Carl Man / @carlmanofficial - Theatre credits include: understudy Fiyero in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Rory in Proud (Turbine Theatre), Nintendo in Starlight Express (The Other Palace), Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin (USA), understudy Galileo in We Will Rock You (RCCL), Tiger Bay The Musical (Wales Millennium Centre), The Who’s Tommy (USA). Workshops include: Dezza in Great British Bake Off The Musical, David in If/Then. Other work includes: Voice of Joseph The Boy Scientist in Cosmic Rhapsody (Animated Film), The West End Men (Park Theatre), Kings Of Broadway (Palace Theatre), Unlimited: The Songs Of Stephen Schwartz (Thespie), Christmas on Ice (USA and Canada). https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Delany / @_lauradelany - SWING / ASSISTANT DANCE CAPTAIN (SHE/HER) TRAINING: Royal Academy of Music. THEATRE CREDITS INCLUDE: Sex With Friends, Don’t Say Macbeth (Edinburgh Fringe); Merrily We Roll Along (Royal Academy of Music); Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends: A Celebration (Sondheim); Maria Friedman & Friends – Legacy (Menier Chocolate Factory); Treason the Musical (Workshop); The Emperor’s New Clothes (American Repertory, USA). https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricardo Castro / @rico_castro was last seen in London on the West End in Come From Away and is now touring the US playing the role of Heathcliff in the in "Wuthering Heights"! https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Rosko / @builtforthestage discusses how the time you establish your worth is not when in a show but while in the waiting. He also goes over blockades that people struggle with that deter them from the ability to give themselves a chance to succeed. Joe Rosko began his professional career as a trainer and actor at the exact same time in 2007. Since then, it has been his mission to build a bridge between the worlds of fitness and theatre. Rosko believed that actors were truly professional athletes but didn't feel as though the theatre community was equipped with the proper resources to train like said athletes. This realization led to the creation of Built for the Stage. Over the years, BFTS has had clients represented in over fifty Broadway shows, as well as stages on the West End in London, Australia, and other countries around the world. Rosko prides himself in having the unique abilities to continue a performer’s fitness progress while in the midst of being in or out of a show. All professional athletes train a certain way while in season or out of season, and with actors it’s no different. Actors are athletes, and thus, they should train like one. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rodney Vubya / @rodneyvubya is currently in the cast of Frozen and certainly no stranger to the stages of the West End! Cinderella The Musical [West End] World Premiere Adaptation, 2022 Ensemble The Book of Mormon [West End] Original West End Production, 2021 Ensemble [Replacement] Tina - The Tina Turner Musical [West End] Original West End Production, 2021 Performer (Swing) Evita [West End] Regent's Park Open Air Theatre London Revival, 2019 Ensemble https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tavio Wright / @tavio_wright can be seen starring in Back to the Future on the West End! Training: Arts Educational School. Stage Credits: Swing in Back to the Future (Adelphi Theatre); Booker T. Washington in Ragtime (ArtsEd); Skimbleshanks in Cats (ArtsEd). https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Bowen / @tombowen91 was recently seen in GET UP STAND UP, the Bob Marley musical, on the West End as DOCTOR, CHRIS BLACKWELL U/S. Training: Tiffany Theatre College Theatre Credits: Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), Privates on Parade and Opening Up (Union Theatre), and Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre). Film Credits: Rogue Trader Television Credits: David Lee Roth in Breakup Of The Bands, Jack in Bail and Policeman in Call The Midwife. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cameron Bernard Jones / @cbjarts is set to be seen next on the West End in Ain't Too Proud! Cameron Bernard Jones is a London-based performing artist, voice actor and accent coach originally from New York City. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Voice & Opera Performance at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, located in Chicago, USA. While at Northwestern he also studied musical theatre, German, Italian, and linguistics. Professionally, Cameron has performed in the spheres of musical theatre, opera and choral singing. Major credits include: Porgy & Bess (Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen; Spoleto Festival, USA), Showboat (Landestheater Linz), Hairspray (Bühne Baden, Austria), Motown the Musical (West End), and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (West End). As a voice actor Cameron has done voiceover work mainly for TV and film post-production. Projects include: Black Mirror season 5 episode 1 “Striking Vipers” (Netflix), Avenue 5 (HBO), the new 2019 Aladdin film, and the film Show Dogs. Cameron began professionally coaching American accents and dialects while in Motown, where he served as the in-house dialect coach. Since then, he has continued to coach a wide range of young and adult students, and professional actors of the screen and the stage, with in-person and online private coachings and masterclasses. https://cameronbernardjones.com/ https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isabella Glanznig / @isabella.glanznig is half Austrian, half Filipino, born in the Philippines, raised in Nigeria, then Malaysia, all while going to an American international school. She now finds herself in this magical place called Arendelle since joining the cast of Frozen in the West End! You can see Isabella in the ensemble on most nights, but during others, as Bulda and Queen Iduna when she fulfills her role as the understudy. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danny Mahoney / @dannymahoney1 grew up in small-town Ontario and began acting at an early age. He made his professional debut at the age of 13 playing Louis in The King And I. He went on to study drama and psychology at Queen’s University before training at LAMDA in the UK. He has lived in London for 13 years and has recently obtained his British citizenship. Film credits include The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Love Will Take Over, and Florence Foster Jenkins. He received an Indie Series Award nomination last year for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in Purgatory. He has performed both on and off London’s West End as well as internationally. His most recent theatre credits include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, White Fang, Afterglow, and he is currently performing in the Olivier Award winning production of Cabaret as Ernst Ludwig. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Bogyo / @JamieBogyo recently concluded his time on the West End in Moulin Rouge playing the lead role of Christian. Training: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. As Playwright and Screenwriter: Safe Space (RADA Festival – London production in 2022); Macho; Intimacy, Fantasy and Pornography; and The Great Whitehopes. Jamie is proud to be making his professional debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Michael Fiumara / @john7michael is currently tearing up the stage with his taps in FUNNY GIRL on Broadway. From John Michael via Bloc Agency: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania! I grew up as a dance competition kid, which is what got me into dancing in front of audiences. It allowed me to become more comfortable, and confident in front of them as well. My first inspiration for dance came from watching the classics, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Sammy Davis Jr. Those men were the reason why I went to a dance studio in the first place. My dance studio’s name was the Abby Lee Dance Company, which is where I received most of my dance training, along with dance conventions like NYCDA, JUMP, NUVO, etc. I started out as more of a tap dancer, but realized how important ballet was once I had started doing the Youth American Grand Prix competitions. That’s what really helped contribute to my technique. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maya Britto / @mayabritto_ is a standby for all three of the Schuyler sisters in the West End production of HAMILTON. Theatre: The Magician's Elephant (RSC); Tokyo Rose (UK Tour/Edinburgh Fringe Festival/NDI); Beyond the Circle (workshop, National Theatre); Becoming Angela (workshop, National Theatre); Arabian Nights (Hoxton Hall). Hamilton marks Maya's West End debut. TV: "British Airways 100"; "Someone You Thought You Knew" (season 2). Recording: Tokyo Rose Original Cast Album (Burnt Lemon Theatre); Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (Alfonso Casado/Arturo Cardelús). How did you get into acting, was there a particular performance you saw that resonated with you? I remember going to the theatre for the first time to see THE LION KING when I was about 10, and couldn’t believe how fun it all looked to be a part of. It seemed so unreachable to be where they were, but still I never forgot that feeling. It wasn’t until I was 16 doing a school production of West Side Story in Nepal did it occur to me that singing, acting and dancing is as fun as it looks and is actually something I could pursue as a career. From thebespokeblackbook.com/interview-with-maya-britto/ by Emily Healey-Lynham https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joaquin Pedro Valdes / @joaquin.pedro.valdes is a Filipino actor living in the United Kingdom. He started his career at a very young age in the Philippines and has extensively worked in the TV, Concert, Film and Theatre industries in Manila. Some of his work includes Manila premiere productions of INTO THE WOODS, SPRING AWAKENING, KINKY BOOTS, MATILDA, VANYA, SONIA, MASHA & SPIKE, and John Logan's RED. Since moving to the UK, Joaquin has done UK tours of MISS SAIGON and THE KING & I. More recently, he has been seen in FANNY & STELLA - THE SHOCKING TRUE STORY (London), VANARA THE MUSICAL (Hackney Empire), and HEATHERS THE MUSICAL (West End). Currently, he is wrapping up a major UK and International Tour of DISNEY's THE LION KING covering SIMBA. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anika Larsen has performed on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Avenue Q, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Rent. Off-Broadway, she was in Zanna, Don’t!, Myths and Hymns, Closer Than Ever, Miracle Brothers, How to Save the World…, Disaster! and Unbroken Circle. Anika is from Cambridge, MA with nine brothers and sisters of different ethnicities and countries. See her now in Almost Famous! https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Stacy / @tomstacy is an Olivier Award winning Actor & Puppeteer currently appearing in Life of Pi on the West End, where he is also the Movement & Puppetry Associate on the show. Since graduating from Rose Bruford (BA Acting) Tom has performed both nationally and internationally in a number of shows, including, The National Theatre's 'War Horse', as well as Theatre Témoin's 'The Marked' which won best physical theatre show at the Edinburgh Fringe. With a background in theatre, dance, sport and comedy, Tom has also performed alongside comedian Romesh Ranganathan in 'Romesh and Friends'. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Romy Vuksan / @romyvuksan trained from a young age in all aspects of the performing arts at The Ritz Performing Arts Centre. Originally from Brisbane, Romy moved to Melbourne in 2013 and was awarded a full scholarship to Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance. Since graduating the Full Time Course in 2014, Romy has gone from strength to strength as a performer, working within many facets of the industry, whilst also exploring her leadership skills as a member of various creative teams. Most recently, Romy was Dance Captain for David Venn Enterprises hit national tour of ‘The Wedding Singer’, and Assistant Choreographer to Michael Ralph on James Terry’s ‘Legally Blonde’. She has worked alongside some of Australia’s best choreographers including Kelley Abbey, The Squared Division, Yvette Lee, Michael Ralph, Marko Panzic, Chris Horsey and Jason Coleman. Other performing credits include originating a lead role for Tony award-winner Warren Carlyle on ‘Havana!’, ‘Immersive Cinemas: ‘Dirty Dancing’, Resident Choreographer for ‘Legends In Concert’ from Las Vegas, ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ for The Production Company. Her TV credits include Channel 10’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘The Masked Singer’, as well as dancing for artists such as Tones and I, Guy Sebastian, Red Foo and Dami Im. Romy is incredibly humbled to be taking on the position of Dance Captain/Swing, and to have the opportunity to be a part of sharing this powerful and iconic production of 'Jagged Little Pill.' https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julius Thomas III / @juliusthomas3 recently ended his time with Hamilton where he played the title character, Alexander Hamilton. Julius Thomas III is a NAACP Theatre award Nominated actor from Gary, In. He stars as Alexander Hamilton in the smash hit musical, Hamilton. He is one half of the critically acclaimed entertainment team, The Kings of Soul & Swing. Recently Julius has appeared as the lead of the mega box office hit, Motown: The Musical, as Berry Gordy. TV appearances include Modern Family, Sesame Street, Odd Mom Out, The Capitol Fourth Celebration, and more. His resume boasts 4 Broadway Show, 6 Broadway National Tours, and a host of Regional Theatre appearances. As a teaching artist, Julius has given lectures, master classes, and private lessons to students of Wichita State University, Indiana University, Cal State Fullerton, Southern Methodist University, and more. A passionate fan of the arts, Julius prides himself on passing on what he’s learned to the performers of today, and tomorrow. http://www.juliusthomas3.com/ https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophie Naglik / @sophienaglik Sophie Naglik plays Jennifer Parker in the West End production of Back to the Future. In addition to Sophie starting at an early age in the West End's, Matilda, she also began a journey of becoming an amazing singer-song writer. See more below! Sophie on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4C8VdnWpDiTdPb36b14PII?si=nqx8kBxwR1-LMaNNQzyWJQ Sophie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sophienaglik Sophie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sophienaglik/ ___ https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Breckenridge / @j.breckenridge.music Josh Breckenridge is a Southern California native. Joshua Russell Breckenridge began writing music in his early high school years. He left the warmth of the west to earn a BFA from The University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music where he became the recipient of the Laurie Beechman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Performance. Upon graduation Josh traveled further east to New York City to pursue his passion for performance. After three short months J. made his broadway debut and has since enjoyed a colorfully consistent career in the arts as an actor - singer - dancer on Broadway, Film and Television. He can be seen most recently on the 2020-21 season of The Blacklist (CBS), Blue Bloods (NBC), FBI (CBS) and American Rust (Showtime). Josh also performed as a Principal Singer on NBC's Christmas in Rockefeller Center broadcast (2021) and was in Broadway's Tony Award Winning show Come From Away. Throughout his career, he's worked alongside legendary musical talents like Huey Lewis, The Scissor Sisters and David Bryant of Bon Jovi. Josh is in Broadway Podcast Network's original audio comedy, Rolling Calls. Whether east or west, J. Breckenridge has discovered that home is where the ART is, planting firm roots in the craft of storytelling, with acclaimed, diverse talents branching widely across entertainment mediums. Out of tragedy indeed comes beauty. One positive outcome of his Covid quarantine is that it allowed an opportunity to focus on this long awaited music venture. MONOTONY's beat was born from this humdrum state of absolute isolation. www.j-breckenridge.com https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TANVI VIRMANI / @tanvi_virmani_ Training: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 2022. Theatre Includes: The Tempest (Bath Theatre Royal) This is Tanvi’s West End debut in Life of Pi. https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Gorti / @jeffgorti Jeff Gorti grew up in North Philly where his love for the performing arts began in the dance studio. Jeff began training in his youth with The Rock School and The Princeton Ballet in Philadelphia. Growing up in Philly as a multi-racial kid, he quickly learned the power of his heritage and began using it to fuel his storytelling. Jeff went on to study Theatre with a minor in Dance at Point Park University Conservatory of the Performing Arts, in Pittsburgh, PA. While attending Point Park University, he was able to make connections at the Pittsburgh CLO, where he received his equity card and performed in CLO's production of "Damn Yankees". A few of Jeff's favorite credits include "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" at The MUNY, "The Wiz" at Broadway Sacramento Playhouse, and "A Chorus Line" at Signature Theatre where Jeff was humbled to have received the 2020 Helen Hayes Award for Best Supporting Actor https://www.jeffgorti.com/ https://builtforthestage.com/ - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colin Barkell / @colinbarkell Colin Barkell saw the VHS of River Dance at a young age and the rest is history. His love for Irish dancing led to him touring the country. While on tour he learned to play guitar which birthed the start of his career in music. Due to his abilities in both Irish dancing and music, he found himself making his Broadway debut in Paradise Square. Listen for more on this week's episode! Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lina Lee / @linalee512 Originally born in Seoul, South Korea, Lina Lee moved to the states when she was about 5 years old living in NOVA just outside of DC. Born to parents in the music industry, Lina started singing as soon as she started to speak. She picked up her first guitar in elementary school, playing along to the country music radio. She danced throughout her teenage years, training in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, and musical theatre. After grade school, she headed to the happiest place on earth, James Madison University, studying musical theatre, dance, classical voice, acting, directing/choreography, and physical theatre while also competing on the JMU Competition Cheerleading team. She graduated in May 2015 with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance. She is now working out of NYC. Lina spent her first year out of school performing all over the U.S. including Tennessee, Louisville, Tampa, New York, and Oregon. Shortly after moving back to NYC, she joined the cast of the Tony nominated Broadway revival, Miss Saigon. In her spare time, Lina enjoys photography (linaleephotography.com), yoga, snacking (special skills include being able to eat two Chipotle burritos in one sitting), singing with her much more talented baby brother, and binging procedural shows with her wiener dog Churro. www.linalee.com https://builtforthestage.com - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Krystal Joy Brown/ @krystaljoybrown Krystal Joy Brown is currently starring as Eliza in Hamilton on Broadway where she stops the show each night with mid-song applause during her big number, “Burn”! Aside from this role, she can be seen in season 2 of Power Book III: Raising Kanan which premiered on August 14th on STARZ. Krystal plays Renée Timmons who is an anger management therapist. She can also be seen in the upcoming Hallmark film, "Girlfriendship" premiering on October 1st. Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NNAMDI K. NWANKWO / @nnamdinwankwo NNAMDI K. NWANKWO (man in orange) (he/him) is a Chicago-based actor, singer, director, and writer. As a versatile performer, he has performed in various genres of performance like opera, musical theatre, theatre, film, commercial, and voiceover. Recent engagements include “Once on this Island” at Town Hall Arts Center for which he received a Henry Award nomination for Outstanding Actor, and the world premiere of critically acclaimed “Elephant” at Benchmark Theatre as well as workshopping Intelligence, a new opera by American operatic composer/librettist duo, Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer, with Eklund Opera’s New Opera Workshop.” Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leslie Blake Walker / @leslieblakewalker has been crawling to the Broadway stage since being an infant. Learn more about Leslie below and please share this episode with a friend! From Leslie: It all began on the night I was born; the night that Mike Tyson bit off Evander Holyfield’s ear in an epic and legendary battle in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holding his severed ear, Holyfield climbs into his limousine and heads to Sunrise Hospital where only a few floors above him, I was being brought into this world! The newspaper headline from that hot summer day read “Tyson Bites Twice!”, so you could say I grew up accustomed to dramatics. After my exciting early childhood in Vegas my family moved to Missouri where my love for musical theatre flourished. I was a competitive dancer, as well as a member of my high school show choir (national champs babyyy!). I knew I wanted to pursue my passion as a career after spending nine summers in a row at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, a summer stock 45-minutes away from my home town. I chose to get my BFA in Musical Theatre from The Hartt School, and after graduating I made the big move to the big city! Myself and my long legs now reside in Manhattan, where I am currently making my Broadway debut in the revival of Funny Girl! My favorite color is cerulean, I am an expert on Beatles trivia, and on a normal Friday night you can find me eating Ben & Jerry’s and watching The Office on Peacock. leslieblakewalker.com/ Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! builtforthestage.com/free-trial broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Rosko / @builtforthestage is talkin' goals!!! How to best accomplish them. Joe Rosko grew up as a 3-sport athlete, theatre kid that eventually majored in musical theatre and played Division 1 college football at the same time. This life of sports and theatre led him to creating Built for the Stage, Broadway's #1 Fitness Platform. Listen in to our 150th episode to get to know more about Joe and BFTS! https://builtforthestage.com - fill out the form and ask about our next fitness challenge! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JChris joins us on episode 171! Don't miss JChris's 54 Below show coming up on Sept. 18th!    Singer-songwriter, pianist, and producer ​Chris Urquiaga​, known as JChris, is lauded for his exciting performance energy and smooth voice. Hailed as “…the next big thing” by ​Metro Weekly​ magazine, this Latin pop virtuoso is internationally recognized for his pop compositions which are laced with Latin, Afro and Brazilian influences. His music explores themes of gender fluidity and queer culture.   Chris started playing piano at the age of 7 and started playing at churches at the age of 9. During Chris’ childhood years, his performance experiences as a soloist and with choral and instrumental ensembles brewed an interest in composition. Throughout high school and college, Chris developed a desire to tell his own story through his own music. After studying composition at the Eastman School of Music, Chris became highly active as a singer-songwriter, releasing indie pop albums under the stage name Chris Urquiaga. Chris’ desire to deepen his connection with and express his Brazilian, Peruvian and gay identity, led him a new direction. In 2020, Chris rebranded himself as an urban Latin artist under the stage name JChris. As JChris, he has already seen great success with the release of his singles. His 2021 single, Caliente (featuring major Latin artist Naldo Benny), has reached over 1 million views on YouTube. Chris’ Spotify channel has over 500,000 streams.   As a gay Latino artist, Chris had the honor of presenting his own headlining concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC entitled Latin Music Night, featuring guest artists from Broadway and Television. New York is a city that Chris has fallen in love with. In October 2021, he made his Off-Broadway debut performing his original music at the Triad Theatre for a play entitled Dig Deep. Choral music has followed Chris for most of his life, giving him experience as a conductor, composer, accompanist, guest vocalist and clinician. In 2022, Chris became the Assistant Director for Grace Chorale of Brooklyn, working with his colleague and Artistic Director, Jason Asbury.   Music education is something that Chris deeply values, as it changed his life for the better. In New York, Chris is a music teacher at the prestigious Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn, teaching vocal and instrumental music to middle school and high school students. In 2022, Chris was the professor and curator for the Arts Conservatory For Teens’ singer-songwriter program in St. Petersburg, Florida. Chris was entrusted with the task of developing and directing the conservatory’s singer-songwriter program for its very first season.   On top of working with such incredible industry professionals, Chris shows his support for the LGBTQ+ community through his continued involvement with local organizations. Chris was selected as the featured artist to perform at the 2021 Capital Pride Walk and Rally, for thousands of spectators and distinguished guests including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Chris also shows his support for the LGBTQ+ community with his own drag persona, Cara Linda. Cara Linda first made an appearance in the 2020 music video for “Ya Yo Te Olvidé” and continues to make appearances via her personal Instagram page and Chris’s TikTok.   Chris is currently composing a musical comedy about gentrification called “Mr. Manhattan!” with lyricist Jordan Silver in New York City. The musical’s protagonist, like Chris, is also of Brazilian and Peruvian descent.   Learn more about JChris at jchrisofficial.com and get tickets to his upcoming live shows at Get tickets to his upcoming live shows at jchrisofficial.com/live/.   Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial   www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tia Altinay / @tiaaltinay Tia Altinay is currently starring as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin on Broadway! Tia was also seen on Broadway in A Christmas Story and Mary Poppins. Tia shares her amazing story and gives us all the inspiration we needed on knowing your worth and going for it! If you liked the episode, please share it with a friend! Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Sigman / @sarahsigman_ Sarah Sigman recently made her Broadway debut in MJ the Musical! Credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (national tour), On Your Feet! (The Muny), Chicago (national tour). Regional: A Chorus Line (Cape), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (ARLT). Dance Lab NY. Get to know Sarah in this very fun episode as she shares her inspiring story! Sarah's dance reel: youtu.be/lceGLVGIr5g Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexa Magro / @alexa_magro Alexa Magro is currently travelling the country with The Prom tour! More from Alexa! I am a New York City based actor, dancer, singer, and voiceover artist originally from The Woodlands, Texas (Houston Metro). As a youngster, after giving up my short-lived dream of being a mail carrier, it was clear that I was better suited for a career in the entertainment industry. I competed my first tap solo at the age of five and for the next six years, I found much success in the dance competition and convention circuit through my passion, dedication, and tenacity. At age eleven, I had to put dancing on hold for a year and a half as I recovered from surgery. During that time, I took interest in acting and singing and began my training at Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) education academy, The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. During my time at TUTS, I was given the opportunity to perform in a number of mainstage productions. I learned a tremendous amount from all the artists I had the good fortune of working with, and the experiences/exposure served as the ultimate learning ground. I am currently in my Senior year in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment program at The University of Arizona as a part-time student. Completing the remainder of my education online is giving me the flexibility to pursue performance opportunities while living in NYC. Some of my simple joys include family, fitness, nature walks, coffee, John Mayer, volunteering, word searches, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, and ethnic foods. https://www.alexamagro.com/ Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Dolan / @broadwayupclose Tim Dolan lives a life that is an example for the power of passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of the arts. What started as an idea, evolved into a masterful business in the face of one adversity after the other. Listen to our story to be inspired by Tim's unwavering pursuit to fulfill a dream. At Broadway Up Close we strive to give you a behind-the-scenes look at Broadway, utilizing the 41 iconic Broadway theaters as the framework to tell our stories. Incorporating rare photos and videos displayed on iPads, our Green Team of actors and stage managers will share architectural oddities, ghost stories, anecdotes, fun facts, and more! https://www.broadwayupclose.com/ - BOOK A TOUR / BUY MERCH Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kara Menendez / @kara.menendez Kara Menendez is a New Jersey native. She began her dance training at the New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble. Kara went on to further her dance studies at Marymount Manhattan College, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance, with a Ballet Concentration and a Business Minor. Kara has performed works by Emery Lecrone, Paul Taylor, Darrell Moultrie, Norbet De La Cruz, Adam Barruch, Breton Tyner-Bryan and Larry Keigwin. She has also had the opportunity to train at the Vancouver Arts Umbrella, San Francisco Conservatory, Ballet Hispanico, Northwest Dance Project, Movement Invention Project, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Parsons Dance. Kara is a Springboard Danse Montreal alumni, where she had the honor of performing work by Peter Chu. As a professional artist, Kara has been fortunate to work in many facets of the entertainment industry. In addition to concert dance, her professional credits include singing and acting in Off- Broadway shows at Royal Family Productions, Virginia Repertory Theatre, and Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Internationally, she has performed in Tokyo Broadcasting Service’s production of West Side Story at IHI Stage Around; a 360 degree theatre in Tokyo, Japan. Kara has also been featured in a music video for the pop-rock band KITTEN. She had the honor of performing on the 74th annual Tony Awards for the presentation of Broadway’s Back! with the cast of MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical. Kara is a proud recipient of the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Artistic Leadership and Excellence in Dance. She is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and is represented by Clear Talent Group. Kara believes in giving back to the community as she shares her passion and craft with many students around the state of New Jersey. Kara continuously returns back to her high school as a choreographer. Kara is also a dance competition adjudicator for Starbound National Talent Competition. https://www.karamenendez.com/ Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Isaac Bradley / @iamisaacbradley Isaac Bradley was recently seen in Hamiltion in Australia as a swing. Isaac has a background in classical music where he toured the world, basketball, and break dancing. Isaac has lived a life filled with vast experiences and a multitude of skills. In addition, Isaac has established himself as a seasoned performer while growing up with two speech impediments. Enjoy our conversation! Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bret Shuford / @bretshuford Bret Shuford performed, produced, choreographed and directed dozens of Broadway, Regional, National tours, viral videos, television and film productions from Wicked to the Wolf of Wall Street. As a certified life coach Bret has the honor to help creatives all over the world move from imposter to influencer with his program. Having worked with colleges, universities, and corporations such as Disney and Marketing Impact Academy, He's a highly sought-after speaker and educator for professional creatives. Bret's insights have been humbly featured in leading outlets like The Huffington Post, Backstage, Today Show, Good Morning America, America’s Got Talent. And as a certified life and career coach he can help any creative with inconsistency in their business, experience greater impact and income through private coaching. Bret is also ½ of the lifestyle blog Broadway Husbands, with his husband Stephen Hanna. https://www.bretshuford.com/ Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blaine Krauss / @blainkr Blaine Krauss is currently appearing in the National Tour of “Hamilton” as the standby for both Hamilton and Burr. To join Blaine's fitness challenge on July 5th (we also will be doing it again later in July) DM us @builtforthestage on IG and just say that you're in for Blaine's challenge! ;) Blaine was thrilled to be part of the second season of “Pose” which he filmed while appearing in “The Cher Show” on Broadway. He starred as ‘Lola’ in “Kinky Boots” shortly after making his Broadway debut in the smash hit “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.” Blaine traveled the world as ‘Simba’ in “The Lion King” and starred in the Radio City Summer Spectacular. Blaine regularly performs with symphonies around the globe and is a regular performer at Feinstein’s/54 Below. His talents led him in 2011 to be a feature performer for the largest Commemoration of 9/11 outside of the U.S at the Trocadero in Paris, France. In 2010 he was selected to be 1 of 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts by the White House and Presidential Scholar Commission. This venture led to having met President Obama and concluded with a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. He was selected to be the Feature Vocalist at the 2010 July 4th Celebration at the US National Archives; was a selected participant at the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh Scotland. His theatrical credits include Godspell and Spelling Bee at the West Virginia Public Theatre, Evita, Into the Woods, Civil War, Make Me A Song, Chess and Jean Valjean in CCM’s Les Miserables. Blaine is a mentor on the faculty of Spot-On Arts Academy and a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. "Haus of Love" by Blaine Krauss - https://open.spotify.com/album/15Jbl3x08YR9ZcZF5a4OKe?si=gmJDR5YCTX6ND8iZUbO7VA&dl_branch=1&nd=1 www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legna Cedillo Jobert / @legnacedillojobert Legna Cedillo Jobert is a first-generation American from Kansas City and a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. She is an NYC-based singer/songwriter, actor, voiceover artist, and dancer. She graduated from the University of Kansas with BA in Psychology and promptly moved to NYC in pursuit of opportunities in the arts. Along with her best friend, they started soul-pop duo, LUMOS. Their EP, Only Wonder, as well as two singles, Why Would I and Heal, are available on Spotify, iTunes, and all other listening platforms. They have performed at various venues in NYC and Boston, including Rockwood Music Hall and Bowery Electric. Along with her passion for singing and songwriting, Legna has a deep love of musical theatre and acting. She has lent her voice to various voiceover projects, most recently, MLS All-Star Challenge in both English and Spanish. She has worked with Hasbro, Disney, Warner Bros., Nissan, Spin Master, etc.  Legna believes wholeheartedly in the power of collaboration and opportunities to use our voices to empower others. Recently seen as Ceci Lopez in the Off-Broadway musical, ¡Americano!, at New World Stages. https://legnacedillo.com/ Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial  www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Khan / @scenerybags / @jenwkhan Jennifer Khan is a former Broadway stage manager that noticed the repeated waste of backdrops and other materials after the closing of a show. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to the creation of Scenery Bags.  SCENERY gives new life to retired theatrical materials from all over the country. Instead of sending these pieces of theatre history to a landfill, theatres send them to us to upcycle. Each product is handmade in the USA and comes with a tag that tells you the show it is from and the number you have out of the limited collection. The magic of live theatre has shaped our lives in profound ways. To ensure this magic is accessible to future generations, a minimum of 10% of all proceeds from every purchase is donated to with TDF’s Introduction to Theatre Program. Thank you for helping us decrease waste, save art, and foster a new generation of theatergoers. www.scenerybags.com Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial  www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mikey Scirrotto / @michaelscirrotto Mikey Scirrotto is currently a part of the cast in Chicago on Broadway. We chat fitness, life in Florida, and how he also does commerical finance while being a Broadway actor! NY: Camelot, Lincoln Center. Nat'l Tours: A Chorus Line, West Side Story. Regional: Paper Mill; Goodspeed; Barrington Stage; Maltz & Northern Stage. International: Tokyo Disney. Proud Graduate of Dreyfoos S.O.A. & New World S.O.A. Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Talia Robinson / @taliasrobinson Talia Robinson shares her inspiring journey of getting up at 2AM some mornings to commute into the city to live out her dream of making it on Broadway. Talia toured for two years with Les Miz before making her Broadway debut in Dear Evan Hansen as the principal character, Zoe. https://www.taliarobinson.com/ Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jared Grimes / @grimeystepz Jared Grimes steals scenes as Eddie Ryan, Fanny’s (played by Beanie Feldstein) faithful friend and confidant. Associated Press called him “a bright spark of talent and energy” and Deadline applauded Jared with “delivering the show’s real star turn in a crowd-pleasing tap dance routine.” In addition to FUNNY GIRL, Eddie is well-known as the cult leader, Adrian Shannon, on the Netflix hit, MANIFEST which is currently filming its 4th season. He started out dancing in the subway when he was 16 before he landed a gig as a backup dancer for Mariah Carey (check out his NY Post story here). When he was just 24, Jared became the youngest solo choreographer in Cirque du Soleil history for his theatrical show, Banana Shpeel. Jared has also choreographed several musicals, most recently including The Tap Dance Kid, at the NY City Center in February. Additional Broadway credits include A Soldier’s Play and After Midnight. Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arian Keddell / @ariankeddell Arian Keddell took a less-travelled road to the Broadway stage and it sure does make for an amazing story. Enjoy our conversation! Broadway: CHICAGO the Musical. Tours: CHICAGO the Musical, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story 50th Anniversary. Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel. Company: Ballethinic Dance Company, Atlanta Ballet. TV: One Night Only: The Best of Broadway, Good Morning America Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chip Abbott / @chipstergram Chip Abbott is a NYC based choreographer, director, and dancer who’s performance career spans the worlds of concert dance, commercial dance, and Broadway. Chip served as assistant choreographer, dance captain, and swing to Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse on the Broadway Revival of On The Town (Tony nominee for best choreography) and he was also seen on Broadway in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His choreography was most recently seen at ACT of CT in their world premiere of a newly adapted version of Working, under the artistic advisement of Stephen Schwartz. As a director, Chip created two IAAPA Brass Ring Award winning shows Dance, Dance, Dance, Heartbeat (Best Theatrical Production Worldwide) and The Enchanted Journey (Most Creative Christmas Show) both produced by RWS Entertainment Group at HersheyPark. Chip has directed numerous shows for HersheyPark and Azamara Club Cruises in addition to choreographing for Step One Dance Company on Holland America Line and The Little Mermaid at Red Mountain Theatre Company. Chip was associate director/choreographer to Tony Yazbeck on the YoungArts Gala 2017 and assistant choreographer to Joshua Bergasse for Bernstein at 100 Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as Bernstein at 100 Wolf Trap with the National Symphony Orchestra and starring Misty Copeland. Additionally, Chip was associate choreographer of On the Town at San Francisco Symphony (Bergasse choreography re-staged.) Other performance credits include NYC theatre: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 1st national tours: R+H’s Cinderella, Andy Blankenbuehler’s Joseph… Dreamcoat. TV/Film: Isn’t It Romantic?!, The Tony Awards, The Today Show, Avon’s “Boss Life,” British Vogue, and MAC Cosmetics. Chip is a member of guest faculty at Steps and Broadway Dance Center in New York City and has taught master classes in many schools across the country including PACE University, Oklahoma City University, Point Park University, the Boston Conservatory, and University of Central Oklahoma. Proud graduate of Oklahoma City University. ChipAbbott.com https://vimeo.com/380981797 Also, if you are curious, here’s a preview of season 1 Gilded Age. Excited to be back for season 2! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKj1cMz3yfI Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sidney DuPont / @sidneydupont Sidney is now starring in the new Broadway show, Paradise Square! Sidney is humbled to bring this character and powerful story to the stage. DuPont was last seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway, as well as the 1st National Tour and Australian Company. Some other favorite National Tours include: Memphis: the Musical and A Chorus Line. DuPont has also appeared in regional productions including the world premiere of Paradise Square (Berkeley Rep.), Man of La Mancha (The Shakespeare Theater), In the Heights (The Geva Theater), and Gypsy (North Carolina Theater). Television: FBI: Most Wanted (CBS). In recent years, DuPont has also stepped behind the scenes as a director, editor, cinematographer, and award-winning screenwriter. A gigantic thank you to my incredible family, friends, and agents, you all inspire me daily. Who am I?…I am the conclusion of my Ancestors’ story and I am the prologue to my descendants wildest dreams. Try a Free Trial of BFTS and work 1 on 1 with Coach Joe! https://builtforthestage.com/free-trial www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Siegel / @lee_siegel Lee grew up singing along to Jesus Christ Super Star and Annie the Musical. Fast forward to Lee's Broadway debut in...you guessed it, JCSS! On top of it, the show was in the Neil Simon Theatre, and the the first show to ever run in the theatre was, Annie! Lee is now a part of the cast of Paradise Square on Broadway. Enjoy our conversation! @Lee_Siegel (for Instagram & Twitter) @LeeSiegelMusic (on Facebook) @NewWerxProductions (for my theatre company, on insta and Facebook) NewWerxProductions.com - Lee's Theatre Company Singing Performances: https://youtu.be/naAjdC8ccCg https://youtu.be/OEwBI-Zq9ag https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZb9_8TKht0 https://youtu.be/DcMkvMxHktw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHoy1ttmIWA https://builtforthestage.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oge Agulué / @iamoge Oge Agulué is currently in the ensemble of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway! Growing up, Oge went from Atlanta, to Nigeria, back to Atlanta, and then off to Purdue for college where he began studying aeronautical engineering technology. During his time at Purdue, Oge started taking theatre elective classes and the rest was history! https://ogeagulue.com https://builtforthestage.com/subscribe - $1 coaching for your first month + unlocking a 20% discount code on apparel! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cherry Torres / @cherrytorres Cherry Torres is currently touring the country with Hamilton as the Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy cover! More on Cherry: Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cherry Torres has been performing professionally since the age of 10. After graduating Berklee College of Music, she went on to travel the world singing and acting in multiple shows aboard various cruise lines including Disney Cruise lines and Celebrity Cruises. Following her time at sea, she went on to star in multiple regional productions. Some of her favorite credits include "Smokey Joe’s Cafe" (Brenda), "Rock of Ages" in Chicago's Drury Lane theater where she played Sherri, and "In the Heights" at the John W. Engeman Theater where she portrayed the role of Nina and was nominated for a BroadwayWorld Regional Award. At the moment, she is touring the country with the 1st national tour of Hamilton as a cover for Angelica, Eliza....and Peggy. Alongside performing, Cherry has a passion for teaching and sharing the knowledge she's acquired throughout the years with kids, teens, and adults alike. After doing various master classes, workshops, and summer camps throughout her time with Hamilton, she began offering one-on-one coaching and audition prep for people of all ages. She continues to help her students gain confidence and feel more comfortable in audition settings. www.cherrytorres.com https://builtforthestage.com/subscribe - $1 coaching for your first month + unlocking a 20% discount code on apparel! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com ​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices