I've been their biggest fan because they have been so sweet to me, and that's who this was with.

[20:49] Eli Tokash: Um, I just adore them and they are too kind to me. They really took a shot because, you know, take about when they first were letting me do these press conferen uh these yeah, well, yesterday was a press conference, they called it, but um these press little events, uh, you know, they've helped me grow and they allowed me to be there, you know, with the Broadway worlds, the playbills, and the like the top dogs. Um, so it's been great uh to now meet them and establish relationships with the top dogs and these press representatives and all the things. So they will not only help me with press events, but they sometimes also help me get guests. So and uh, you know, allows me to promote their show uh as long as I'm talking to the guests. So sometimes when I have like a episode that really focuses on the show, oftentimes that comes from a prep press representative.

[21:46] Eli Tokash: Um and I'm kind of focusing on the show just to do right by them and kind of acknowledge and and honor their attempts and I don't know, kind of thank them for giving me the opportunity to speak to this person. Um and uh yeah, that that's usually how it goes is really just reaching out to these press people, uh establishing a relationship with them. Fortunately enough, uh for me, like I was already in the industry, and so like I've worked with Polk and Co. before, and I don't think they remember me because they're not always they don't always let me do stuff with them. Um unfortunately, like I wasn't able to go to the Back to Future carpet and like some of these others, but they have invited me to some of them, like some like it hot, and then of course I'm going to see The Shark is Broken tomorrow.

[22:34] Eli Tokash: Um, y'all, I'm getting real candid here. So um I I sorry if this is boring. Um, and sorry if this is like I don't know. Um, but anyways, I I'll continue. Uh just because I I I do want to help all of you if you are interested in something like this and getting into this side of the industry. So um that that's usually how it goes. And me already having a lot of those contacts and emails has been really helpful um in the sense of like, oh, you know, like I'm coming from this as a performer who wants to talk to my friend, and I think that this can create really unique content that someone like Broadway World or Playbill can't really get because they won't be able to talk about you know the personal thought side of things that I um have gone through or uh with them or can understand a little bit more.

[23:28] Eli Tokash: Um so that's kind of where that whole thing works and kind of how that works. But um also now, like, yes, Broadway is becoming very big, uh, especially on social media, and now they're doing their first um they have their first like Broadway client um with the cottage. And that's how I kind of got into the cottage just a couple weeks ago. Um, and then of course, they are now allowing me to go see that show. So that's the other thing. The press representatives, if you say, like, hey, I'd love to advertise a show. Well, not only will they give you a guest or allow you to come to these events, they'll also be like, oh, well, you kind of have to ask them and kind of remind them that like, oh, I haven't seen the show yet. Like, do you mind helping me out so that this cont so that we can ensure this content and advertising is the best that it can be?

[24:23] Eli Tokash: Uh, type of thing. So um, it really is like very strategic and unfortunately like a little business y. Um, and not a lot of people get that. And I try not to like make it come across that way uh when I try to make the content, like I try to make it as natural and fun and exciting as possible. So um that's that's kind of it I don't know if that's helpful but that's really where you start unfortunately too if you do have like any sort of connection in the sense of like oh you have a friend that's in this Broadway show like reach out to them and ask them to put you in contact with their press team or perhaps you start out like take a bow obviously like it started out pretty much in the pandemic so like no one was trying to advertise anything so it was a lot on me to use my friends you know and not like use my friends that's a weird way to put it but like to you know ask my friends hey can I have an hour out of your day and we can like hang out and chat um obviously from a social distancing point and all the things and so many people were saying yes because it was at a time of like oh shoot like what is what do I do and it would be great to talk to you because we can't talk to you otherwise um so there have been it things have worked out for me and I'm very thankful for that um from that standpoint and the the work that I've done in the past has kind of helped me with this endeavor.

[25:58] Eli Tokash: So yeah it's a lot of it's a lot of maneuvering and I'm still learning and I'm still finding things that you know what works what doesn't work trying to um find ways to continue to expand um in the sense of like I really want to not move to YouTube, but I want to do more fun content and not just like the conversations. I do want to do the conversations, but like more interactive in the sense of like one on ones or like in live and in person, you know, like doing something in that regard because I really do think it just elevates the conversation. It's easier to talk to.

[26:42] Eli Tokash: Um, it's it's so much better because um right now it's kind of like doing these episodes, you know, virtually. It's like, oh hey, how are you? If I've never if I've never met them, and great. So this is how this works. And it's just like, oh shoot, like I wish I could like formally introduce myself and be like, hi, like it's so like I loved your performance, like and all these things, like right now. I'm like, oh, let's save the chat for the hour so that it can be candid and raw, and we like some of it we don't talk about beforehand, and then I miss like a great spot to share with all of you listening. Um it's a lot of that stuff, and it's just it's weird to navigate.

[27:27] Eli Tokash: So I want to somehow do uh more and live and in person. Um, so I don't know, we'll see. The problem is it's a lot of time, and especially right now, it's like that time you're not always seeing the rewards for the time that's being put in. And so um, you know, it's tricky balancing all of that because as you know, um I I am in summer school at the moment, I'm producing a show, and we're in the final week of raising money for it. Um, and that's been taking up a lot of my time recently, which is another reason why it was difficult scheduling a guest this week. And then, of course, with the press events of El Megopopop and The Shark is Broken Tomorrow, it was just like Tuesday and Thursday were out.

[28:15] Eli Tokash: So I really like no one wants to record on the weekends. There's two show days, there's all of these things going on. And then um that really only gave us Monday, and that's like everyone's day off. And I don't wanna like I can't ask for Monday when um unless they offer it to me because that's their day off and I can't really make them work because technically this is considered like advertising promotion and stuff. So um it's just really difficult to navigate, and there's all of these things that go into it that uh, you know, people were wondering about. So I wanted to talk about it today uh here.

[28:50] Eli Tokash: And uh fortunately enough, I mean, fortunately for me, the SAG strike has been a challenge, but also it's allowed me a little bit more time in the sense of there's not as many auditions, so I don't have that like that's a job that's basically not happening right now because auditioning is a real job. I do have like there I've been auditioning, but just not as frequently.

[29:12] Eli Tokash: Um, and I don't have to focus on scripts and lines and all these things on top of, you know, school and everything else that's going on. So, um, yeah, it it's just been it's also been challenging in the sense of like, oh, I really want to have this person on, but I can't talk about this project. So it's gonna be like it's gonna be a little weird and they're not gonna want to do, uh, like something like this where, you know, it could get into that conversation just organically and they don't want to say anything wrong or whatever. Um, it's just a really it's it's a weird thing to balance. It's been a blessing and a curse, is what I'm trying to say. Um, like for instance, we've talked a lot recently with Kate Randers and I, um, in the sense of coming on.

Obviously, she was on Broadway, and obviously she's in this TV show that's like coming out, uh, premiering this week. I think honestly today on Thursday, August 10th. So, like examples like that. And then of course, you have Casey Cott, who's just starting a Broadway show, and he's known for some of his work on TV. So it's a little like tiptoeing around that type of thing. Um, so it's it's interesting, it's fun. We're managing it. Um, but there's so many things that go into it that people may not realize, and I hope that people don't realize because I want it to seem as seemingly, uh, smooth as possible. And, uh, yeah, so that's a little take a vow rundown, I guess you could call it.

[30:40] Eli Tokash: Uh, I am excited because I'm going to see a lot of shows this month. Uh, I feel like I haven't seen a lot lately, especially on Broadway. Like I saw Rent at the Kennedy Center just recently, and that was like, uh, that was wonderful. Um, and that was like the only show I've seen, I feel like for a month. So, uh, I'm excited that, you know, I'll be going to see El Mago Pop, uh, the incredible magician illusionist, uh, Antonio Diaz. Uh, I'll be seeing the cottage next Tuesday. So I'll have two reviews for you folks, uh, for next week's episode. If I don't do a shark is broken, uh, add-in tonight. Um, and then I've I'm gonna go see Here Lies Love, Back to the Future, and the Immersive Great Gatsby at Gatsby's Mansion in Central Park.

So, uh, I'm interested to see how that goes. I've seen a lot of videos and things like that. A lot of people have been going to see it. I think it looks very intriguing and very fun and cool. Um, so we're excited. I'm excited to see all these new things. And, um, yeah, we'll see what happens.

[31:42] Eli Tokash: We're back at that time of year. It's not like this season doesn't seem to be as crazy as last season. Like last season it was like three openings a week. But, you know, we're steadily starting to see more shows opening and new content. I'm playing catch up a little bit with like the immersive Great Gatsby and even like Here Lies Love, Back to the Future, A Cottage. Like they've been open for a couple of weeks now. So I'm just excited to go see these things. I'm very excited to continue to be involved in these press groups. It's always so much fun and a true honor. So shout out to everyone who's made this possible. Um, it really does take a village. Like it's a lot of the work is like me like doing it and reaching out to people and all these things, but it doesn't happen unless people say yes, you know, like so. Shout out to all of you guys.

