Tea Time is officially open for business! For our inaugural episode, Mikayla sits down with Broadway actress McKenzie Kurtz - Drama Desk Award nominee, originator of Cassandra Stone in The Heart of Rock and Roll, and a performer whose credits span Anna in Frozen, Glinda in Wicked, and Annie Live! on NBC. She is currently starring as Betsy in Broadway's Schmigadoon!

They get into all of it: what it actually means to originate a role, how McKenzie has built and navigated her career with intention, the realities of sustaining a life in this industry, and the things nobody tells you until you're already in the thick of it. Warm, honest, and full of the kind of insight you wish you had years ago - this is exactly the conversation Tea Time was made for.

Pour yourself something and settle in. The kettle is on.

Tea Time with Mikayla is part of the Broadway Podcast Network.

summary

In this engaging interview, actress McKenzie Kurtz shares her journey through Broadway, the challenges of balancing a demanding schedule, and insights into her craft and self-care routines. Discover her tips on auditioning, developing roles, and maintaining mental and physical health in the theater industry.

keywords

Broadway, acting, audition tips, role development, self-care, theater industry, musical theater, performance, career advice

key topics

• Journey from Frozen to Broadway
• Audition strategies and preparation
• Role development and character interpretation
• Self-care and mental health for performers

Chapters

00:00 Settling into Show Life

02:39 Self-Care in the Spotlight

05:17 The Journey to Shmigadoon

07:56 Navigating the Whirlwind of Broadway

10:19 Auditioning for Iconic Roles

12:45 The Art of Self-Taping

15:30 Originating vs. Replacing Roles

18:08 The Process of Bringing Characters to Life

24:25 Vocal Health and Performance Balance

27:04 Support Systems in the Theater Community

28:51 Adapting to Different Singing Styles

30:41 Maintaining Mental and Physical Well-being

32:29 Finding Joy in Relaxation and Entertainment

33:18 Backstage Essentials and Makeup Tips

36:43 Perceptions and Misconceptions in the Industry

40:15 Navigating Fame and Fan Interactions

43:06 The Future of Original Material in Theater

resources

• McKenzie Kurtz on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mckenziekurtz/
• Sarah Brown (Vocal Coach) - https://www.sarahbrownvocalcoach.com/
• Mikayla Petrilla on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikaylapetrilla/