Built For The Stage Podcast

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

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

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

Salisha Thomas / @salishathomas Have you ever met someone whose mere presence becomes the light and energy in the room? That is Salisha Thomas. A woman with the power and joy to lift the spirits of anyone who meets her. And in our interview with her, we have the privilege of getting to know what makes this amazing powerhouse tick. Salisha is a true multi-tasker who has found herself developing not only her acting career on Broadway and the tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, but investing time into other interests. Several that have now given her multiple platforms to share her story and have an even greater influence in the theatre community. She is now the host of the podcast Black Hair in the Big Leagues, where she speaks to black women and men on Broadway and talks all things hair! As we all wait with great anticipation for the return of Broadway, we can also be on the lookout for the potential appearance of Salisha Thomas in Once Upon A One More Time the Musical. Until then, we will continue to e

Alex Joseph Grayson/@alexjgsings How does someone raised as a military kid end up on Broadway? Alex Joseph Grayson shares his journey with us of how he found theatre later in life but once he found it, he couldn't be stopped. Alex was always compelled to perform, putting on performances for family and friends anytime he found the chance, including random dance performances of "Thriller"! He was known as the class clown and had a vibrant personality, but that didn't transfer into a career in theatre for quite some time. He first lived in India during his senior year of high school with his family and then pursued a career in nursing. But, after taking one acting class at a community college, a spark was lit inside Alex's heart that couldn't be put out. He knew he was made for the stage. He pursued a degree in theatre and then began auditioning in New York where he booked a contract with Disney Cruise Lines. After several back and forths from NYC to ships, Alex shares with us of being in the right room at the r

Adam Jacobs / @adamjacobsnyc Not everyone can say they have ridden a magic carpet, but for Adam Jacobs, that became his daily routine as he played Aladdin in the Disney Broadway musical. But, hanging out with a genie every night isn't all there is to this Broadway star that we have all come to know and love. In our interview, Adam shares his insight on what it is like to be an actor who could fit into so many different types of roles and yet, still felt there was no place for him in the casting industry. Asking questions like "Where do I fit in?" and "What is my type?" drove him to start using this as a strength instead of a weakness. Now, He has starred in National Tours, on Broadway, and has been nominated for a Grammy and Drama Desk Awards. We also talk to Adam about his new cabaret "Behind the Curtain" that will soon be released on digital platforms for us all to enjoy! The cabaret will include Pop, Rock, Broadway and some surprises that Adam has up his sleeve...maybe even some secrets of showmances! www

Christian Thompson / @christianthompsonactor "Pivot"- A word we have all heard throughout our industry, over and over again. Christian Thompson, who plays Smokey Robinson and Damon Harris in Ain't Too Proud the Musical Christian has experienced so much in his journey, from cruise ship work to Rent National Tour. Then, to go from rehearsals for a promised Broadway show to working at the Hamilton merch store, he has felt the ups and downs of the journey. But even in the tough moments, he shares with us how he has found the drive to pursue passions and creative opportunities that, in the past, he had counted unattainable. Christian also expresses the joy in finding himself as a true, unique artist and the individuals along the way who have helped mold him into the person he is today! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe you don't recall seeing the name "Craig Feldman" on the front of a Playbill, but you can absolutely find his genius and skill spread across each design of Parodybill. As the founder and lead designer of Parodybill, Craig shares with us how he has taken his love of Broadway and infused it with his lifelong graphic design career to create what we know today as the witty and creative designs of Parodybill. It all started on a flight back home after seeing Mean Girls the Musical in previews and Dear Evan Hansen was bright in the Broadway lights. Craig's ideas began to swirl and he wondered ""what if these shows became a mashup in design?"" and Parodybill was born. It continues to grow and bring theatre-lovers fun, creative and inspiring designs built around the world that we all love--Broadway! You can now enjoy hundreds of his designs at @Parodybill on Instagram and shop their merch at shop.parodybill.com. www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn

Hillary Porter / @hillaryporter_ From competitive cheerleading to the Broadway stage, Hillary shares some of the incredible stories that have been the ups and downs of her journey. Find out how she booked her first Broadway show, in spite of forgetting choreography in the audition room. She also tells us about breaking her ankle and the mental and physical process back to the stage, and how she always strives to say YES! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Martin / @btmartz shared his booking Broadway journey with us!  www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Showell - @justinbshow joins us as he awaits the return of the Hamilton - And Peggy tour. A BFTS Fam member, recent Michigan grad, and all around beautiful human shares with us his journey and the importance of embracing the fact that it is your own personal, unique journey.  www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elyse Niederee / @elyseniederee was on BFTS Podcast a little over a year ago to talk about her Broadway debut in KING KONG. Since then, Elyse has become the head of our FLOW program at Built for the Stage. FLOW is a flexibility and mobility program specifically designed for performers. Elyse's 10+ years as a yoga instructor and her seasoned career in theatre, makes her the perfect coach for this program. Listen in and hear her advice on how you can stay grounded in such an uncertain time.  BROADWAY:  KING KONG www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kfir Danieli / @kfirmusic Born in Tirat Carmel, Israel, American/Israeli multi-hyphenate Kfir Danieli’s journey began at age 6 when one of his teachers encouraged him to enlist in ballet classes. From Israel to London’s Royal Academy of Dance to some of the biggest stages in the world including the Metropolitan Opera house in New York City and later in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom Of The Opera on the US national tour, Vegas and Broadway productions, Kfir who had grown up surrounded by music felt the need to express himself beyond dance. Kfir's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/kfirmusic1 www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raymond Baynard / @raymondbaynard joins us from the cast of Hamilton and will soon be seen premiering the new Michael Jackson Broadway musiical! We chat fitness, Hamilton, and the mentality he's shifted to while in this pandemic. Enjoy! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zachary Daniel Jones / @aspiredance shares with us not one, but two, funny audition stories where he booked Broadway on both occasions. We also chat a bit about how he has drawn inspiration from his mom throughout his career. BROADWAY BEETLEJUICE CATS www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Riza Takahashi / @rizatakahashi joins us from the cast of Mean Girls! While Riza has been away from the stage she's still been performing and also finding the time to learn how to fly fish. Enjoy! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shereen Pimentel / @shereenpimentel chats with us about playing Maria in the Broadway revival of West Side Story, her new venture starting her MBA, and her new dog Thor! Enjoy! www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We were fortunate enough to interview a group of Broadway's finest to discuss how they've been staying motivated throughout the pandemic and their reaction to the recent election. Dana Steingold / @dsteinface - Beetlejuice Nadia Brown / @naughtya_or_nice - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Gabe Hyman / @gabehyman - Hamilton tour, King Kong Jerusha Cavazos / @jerushacavazos - The Prom Jennifer Noble / @thejennoble - King Kong Will Mann - @uuillmann - Oklahoma! Mo Brady - The Ensemblist, Addams Family www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrianna Hicks / @missadriannahicks from the Broadway show in waiting, SIX, shares with us about the day the show was scheduled to open, while simultaneously, the announcement to shutdown Broadway occurred.   BROADWAY THE COLOR PURPLE ALADDIN SIX www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine Cornish Smith / @christinecornish was a special guest for our Built For The Stage University series that focuses on training the future Broadway stars of tomorrow. Christine shares with us some of her experiences at CCM and her Broadway career that followed. The wisdom she shares you might not expect...enjoy! Special thanks to our friends at The Ensemblist who conducted this interview. Make sure to subscribe to their podcast for content involving the most current, day to day pulse on the theatre industry! BROADWAY: CATS MY FAIR LADY KISS ME KATE bpn.fm/theensemblist - The Ensemblist Podcast www.builtforthestage.com - Schedule your one week trial today! www.broadwaypodcastnetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices