From Eric / @ericanthonyjohnson: I was born in Essexville, Michigan. Almost instantly, I had the power to destroy everything that came into my path; carpets, rugs, bottles of milk, you name it, I had somehow found a way to make it my own, or change it into something that meant more. Now I use the word destroy because that is exactly what I did, something that was once a simple coffee table meant more, to my 3 year old self, having my name carved into. Mother was not pleased with this "process." So, I was enrolled in gymnastics, then dance, then the community theater. For as we all know, play practice and rehearsal are cheaper than daycare. It is then that my addiction started. I was obsessed with everything that happened on a stage--dance, drama, singing, the occasional rollerblading/acrobatic routine... I simply could not get enough. In fact, my father built me a stage in our basement (which still exists). So, this was my life until I was 18 and carried my obsession to Boston, where I attended The Boston Conservatory to get my BFA in Musical Theatre performance. It was during my time at The Boston Conservatory where I realized that these hobbies I had growing up would become my livelihood. It's pretty great when you actually get to do what you love for a living. So, 4 years of college later, I set off to New York City, to try and make "The Dream" happen. It was in my first month of being in the city that I got an audition for the the revival of West Side Story that was already out on tour. I auditioned, had a callback, then another, and made it to the last day. Two weeks went by and I got a call that changed my life--I would be going on tour for the next year playing one of the Sharks and understudying some of the Jets! Cut to a few... uhhhh, several years later, and I've completed 5 Broadway tours, and will do a 6th later this year, countless regional gigs, I've worked with TONY winners, EMMY winners, been around the world, danced for hundreds of thousands of people, and somehow turned my experiences into an ever-changing teaching and choreography career. Now, I'm not done, and I don't intend to ever be done, but that's where I come from, and where I'm at now. I cannot speak for the future, but I think it will be the same thing that has been true the whole time--I will do awesome shit. XO, EAJ http://www.ericanthonyj.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

Ethan Slater / @ethanslater Ethan Slater is an actor and a writer. He recently starred as SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical on Broadway (and now on Paramount Plus!), for which he won Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, TheaterWorld Awards (and more) and earned a Tony Nomination. He recently closed Assassins at CSC as The Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald. Ethan is now performing in Chicago in the new play, Good Night Oscar. (You can also see him on TV in things like Fosse/Verdon, Murphy Brown, Law and Order: SVU and more. It's all on imdb.com). As a writer, he has a number of things in development including the musical Edge of the World written with Nick Blaemire (the concept album starring Norbert Leo Butz, Lilli Cooper and Ethan is available wherever you listen to music), the upcoming films the Interveners (with Nadja Leonhard-Hooper), Silent Mode (with Marshall Pailet), and more. You can check out more of his music on Spotify or wherever you listen. Edge of the World https://open.spotify.com/album/0QrI6q1Qb1pnfb80FwAWHX?si=Z6rrMddURUmW3nVBTz0xlg Broadway Records announced today the forthcoming release of Assassins (The 2022 Off-Broadway Cast Recording). The album will preserve Stephen Sondheim’s full score with the recent Classic Stage Company cast with direction by John Doyle. Assassins is available for pre-order at Broadwayrecords.com. The album will be available digitally on March 18, with a physical CD release date of April 15, 2022. https://www.ethanslater.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

Javier Ignacio / @iamjavierignacio Javier Ignacio moved to Wichita, KS at the age of ten from Venezuela. Javier started his career as a teenager at Music Theatre Wichita. He is now a part of the Broadway revival of Company. However, Javier wasn't always performing under the bright lights of Broadway. Javier went four years before making his Broadway debut in Side Show. Listen in to hear his inspiring journey from Venezuela to Broadway. https://www.javierignacio.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

Angelo Soriano / @gelosaurus Angelo Soriano joins us from the Broadway cast of Aladdin where he swings 12 ensemble tracks and a handful of principal characters! Angelo hails from the Philippines, relocated with his family to California and just before enlisting in the Air Force found a love for musical theatre. Once Angelo made this discovery, he traded his dream in to be air borne in a plane for being air borne mid-leap on a Broadway stage! Enjoy our conversation! 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

Eddie Noel / @eddienoelr Eddie Noel is currently touring the country as a swing in the tour of Hadestown! Check out more about Eddie here: http://www.eddienoel.net/about.html References from interview: https://youtu.be/JKzQN0_SpmY Documentary trailer of RESIDENTE (René Calle 13) https://youtu.be/mWd1QKLUhGU One of Eddie's favorites songs https://youtu.be/vXtJkDHEAAc 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

Tayler Harris / @sheistayler Tayler Harris is currently playing Grizabella in the national tour of Cats! Tayler was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Tayler grew up in a musical family. She studied Liberal Arts at University of South Carolina Lancaster, did a summer semester abroad in Italy studying devised theatre work with La Mama Umbria International and then finished her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance at Western Carolina University. Outside of acting, she enjoys being outdoors, bike riding, spending time with friends, painting, and going to museums (the MoMA in NYC is one of her favorites). During the initial Covid-19 Lockdown/Quarantine from March 2020 - Early June, she completed 15 acrylic paintings on canvas. Tayler is also a singer-songwriter who plans to release her first EP in 2022. https://www.taylerharris.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

Tyrone Davis Jr / @tyronedavisjr Tyrone Davis Jr stepped into the role of Ogie in Waitress after having performed as an ensemble member and understudy in the production since 2017. Before the shutdown, he was last seen in the off-Broadway revival of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, helmed by Kathleen Marshall and starring Beth Malone. Tyrone originated the role of Ronny Lule in the 2015 off-Broadway production of Invisible Thread. He also toured the country in the first national tour of Shrek The Musical, directed by Jason Moore. In this episode we chat making the character Ogie, mental health, Nickelodean in the 90's and more! 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

Vaibu Mohan / @vaibumohan Vaibu Mohan is blazing a trail for young producers of theatre while still finding time to perform, go to grad school, and run a half marathon. Make sure to take a listen to Nayika Mixtapes after tuning into this episode. The link is down below. Spotify link to the Nayika Mixtape: https://open.spotify.com/album/7JCdLMuZkN1rbb5Gl3QC95?si=MNsHdljGQ52lGKV3y1W1BA Upcoming shows at 54 Below: Feb 11- https://54below.com/events/new-musical-and-then-she-ran-by-kat-cartusicello-and-alex-becker/ Feb 20- https://54below.com/events/new-musical-in-concert-for-show-by-carrie-caffrey-and-earl-marrow/ 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

Jonalyn Saxer / @jksaxer Jonalyn Saxer is currently starring as Karen in the first national tour of Mean Girls after appearing in the original Broadway cast in the ensemble and as an understudy for Karen, Cady, and Regina. She is a Jet girl in the West Side Story movie remake directed by Steven Spielberg. Other Broadway credits include Cats, Holiday Inn, Honeymoon In Vegas, and Bullets Over Broadway. Other credits include Moonshine: That Hee-Haw Musical and Gotta Dance (now known as Half Time). Regionally, she was seen as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street at The Muny, and has performed at other theaters including Pittsburgh CLO, Maine State Music Theater, and the Fingerlakes Theater Festival. Proud graduate of Syracuse University. BROADWAY: MEAN GIRLS CATS HOLIDAY INN HONEYMOON IN VEGAS BULLETS OVER BROADWAY 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

Paloma Garcia-Lee / @palomagarcialee Paloma Garcia-Lee is an established actress who gained notoriety for her standout performances on the Broadway stage and now is making an outstanding leap to television and film. Paloma’s career is on a meteoric trajectory, and there’s no chance of slowing down anytime soon. Dynamic and versatile, Garcia-Lee has captured the essence of what it is to be a singular show-woman with her raw, authentic and captivating acting, dancing and singing. Born into a theatrical family she was home schooled by her parents so she could pursue a career in the arts. BROADWAY: MOULIN ROUGE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT ON THE TOWN CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 https://www.palomagarcialee.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

Spencer LaRue / @spencer_larue Spencer LaRue is currently a swing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Spencer is a Florida native and will graduate from The University of Michigan in May of 2019 with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Throughout his four years at Michigan, he has performed in five main stage productions including the World premiere of One Hit Wonder directed by Hunter Foster. Regionally Spencer has performed with Connecticut Repertory Theatre in Newsies (Finch) which was choreographed and directed by Christopher d’Amboise and Disaster! starring Seth Rudetsky (Ensemble). He has also been seen on stage in Sacramento with Broadway at Music Circus in Newsies (Romeo) which featured the original Broadway choreography for the first time since the tour closed. When Spencer isn’t performing, he spends his time at the gym or with friends. He enjoys traveling and exploring new places while trying all of the food he can get his hands on. https://spencerlarue.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