[32:35] Eli Tokash: And then of course, we have our fabulous editor who literally makes this thing happen and makes this thing happen on time every week. Uh, otherwise, who knows when it would happen. Um, and then of course, uh, Tessie, uh, my sister, who has been great with, uh, the YouTube help. So, um, and I want to say, like, before I log off here, you know, we have so much content that we're working on at the moment. Uh, obviously, I mentioned the cottage, and then, uh, I haven't posted that on YouTube yet. It was a it was a kind of tricky press event. So we're trying to figure out how what's the best way to tell the story and promote that. Um, and then, of course, El Magopop with, uh, Antonio Diaz. Um, that stuff will be coming out very soon, and stuff that you will most likely and hopefully find, uh, interesting.

And then, of course, with The Shark is Broken. And then, uh, we started YouTube late. So, like we are kind of back editing a lot of episodes, and then of course, like for the month of June, we had double episodes every week. So it was a that was a lot, and we're kind of playing catch up still from that. Uh, we're playing catch up like last month in July, we did have five episodes come out in the four weeks.

[33:53] Eli Tokash: So, uh, there's just been a lot of content that we've been putting out, and we're also focusing on the social media aspect and growing that. Um, so we're all over the place and we have a small team. Um, but we're we're making things happen, and I wanted to come on here today just to get candid with you all and talk a little bit about this process because literally, like I appreciate everyone like more recently than ever, people have really been starting to reach out to me and ask about this side of the industry, and uh it's an honor to be someone that inspired you to want to do this, uh, and see what this side of the industry is like. Um, I apologize if I didn't get back to all of you, but that's why I want to do this today, just to kind of answer as many questions as possible, and it's a little easier to talk it all out than type it, um, because there is just so much to it, and there's so much meat. Um, but all of it is so fun, and you get to meet so many cool people. Um, and yeah, it's just a great time.

[35:00] Eli Tokash: So, uh, this is all, uh, informative, but also a plug, uh, to be like, hey, go catch up on all the episodes that you missed. Uh, well, not me, I don't know. Maybe you missed because we were doing double. Uh, maybe you didn't catch it on YouTube, whatever it is. Um, obviously the opening nights have shifted to only YouTube. I used to post those, and that used to help me get through a week of content. And now, like when I do an opening, it's kind of double the work because I have to do that, plus a guest. So it's just been like navigating all of it. And, uh, you know, I appreciate you all, uh, listening every week. I appreciate all the support, and I'm just trying to grow this as much as possible to make theater more accessible for everyone, uh, while also kind of humanizing the artists and performers because that's all we are. Um, and, uh, bring you more content from your favorite stars.

[35:58] Eli Tokash: So, uh, yeah, it's been it's been a great time, and I hope that you can check us out, uh, at Take A Bow Podcast on YouTube. Uh, obviously, your support listening to this is much appreciated, and you're already doing that. And then, of course, if not, uh, follow us on, um, social media at Take A Bow Podcast. That's on TikTok, on Instagram, all the things. We're almost at 10,000 followers on TikTok, which I am ecstatic about. I'm also very like not like aggravated, but like I'm we're so close that I'm just like I've been refreshing it every second. I'm like, please let us get there. Please let us get there. And trying to post as many videos so that more people can see it and, uh, follow us, you know.

[37:40] Eli Tokash: So, uh, we're on that grind right now, and, uh, I love it. It's been so much fun. So, uh, you know, check us out there. And I know all of you, like I appreciate your support in listening to this, as I said, but there are a lot of you who are not subscribed to our YouTube channel. So please subscribe to the YouTube channel if you so choose to. Anyone with a Google account can subscribe. You literally just go to YouTube.com, uh, from Google and you, uh, subscribe to Take A Bow Podcast. And, uh, that support is much appreciated as well. All the support is much appreciated.

[37:46] Eli Tokash: Um, as I mentioned, like Kate Reinders, um, Casey Cott, Derek Klena, uh, we have a our first drag queen, I think our first, uh, which I'm very excited about, Alexis Michelle. Um, I'm kind of name-dropping here, but, uh, Fergie Felipe, we have a writer coming on, which is also like a whole other topic with the WGA strike, um, in the sense of Robert Horn, who is the fabulous writer of Shucked. Uh, we have a couple other Shucked cast members lined up. So we have a lot going on. We have a lot in store, and I can't wait to share it all with you. We just have to figure out making these schedules work.

[38:26] Eli Tokash: We have to figure out the trends and directions of our industries. Um, we're just balancing a lot and, uh, it's it's way harder. Like literally, scheduling is the hardest thing to do, uh, about this whole process. Another informative note, uh, scheduling is by far the hardest thing to do, making sure that your schedule lines up with them. You also need to be as flexible as possible for them.

[39:02] Eli Tokash: So yeah, that it's just managing all of it and, uh, trying to be as flexible as possible while also being, um, productive, you know, in the sense of all of the things. So, uh, yeah, thank you so much for listening. I will say, as I mentioned, uh, I did do a bonus episode with Josie Bray. I mentioned that on earlier on this podcast. Uh, and she, for those of you who don't know and didn't get to listen to that episode, I know it was a little awkward because it wasn't on like our typical release day. So some of you, you know, may have missed it or whatever.

[39:36] Eli Tokash: Um, but I will say she was my producer on Trevor. She's got me into producing, uh, this wonderful new project, uh, called Truth, which is all about the humanized version of, uh, female abolitionists, and it's really such a beautiful story and something that I'm so inspired to make right now, and something that I'm really passionate about at the moment. So, um, if you're interested, please learn more at truthplay.org. Uh, consider if you can making a pledge, um, and helping support this creative art form.

[40:08] Eli Tokash: Um, we're almost at 80% of our overall goal, and we have a very ambitious and large overall goal. So, uh, the fact that we've made it this far is really, really encouraging and means a lot and means that, you know, a lot of people believe in this story. Um, and it's been very, uh, encouraging for us, but also, um, we feel encouraged because a lot of people are showing that they believe in this story. It's very reassuring, that's the word I was looking for, it's very reassuring the support that we've gotten, uh, thus far and, uh, you know, and if we could reach our final 20% of our goal in the last week, uh, left of campaigning we are just going to be over the moon and it's just gonna help our process that much further and, uh, yeah, we we can't thank you all enough and for those of you who have supported, uh, thank you it truly does mean the world and it makes such a difference literally any amount, um, that's part of the whole crowdfunding thing is it's like any amount we're not looking for a producer who's coming in to, uh, donate or or put in invest 5000 dollars of their money like they would for a normal show or whatever, you know, we're just looking for, for, uh, any type of funding, um, to, you know, mount this thing for the first time and, uh, we'll see how this producing endeavor goes and, uh, I can't wait to keep you all posted on that side of the industry because I'm learning a lot.

[40:24] Eli Tokash: So, um, all right, that's all I have for you folks this week. Thank you again for listening to this week's episode. Uh, come back next week I promise you all we will have a guest. Uh, we do actually do have, uh, a couple guests scheduled for the next two weeks. Um, it was just difficult this week with the cancellation and finding a last minute replacement so, um, again thank you all so much your support means the world. And with that being said, that's all I have.

[42:04] Eli Tokash: I appreciate you listening to just me today on Take A Bow's 171st episode. It took 171 weeks. Uh, maybe not, but, uh, 100 and something weeks to do this. So, uh, thank you all, and until next week, bye everyone. Have a great week.

[42:26] Eli Tokash: For this episode's curtain call, I would like to recognize a few people who also deserve to take a bow. This podcast would not be possible without the help from Dory Barenstein, Alan Seales, Kimberly Garrett, and the team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Next in line to take a bow are our fabulous editors, Jessica Gorin, who edits the audio of the podcast that you just listened to, and Tessie Tokash, who edits the videos and visuals for this podcast. And how about a bow for our executive producer, Chris Greiner?

[42:53] Eli Tokash: And our final bow are extra special to the patrons Brian Thompson, Pat McMara, the listeners of PCC, as well as all of the other patrons for their continued support. If you're interested in becoming a patron, go to Patreon.com slash TAB. If you enjoyed this week's episode, make sure to subscribe on the platform that you are currently listening to this on, or go check out our YouTube where you can watch the episode. You can also subscribe, like, and comment on there as well.

[43:19] Eli Tokash: If you're more into the regular social media and want to follow us, you can do that at Take A Bow Podcast across all social media platforms. The music of this podcast was made by Nikki Torsha and Cormac Collinon, and the logo was created by Giselle Bustos. And that wraps up this episode's curtain call. Thank you all again for listening to this week's episode, and I can't wait to see you next week. Bye everyone. Have a great week.