Nicole Benoit / @nicolbenoitonline From Washington State's "Apple Capitol of the World" to New York's "Big Apple", Nicole Benoit has graced the stages of theaters worldwide from North America to Asia and even atop the waves of the Caribbean. A triple-threat chameleon, Nicole has portrayed such diverse iconic leading ladies from the starry-eyed-yet-sinister Roxie Hart in CHICAGO, to the charmingly damaged Sally Bowles in CABARET, to multiple lauded rounds as the Swedish blonde bombshell Ulla in THE PRODUCERS. And for something entirely different: jump-roping fitness queen Brooke Wyndham in LEGALLY BLONDE. www.nicolebenoitonline.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

Davon Williams / @daywilling Davon Williams is an international performer, delegate for the Actors' Equity Association, and a TED Talk alum. Davon is committed to using his talents to bring about substantive social change. As a performing artist, Davon has been blessed to star in several national and international productions, working on multiple television shows and playing the lead in independent films. Davon & The Spectacle was founded in 2018 after Davon was asked to sing at a state dinner in Thailand. Davon and the Spectacle has since entertained audiences all across Southeast Asia before hitting the performance circuit in the US. During the pandemic, Davon launched the hit show, "The Receipts w/ Davon Williams," which garnered over 118,750 views with a reach of over 750,000 in less than a year with no formal producers, budget, or marketing. This show led to the creation of the Black Theatre Matters Bill, a series of over 100 resolutions designed to build a more equitable theatre industry, which recently passed at the Actors' Equity Association’s Inaugural Convention. The story of "The Receipts" and the Black Theatre Matters Bill has made its way into Deadline, Forbes, CBS, Playbill, The Daily Beast, BroadwayWorld, 60 Minutes, and numerous other platforms and publications. Reserve tickets to the show - https://www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows/main/6449-davon-the-spectacle-12-19-21 http://www.davonwilliams.com/home https://www.thereceiptswithd.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

Eleri Ward / @eleriward Eleri Ward is a musical theatre performer who has recently burst onto the scene as a singer-songwriter. She recently released her album of Stephen Sondheim covers, A PERFECT LITTLE DEATH. Hear us chat about how she channels her inner-bravery to chase this passion that she has had since five years old. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tDDozfRiM8hb85ptdVKUt?si=rnVOkRDBRdea9PO0z0SVBw&nd=1 Tickets for Rockwood Music Hall 12/13 - https://www.seetickets.us/event/Eleri-WardSamanthaJoyPearlman/449506 Tickets for Joe's Pub 3/2/22 - https://publictheater.org/reserve/reserve?productionseasonNumber=44794&performanceNumber=44795 https://www.eleriward.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

Michaeljon Slinger / @double_windsor Michaeljon is a Broadway vet who shares with us how to establish a career in the biz from either side of the table. Enjoy our conversation! CHOREOGRAPHY: MRS. DOUBTFIRE ALMOST FAMOUS THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT ​LA TRAVIATA (World Premiere) MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG MYTHIC (World Premiere) CHASING RAINBOWS (Workshop) BROADWAY as Performer: ​HELLO DOLLY (Original Cast) MATILDA ​SIDE SHOW (Original Cast) ​EVITA (Original Cast) HOW TO SUCCEED WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (Original Cast) BILLY ELLIOT ​WEST SIDE STORY (Original Cast) ​GUYS AND DOLLS https://www.michaeljonslinger.com/ www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olivia Valli / @oliviafvalli Olivia is set to hit the road as the lead, Vivian Ward, in Pretty Woman the musical! Olivia previously has toured with Wicked as the Elphaba understudy and played Mary Delgado in the Off-Broadway production of Jersey Boys. Olivia shares her career-long mantra of letting the work speak for itself. She certainly has put the work in and it certainly is paying off. We talk about coming out of a smaller collegiate theatre program having entered into it with no prior experience at all, starting a podcast during the pandemic, and the wild ride she took during the audition process of booking the lead in Pretty Woman! Please, enjoy our conversation. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miracle Chance / @miraclechance Miracle is currently on West End as Christine Canigula in Be More Chill. She grew up in a very artistic home with her parents, which igniter her love and passion for music and performing arts. Miracle loves folk music and is a very talented folk singer. Miracle shares how she finds inspiration in her writing from the simplest things like the magazine on her coffee table, something a friend may say, and she is continually finding inspiration in the smallest daily things. Always stay alert and aware of the small moments each day, you may find creative inspiration in those moments. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Norlen / @anorlen It began as an artist’s desperate desire to express himself inside a worldwide pandemic, but in one year’s time it has grown into a theater industry and country-wide outlet for healing, grief, justice, and hope in the theater community—and beyond! When The Lights Are Bright Again immortalizes the stories, struggles, and successes of an industry that was first to be shut down and one of the last to return. Andrew Norlen weaves 200+ letters from Broadway theater veterans, devout theater goers, teenage dreamers aching for their day in the spotlight, long-time ushers, designers, creatives and countless other arts workers in tandem with a brand new breathtaking photo series by Broadway photographer, Matthew Murphy. Not only has the creation of this book allowed the theater community to grieve and express themselves in a new way, but for every copy purchased, a portion of the profits will directly benefit The Actors Fund. This book will continue to help support arts workers to thrive and receive financial stability for decades to come with every copy sold. The Covid-19 pandemic revealed what a world without live performance looks and feels like. This book captures a small fraction of the powerful and transcendent internal heartbeat that never went away within the theater community. When The Lights Are Bright Again is a love letter to the arts community and every theatergoer, but above all else, it is a meditation on the human experience. There is something for every broken, tired, angry and hopeless soul inside this book; hope. There is light in all of us -- there always has been! https://www.whenthelightsarebrightagain.com/ www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T. Oliver Reid / @toliverreid A true Broadway veteran, T. Oliver Reid has performed in over 10 Broadway shows and is currently in Hamilton. He shares insight and wisdom from his many years of experience on and off the stage in the theatre industry. Reid encourages other artists to focus on doing the work and keeping things simple and focused, wether its always showing up early, being very attentive during rehearsal, living s life as a supportive creator, and he continues to do just that. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly Marable / @misskimizzo Kimberly is making waves in the Broadway community, not only as an actress, but also as a social activist as a co-founder of Broadway Serves, a service organization created and operated by Broadway professionals who are looking to "be the change we want to see in the world." Their mission is to provide opportunities for community service to Broadway and theater professionals. Kimberly is currently in the workers chorus in Hadestown, and has also been in The Lion King and Sister Act. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com @bwayserves [email protected] www.broadwayserves.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm Armwood / @marmwood214 Malcolm is making his Broadway debut as a swing in Hadestown, and shares parts of his journey with us. He believes in staying ready and continuing to show up, because many times he thought he would book and didn’t but kept at it and booked Broadway. Persistence is the key ingredient to Malcolm’s success. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shawn W. Smith / @shawnwsmith Shawn is a true well-rounded artist who is in a band called “Stray and the Soundtrack” while also touring with the national tour of Waitress in the role of Earl. Shawn shares his passion for 80’s rock and how he always wanted to be a musician who is also an actor, which has led him to booking a lot of musical theatre work, as he uses his multiple passions and skill sets together to create a colorful career for himself. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com https://music.apple.com/au/album/stray-and-the-soundtrack/1571267910 https://open.spotify.com/album/70KqExXm0h1e1RmeEUxTHt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karla Puno Garcia / @karlapunogarcia Karla has performed on several television programs, films, National Tours, and Broadway shows - the most recent being Hamilton: An American Musical, in which she was a swing for four years. She is now making huge name for herself as a choreographer, teaches at Steps and Broadway Dance Center regularly and has several upcoming projects she will be working on. Karla was recently hired to create additional choreo for the new Netflix film Tik TIk Boom that is being directed by Lin Manuel Miranda. She shares with us that she booked gigs by being willing to do tons of passion projects. Sometimes you just have to keep putting yourself out there and making work for yourself. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ariel Reid / @arieljreid Ariel joins us as a current cast member of Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, and she is also the Dance Captain for the captivating musical. But, what we learn about Ariel is not only is she and incredibly talented dancer, she’s also a mom! She is a prime example how much of a superhero moms on broadway really are. Not only does she juggle an entire cast but also home-life, and we find that pretty impressive. www.builtforthestage.com - free trial sign up www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stanley Martin / @stanleymartinthethird Joining us this week is the energetic and fun Stanley Martin! Stanley has been performing since the age of ten and is currently a cast member of Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. He has also been involved in the international tour of West Side Story. He produces his own work, and he truly believes that he can just do something and figure things out as he goes. He shares with us that the only way to become an expert is by starting as a beginner. Stanley is also the cast member of Aladdin who has performed the most shows. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Holloway / @april_r_holloway April Holloway is a dancer, singer, choreographer and all around performer. After graduating from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sport Science, April spent a summer at The Ailey School on a full scholarship. While studying dance in New York, she discovered her true love for Musical Theater. Her current role is in the ensemble of the Disney musical Aladdin on Broadway! April shares with us her love for dance, rowing, and her passion that keeps her moving forward and growing as a thriving artist. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juwan Crawley / @juwancrawley Juwan made his New York debut in the original cast of Spamilton, an award-winning, off-Broadway musical revue that spoofed Hamilton and earned him a nomination for the Clive Barnes award. At the age of 22, Casey Nicholaw created a role on Broadway for Juwan in Aladdin where he is a standby for the Genie, and where he debuted as the youngest person to ever play the role. He was also cast by Tina Fey to play Hudson – a 14-year-old kid - on one of his favorite shows, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. He shares with us in our conversation how, each day, he sits down at the piano at the same time, to write and create music, whether he is in the mood or not. Juwan understands that dedication and commitment results in growth and success, and he shares that insight with us in this week's episode. www.juwancrawley.com www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Filipe / @filipe_navidad After going into quarantine and being unsure of what the future holds, Adam Filipe recognized one of his true loves was more than performing, which was self defense practice. He started as a kickboxer in martial arts at the age of four years old, and in the pandemic, it came back to the surface as something that he wanted to focus on. He is the fight captain for The Prince of Egypt on West End, but he said there was still something missing. He began by getting his license in self defense, and then began offering classes to others who might want to learn! Now, he has a personal side hustle business as well as being a part of the original cast of The Prince of Egypt, and he shares his insight of taking that dream and turning it into reality. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophie Salvesani / @sophie_salvesani This week, we are joined by a young but shining star, Sophie Salvesani. Sophie has been intently studying music and performance since she was a young girl growing up in Ipswich and Brisbane. She then went to perfrom multiple leading roles in community theatres around the Queensland area, such as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Cosette in Les Misérables and Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Sophie then debuted her first professional role when she played the role of Maria in Opera Australia, GWB Entertainment and BB Group’s touring production of West Side Story. Two years later, she is revisiting this iconic role in the touring company visitng both Perth nad Brisbane. sophiesalvesani.com www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abbie-Lee Lewis / @abbieleelewis All the way from Australia, Abbie-Lee Lewis joins us to share her experience as she plays Hermia in Bell Shakespeare's production of Midsummer Night's Dream. Abbie-Lee is an actor and Arts Educator for Bell Shakespeare in Australia and we are thrilled to hear her story. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole-Lily Baisden / @nicolelily1 Nicole-Lily joins us as she prepares to take the West End stage in Anything Goes as Hope Harcourt at the Barbican, starring alongside the Broadway legend, Sutton Foster. Nicole-Lily has only recently graduated from Arts Education Schools in 2019, but is already becoming a seasoned theatre professional. She went directly to the UK and International tour of Book of Mormon after graduating in 2019, playing the role of Nabulungi.   She has experienced theatre in very different forms over the past two years, as she was a part of several projects through the pandemic such as BBC's Musicals: The Greatest Show and a production of A Christmas Carol. We are excited to continue following along on her journey as she takes the stage, again and again! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Mott / @michael_mott Michael Mott grew up in New York, studied Musical Theatre in college and then went on to have a successful career as a performer Off-Broadway, in Regional theatre and National Tours. He then chose to redirect his focus on writing and has since found himself in some really incredible spots with some of Broadway's biggest talent. Michael was even named Playbill's "Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know". Most recently, Michael has written a new musical "In The Light, A Faustian Tale", he has also scored his first short film and recently recorded an album with Jeremy Jordan, Ciara Renée and Solea. We are thrilled to have him on the podcast to share his story and the exciting projects he has and is a part of! "In The Light, A Faustian Tale: Highlights Recording" is available for pre-order now: BroadwayRecords.com www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jack Sippel / @jackjsippel When talking to Jack Sippel, you are truly speaking with a theatre industry professional. From a very young age, Jack has been actively involved in professional theatre. He started at The Muny as a kid and was then asked to audition for their equity ensemble, which he booked and received his equity card at age 15! He then went on to land the Memphis National Tour as a senior in high school.   Most recently, Jack has been the Dance Captain and Swing for The Prom on Broadway. He then joined the creative team for the Netflix film adaptation of The Prom as Assistant Choreographer. During the pandemic, he has also started his own podcast focusing on dance in theatre, called ""Again, From The Top""!  www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tanisha L. Spring / @tanishalspring Following her most recent opening night in West End's Prince of Egypt, Tanisha Spring joins us to share what the journey has been for her finding her way to the West End stage. Some productions she has previously appeared in include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Caroline or Change and Hairspray.   Tanisha took on a new experience throughout the pandemic in producing an online theatre production called A Killer Party and has found her love for the other side of the table throughout that experience. She feels as though some of her other skills such as having a business mind have come in to play in a new way and she tells us how she came into theatre much later in life than many people do. She was an accountant before she started pursuing theatre as a fulltime career choice and is now finding some of that part of her becoming involved as she produces theatre. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mari McGinlay / @marimoomcg After studying acting at the Guildford School of Acting and training at the Dance School of Scotland, Mari McGinlay had laid a strong foundation to move forward in the theatre industry. She joins us on our podcast to share parts of that journey, as she then went on to work on the production of Oklahoma! at Royal Albert Hall, playing the role of Cinderella multiple times in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and now joining the returning cast Hairspray the Musical on the West End as Penny Pingleton! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Lagoulis / @stefann96 Stefan Lagoulis comes from Down Under and is currently in Hamilton AU, experiencing coming back to the stage after more than a year of the shutdown and shares with us what that journey has looked like as he is rediscovering his strength and ability in the rehearsal room. He encourages other actors to give themself grace and accept that your best today is your best and move forward. It is a process and we have to be willing to embrace that process. Stefan has had the understanding and experience of putting in the extra work for most of his life. He grew up in regular school but then also attended performing arts school in the evening. He was encouraged by his family to chase his dreams and put in the work to achieve whatever it was that his heart desired. Stefan transitioned from a sports background into the world of dance and performance, and has moved forward in that passion with a focused mindset and determination. This drive has opened many doors, including being in the cast of Aladdin AU. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Gonzalez / @rgonzy After starting at a young age pursuing to be a comerical dancer in Australia, Ryan then saw a live musical theatre production and was absolutely sold. He then did his first show at 18 and hasn't turned back. He is now opening Fun Home in Australia and will soon be joining Moulin Rouge Australia. Ryan shares in our conversation about experiences and interests that he has explored in the last year during the pandemic, such as a book to read that we have linked below and new cooking adventures. He also shares the joy of opening Fun Home and how the story really connects to so many different types of people and families, no matter what they family structure looks like. Moulin Rouge Broadway Vlog Book Reference: Breath by James Nestor www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Assetta / @dassetta From a very young age, Daniel Assetta was no stranger to the perfoming world. He started taking dance as a child, and it was all about the show. He had a deep desire to learn and grow and perform. From there, he saw the tour of Lion King in Australia, and he quickly fell in love with the world of musical theatre. Daniel made his debut at the age of 19 in the 10th Anniversary Australian Tour of Wicked! Other shows he has been seen in are Cats, The Book of Mormon, A Chorus Line and West Side Story. Most recently, Daniel is playing Samuel Seabury in the Australian premiere of Hamilton. He shares with us what the expereience has been like to be returning to the stage after the last year and the challenges and joys that have come with preparing and getting back into a performance ready mindset. Daniel says that though there are new protocols and processes in place to keep everyone safe, it is all worth it just to be back on stage and doing what he loves to do! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J. Harrison Ghee / @jharrisonghee It is so exciting to hear how Broadway is coming back to life, and our conversation with J. Harrison Ghee is no exception! He is soon to be seen in Mrs. Doubtfire on Broadway, and he shares with us what the journey has been like returning to the stage. From a year full of cast zoom meetings to overthinking himself when trying to get back into the role, it has been quite an experience. J also shares with us the joy of working with brilliant colleagues on stage and how wonderful it is to create and originate a show from its beginning. J has been seen in Kinky Boots on Broadway as Lola and also on camera in Raising Dion, along with other films. He believes that no matter wether you're on stage or on camera "it is all based in truth. You've gotta find whatever the truth is for you and live that authentically." www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amos Wolff / @amoswolff When Amos Wolff made his Broadway debut at the young age of 25 in Follies, he assumed that he would be completely fulfilled. Instead, he found that he still wasn't happy. In this moment, he began to realize there was much more to being a balanced and healthy human being rather than just the career success of landing a Broadway role. This challenged him to start a journey of yoga and therapy, leaning on incredible professionals around him to help him find a true contentment in each season of his life. Amos then went on to become a family and couples therapist himself and has joined the incredible team at Equity Therapy, a therapy program focused towards the performing arts community based in NYC, where he now works to help others find the balance and fulfillment that he, himself has found through such practice. He shares this journey and so much insight with us on the challenges and joys of taking time to focus on one's betterment and self. https://www.equitytherapy.com/ - Equity Therapy www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Sparks / @jasonasparks Hello, Dolly!. Combining his training as a classical dancer, as well as a theatre performer, and his curiosity for how the world moves around him, Jason strives for the human body to be a lead voice in how his stories are told. Jason has also founded a unique nonprofit program called Fosters Theatrical Artist Residency. Fosters is a safe space created for actors, directors and playwrights to discover their approach, explore new ways of working and dive deeper into new works without judgement, allowing the process to be as much a part of the art as the product. Jason holds a B.F.A from Pennsylvania State University where he frequently returns to work with and learn from the young artist of today. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liz Flemming / @littlelizzybiz In 2016, Liz Flemming had the idea to do the production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown on a playground. She wanted to create a piece that used all disabled and BIPOC actors, and she set out with a dream that then became the company Out Of The Box Theatrics. Liz and OOTB focuses on creating theatre site specific locations that are in marginalized communities, creating space for inclusivity and equality at a professional level. This spring, Out Of The Box Theatrics produced a virtual production of The Last FIve Years, which they filmed in an actual NYC apartment. Liz shares with us the journey of bringing a production like this to life and how different it was to film a piece in a site specific location and the joy of still creating theatre even in such a challenging time our industy has seen in the last year. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nasia Thomas/ @nasiathomas "I believe everyone has learned something about themself during this quarantine"...Nasia says as she reflects back on what the last year has looked like and what it felt like to be prepping for a Broadway show, Caroline, or Change, and then to be told it is all put on hold for a global pandemic. Nasia Thomas has been seen on Broadway in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, National tour of Beautiful and Broadway production of Ain't Too Proud. Her most recent accolades come from her portrayal of the role of Cathy in Out of The Box Theatrics' virtual production of The Last Five Years. A reimagined production of the musical is filmed in an actual New York City apartment and can be found streaming online! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicholas Edwards / @nickedwardsnyc You don't have to wait for anyone to tell you to do something"...and that is exactly what has happened in Nick's life over the past few months! When the quarantine shut down his upcoming opportunity to take on his first principal role on Broadway as Kristoff in Frozen, Nicholas knew he had to continue to find ways to make art. But there were no auditions and seemingly no theatre! And then comes along the theatre company Out Of The Box Theatrics, whose goal it has been to tell stories in a very different way than the traditional approach to new and classis works. The concept began to brew of creating a livestream version of The Last Five Years the musical, staged in an actual NYC apartment. Fast forward a few months, and it has become one of the most well-produced pieces of theatre that has come to audiences during this interesting time where theatre has been hard to find. Nicholas is no stranger to the stage, as he was an understudy for Kristoff in Disney's Frozen on Broadway, as well as the national tour of Les Miserablés. We know that you will love his voice and presence in The Last Five Years and we cannot wait to see where he goes next! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Gordon / @simongordon Joining us from the West End on today's episode is Simon Gordon! We are so excited to be talking to him about his upcoming role in the UK tour of Heathers the Musical. Simon always wanted to be an actor, but he didn't start his theatre career as many people do by going to college and studying the craft. Instead, he went to school to study law! He was in his third year of law school when he auditioned for Andrew Lloyd Webber, and that is when he knew he wanted to be doing theatre as a career. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dennis Stowe / @dennisstowe Have you ever had a dream that you thought would never come to pass as the years went by? Well, Dennis Stowe is the perfect example that good things come to those who continue to work hard and not lose focus of their dreams! And we get to hear all about that journey in our chat with him. Dennis didn't make his Broadway debut until he was in his thirties. But, once he did, the work has continued to roll in! Dennis has been in nine broadway shows, including the original cast of Shrek the Musical! He was also in the revival of Annie and most recently Aladdin, where he has been moved from ensemble to standby for Jafar and Sultan! In our talk together, Dennis shares how he stays ready at all times and what it is like to truly be prepared for a role. The wisdom, insight and talent that Dennis brings to a rehearsal process is valuable information that anyone looking to be their best in the room should adhere to! Dennis is a true Broadway veteran, and he has the credits and heart to prove it. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Ruckles / @rucklesvoice Within the theatre industry, there are several components that are an absolute must that we focus on. One of those components is the training and care of our voice. But how do we do so correctly? What techniques should we use? How often should we train? Some of the same questions that we ask ourselves about fitness and weight training. An interesting correlation, we think! We were lucky enough to have the incredible Mike Ruckers, Vocal Technician and Singing Voice Specialist, join us and share some of his insight in how the voice and the body as a whole should be treated and trained.   Mike maintains one of the city's premier voice studios specializing in healthy and transformative technique for Musical Theatre and contemporary commercial singing. His students comprise Tony and Grammy award winners, with clients appearing in leading roles on and off-Broadway, the West End, in national tours, and on concert stages across the world. As a pianist, Mike has worked with such luminaries as Hugh Jackman, Patrick Wilson, Tyne Daly, Rachel Bay Jones, Raúl Esparza, Ben Vereen, and Sherie Rene Scott. He shares several basic tips and insights with us that anyone who is training vocally and physically should adhere to and will benefit from! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kolby Kindle / @kolbizzle As so many of us are waiting to have the opportunity to walk back into a theatre, Kolby Kindle is living his best life as he is touring in Australia with the incredible musical Come From Away. He shares what it has been like to go through the pandemic and have the chance to return to the stage once again, bringing hope and excitement to everyone as we anxiously await that opportunity! Kolby grew up in Oklahoma and pursued an education in Ohio before moving to New York City to chase his dreams of performing on Broadway. He has now gone on to work on the tours of Waitress the Musical and Book of Mormon, as well as now creating art in his time with Come From Away, both before and now after the pandemic. Within the last year, Kolby has moved back and forth from Australia to New York and then back to Australia, not knowing exactly what was in store for his contract. But, in our conversation, Kolby shares with us how he has found a way to maintain his fitness goals and continue hoaning his craft as an actor and focusing on what is to come. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices