Breaking Broadway with Kerry Butler

Are you an actor tired of waiting for permission to make great art? In this episode, Michael Breslin, Patrick Foley, and Rory Pelsue share how they turned passion projects with friends into powerful, produced theater. From Circle Jerk to Last Bimbo if the Apocalypse , they talk about building creative teams, writing for yourself, and navigating the logistics of producing without losing the joy. Whether you’re fresh out of school or years into your career, this conversation will inspire you to start making the work you wish existed—and to do it with people you trust and love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Julia Lester—star of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series , Tony-nominated breakout from Into the Woods and currently starring in my new favorite tv show- The Four Seasons. Julia opens up about the wild ride of growing up in a showbiz family, facing rejection even after big wins, and how trusting her instincts led to her most unforgettable roles. It’s a conversation about resilience, comedic timing, and the power of staying true to your weird, wonderful self—on and off stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony winner, Beth Leavel, shares everything from audition songs, tips to creating moments in shows like Old Friends, to how she almost didn't get cast in The Drowsy Chaperone. Tony Winner Beth Leavel was seen in 2024 on Broadway in the role of The Baroness in Lempicka. In 2025 she is in the Broadway cast of Sondheim's Old Friends. She was nominated for a 2019 Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critic’s Circle award for her performance as DeeDee Allen in the critically acclaimed Broadway show The Prom. She received Tony, Drama Desk, NY Outer Critics Circle and L.A. Drama Critics Awards for her performance as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone. Beth also received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle nominations for her role as Florence Greenberg in Baby It’s You. Other Broadway roles include Mrs. June Adams in Bandstand, Emily in Elf, Donna in Mamma Mia!, Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Dorothy Brock in the revival of 42nd Street, Tess in the original company of Crazy For You, Mrs. Bixby in The Civil War, Ellie in Hal Prince’s Showboat, and Anytime Annie (her Broadway debut) in 42nd Street. Numerous TV, most recently The Ghosts of Christmas Always (Hallmark), The Walking Dead (AMC), and The Bite (Spectrum). Beth’s one-woman cabaret, It’s Not About Me, has played across the country to rave reviews and sold out venues. In her spare time, Leavel gives back and teaches master classes for students all over the world. MFA from UNC-G. Visit bethleavel.net You can find me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @kerrybutler1⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠@kerrybutlernyc⁠⁠⁠. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at ⁠⁠⁠kerrybutlercoach.com⁠⁠⁠, follow ⁠⁠⁠@kerrybutlercoach⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Follow Fina's career from child actor in Matilda The Musical to her Tony nomination for John Proctor is the Villain. Hear about her unique process when taking on new projects and more! Fina Strazza- Broadway: Matilda in Matilda the Musical. Off-Broadway: Animal, A Loss of Roses, Member of the Wedding. TV: “Paper Girls” (series lead), “Law and Order: SVU” (recurring), “Madam Secretary,” “FBI: Most Wanted” “Last Week Tonight.” A student at NYU’s Tisch, her eight films include Above the Shadows, A Christmas Melody (recording “Oh, Santa!” with director Mariah Carey), and Netflix’s upcoming “Fear Street: Prom Queen.” Follow Fina Strazza on Instagram @finastrazza You can find me on Instagram⁠⁠ @kerrybutler1⁠⁠ and TikTok ⁠⁠@kerrybutlernyc⁠⁠. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at ⁠⁠kerrybutlercoach.com⁠⁠, follow ⁠⁠@kerrybutlercoach⁠⁠ on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have "full-out" amazing choreographer & director, Jerry Mitchell with us! Jerry tells us all things Boop! The Musical, what to do and what not to do at those dance calls, and great tips on how to make it on Broadway! JERRY MITCHELL (Director/Choreographer) was nominated for the Tony Award for his choreography for Boop!, having previously received this Award twice—for the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots (for which he was also Tony nominated for Best Director) and the revival of La Cage aux Folles. Prior to Boop!, Jerry directed and choreographed Pretty Woman for Broadway and the West End, after directing the Gloria Estefan musical, On Your Feet!, for Broadway and the West End. Jerry was nominated for an Olivier Award for his choreography in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which he also directed and co-produced in London. Currently, he is the director and choreographer of Elton John’s The Devil Wears Prada on the West End. In the 35 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with more than 50 Broadway, West End and touring productions. His Broadway debut as Choreographer, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, was followed by The Full Monty (Tony nominated), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nominated, NBC Live), Gypsy, Never Gonna Dance (Tony nominated), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nominated), La Cage aux Folles, Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (Tony nominated, which he also directed on Broadway and in London), Catch Me If You Can and Kinky Boots. For film, Jerry created memorable dance sequences for Scent Of A Woman, The Object Of My Affection, In and Out and Drop Dead Gorgeous, among others. Thirty or so years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, for which he was recognized in the form of a third Tony Award in 2023. Follow Jerry Mitchell on Instagram @jammyprod Broadway Bares You can find me on Instagram⁠ @kerrybutler1⁠ and TikTok ⁠@kerrybutlernyc⁠. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at ⁠kerrybutlercoach.com⁠, follow ⁠@kerrybutlercoach⁠ on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RJ Magee has worked as a manager and casting director for ten years. RJ Gave us great insight on how to build your career, how to get an agent, and what steps you can take on your own to be proactive in this business. Part 2 of 2. Richard (RJ) Magee is a professional educator, talent manager, casting director, actor, and director. He is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at Midwestern State University in Texas. He is also the Associate Talent Manager for Baker Management in NYC, where his client bookings have included top regional theaters, national tours, Broadway, television, and commercials. Additionally, his credits as a casting director (RJ Magee Casting) include Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Theality TV (streaming on Revry, YouTube, and Broadway On Demand), Flaviar (celebrity casting: Stephen Soderbergh, Carlos Mencia, Marc Summers, Aisha Tyler), and more. As an actor, his performance work has been seen at Arizona Broadway, Round Barn Theatre, Black Rock Theater, The Great American Melodrama, Tibbits, Roxy Regional, Dollywood Entertainment, and more. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, he also holds a BA from Temple University and an MFA from Minnesota State University, Mankato. RJ recently concluded a 9-month contract as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Acting at Longwood University (home of the 2016 Vice Presidential debate). You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RJ Magee has worked as a manager and casting director for ten years. RJ Gave us great insight on how to build your career, how to get an agent, and what steps you can take on your own to be proactive in this business. Part 1 of 2. Richard (RJ) Magee is a professional educator, talent manager, casting director, actor, and director. He is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at Midwestern State University in Texas. He is also the Associate Talent Manager for Baker Management in NYC, where his client bookings have included top regional theaters, national tours, Broadway, television, and commercials. Additionally, his credits as a casting director (RJ Magee Casting) include Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Theality TV (streaming on Revry, YouTube, and Broadway On Demand), Flaviar (celebrity casting: Stephen Soderbergh, Carlos Mencia, Marc Summers, Aisha Tyler), and more. As an actor, his performance work has been seen at Arizona Broadway, Round Barn Theatre, Black Rock Theater, The Great American Melodrama, Tibbits, Roxy Regional, Dollywood Entertainment, and more. A graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, he also holds a BA from Temple University and an MFA from Minnesota State University, Mankato. RJ recently concluded a 9-month contract as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Acting at Longwood University (home of the 2016 Vice Presidential debate). You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelsie Watts shares how she used TikTok to help build her career as a performing artist - and how it has been transitioning from concerts to doing 8 shows a week in Six on Broadway. Kelsie Watts is a vocalist, songwriter, and independent recording artist who first gained national recognition as a contestant on The Voice Season 19, where she landed on Team Kelly Clarkson. Known for blending pop and theatrical influences, she has built a strong following through social media and original music. In 2025, she made her Broadway debut as Jane Seymour in Six. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, she uses her platform to encourage self-care and resilience in the entertainment industry. Follow Kelsie Watts on IG: @kelsiewattsmusic You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You'll love this episode with Ali Stroker, someone who really hasn’t let anything stop her. Even though no one in a wheelchair had ever been nominated for a Tony award, or even been on Broadway, she still let herself dream! (And win the Tony award!!!) Hear this incredibly inspiring episode about how she doesn’t take no for an answer. She finds ways to turn no’s into yes’s! I left this episode feeling so moved and inspired! Follow Ali Stroker on Instagram @alistroker You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger Bart, one of the funniest people on Broadway, joins us this week. I really wanted to know how he approaches comedic roles- like Doc in Back to the future. He tells us all about his technique to finding the funny. ROGER BART Originated the role of Doc Brown in Back to The Future in London and on Broadway. Broadway: The Producers (Tony, Drama Desk nominations); Young Frankenstein; You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Tony, Drama Desk Awards); The Frogs; Disaster!; Triumph of Love; Big River. Film: Trumbo, American Gangster, The Stepford Wives, The Producers, Hostel Part II, singing voice of Disney's Hercules "Go the Distance." Television: "Desperate Housewives," "Revenge," "Good Trouble," "A Series of Unfortunate Events," "How I Met Your Mother." For my brother, Randy. Follow Roger Bart on Instagram: @rogerbartofficial You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My friends and castmates, Laura Bell Bundy & Marissa Jaret Winokur join me for a special announcement about our show Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now! We also talk about Marissa's career journey, audition songs, and memories from Hairspray. Marissa Jaret Winokur is perhaps best known for creating the role of “Tracy Turnblad” in the Broadway musical Hairspray, winning a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a musical. Marissa was crowned winner of the inaugural season of “Celebrity Big Brother”, and danced her way into the hearts of America on the hit series “Dancing with the Stars”, making it all the way to the Final 4! Marissa can currently be seen on many hit shows including newly Emmy nominated “What We Do In The Shadows”, “Bupkis”, “So Help Me Todd”, “Clone High”and streaming on Netflix movies “Feel the Beat“ and“Trouble". She recently returned to The Hollywood Bowl to star in Kinky Boots alongside Wayne Brady , and “Beauty and The Beast “ with Rebel Wilson and Taye Diggs. Marissa has recently Shifted into Directing , her last Show ICE CATS starring Alli Miller topped the awards at LA Fringe and is now in TV development . She is also gearing up to direct the feature film BALI HIGH, a romantic traumedy starring Ashley Argota and Mick Torres. Marissa and her husband, comedy writer Judah Miller Split their time between NY and LA with their son Zev (when he's not playing Tennis) and they’re 2 labradoodles. Marissa is a cancer survivor and is passionate about educating woman on cancer awareness and works closely with STAND UP TO CANCER Instagram @marissajaretwinokur Twitter @marissajwinokur Laura Bell Bundy is a Tony nominated Broadway actress and Billboard top 5 recording artist. Bundy made her debut at age 9 in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, since then she has originated the stage roles: Tina in Ruthless (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations), Amber in Broadway’s Hairspray, most notably Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical where she received a Tony Nomination, and Sylvia in Broadway’s The Cottage. She also took a turn as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. Bundy has recorded multiple albums as a Universal Music Group & Big Machine Label artist which garnered her a CMT nomination, and a Billboard Top Five Album. Her latest album Women of Tomorrow released by ONErpm thematically tackles the double standards so many women face today reaching over 3 million streams across streaming platforms. The companion podcast of the same name on Broadway Podcast Network dives deeper into the history of each of the issues, and the community and app gives women the tools to be empowered in all areas of their lives. Women Of Tomorrow foundation’s concerts and events have raised over $200K for female causes in the New York area. Instagram @laurabellbundy & @womxnoftomorrow Twitter @laurabellbundy Tik Tok @laurabellbundy You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Lenz created In The Works- In The Woods. I always tell young actors to try to get in on the ground level of new shows- here is your chance! In The Works is a like a summer camp for creatives! There is an opportunity to create your own work, or audition to be in a new show, or go see a work in progress! Listen for all the info! Matt Lenz is a New York-based theatre director whose career has spanned the globe. He has directed plays and musicals in North America, the UK, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Singapore, and India. Currently, Matt is at the helm of Broadway tours in the US, Canada, and China. His impressive body of work includes collaborations with many of the brightest stars and most renowned theatre makers in the industry. Matt is a member of the SDC, a long-time teaching artist for the Broadway Dreams Foundation and the Founding Artistic Director of the annual In The Works ~ In The Woods Festival of new plays and musicals in upstate New York. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danya Taymor just directed her first big Broadway musical, The Outsiders, and got nominated for a Tony! She tells us all about the casting process, what draws her to a certain actor, and gives great advice on how to start your career and break into Broadway! Danya Taymor is a Tony-award nominated and Obie-award winning New York based director, writer and translator. Recent direction includes the musical adaptation of THE OUTSIDERS (Tony Award nomination and Drama Desk Award nomination), and the Broadway production of Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu's PASS OVER. Other recent work: Rachel Bonds' JONAH (Roundabout), Will Arbery's HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING (Playwrights Horizons) and Jeremy O. Harris' "DADDY" (Almeida, London and New Group/Vineyard). Her production of PASS OVER was filmed in collaboration with Spike Lee and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Now streaming on Amazon Prime. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Musician, composer, and writer, Henry Koperski, joins Reeve Carney and Jeanine Tesori in our final installment of the live interviews from The Broadway Cruise. Henry Koperski is a composer, writer, and music director based out of Los Angeles. He has composed for stage and screen, and has scores and songs featured on Netflix, Audible and Showtime. The New York Times has called him “the connective tissue” of the NYC music/comedy scene (where he performed regularly from 2012-2020). As a music director, he often works with Alan Cumming, Ari Shapiro, Matt Rogers and Matteo Lane. Follow Henry Koperski on Instagram: @henkiskidu You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeanine Tesori talks casting, piano training, writing and more! She gives great advice on auditioning, and what she looks for in the room in part two of The Broadway Cruise! Jeanine Tesori is an American composer and music arranger, best known for her work in the theater. Tesori began her Broadway career as a dance music arranger for the 1995 revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She went on to compose the scores for the musicals Violet, Caroline, or Change, Shrek the Musical, Fun Home, Soft Power, and Kimberly Akimbo. Her work is known for its emotional depth, its lyrical brilliance, and its innovative musical style. Tesori has also composed music for several films and television shows, including Nights in Rodanthe, Every Day, and You're Not You. She is a recipient of the Tony Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Obie Award. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are going live from the Broadway Cruise! Our first of three guests is Reeve Carney. He tells us about the highs and lows in his career, and how he takes control and creates his own work. Reeve Carney an American actor and singer/songwriter known for originating the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark on Broadway and playing Orpheus in the original Broadway cast of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Follow Reeve on Instagram: @reevecarney You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you create your own work? Sandy Rustin started out as a performer and transitioned into writing. The Cottage, written by Rustin, recently played on Broadway and her play Clue is on tour. Today we will hear about her transition into writing and what she learned about auditioning from being behind the table. Sandy Rustin is a Broadway playwright and actress. One of the most produced playwrights in America, Sandy penned the adaptation of the cult-hit film, CLUE which has enjoyed over 3,500 productions worldwide. The NY TIMES called CLUE “a welcome throwback to an era of physical comedy!” CLUE will launch a national tour in February 2024 and is available for licensing via Broadway Licensing. Sandy’s original comedy, THE COTTAGE, (“Laugh Out Loud!” – The NY Times), directed by Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) ran at The Hayes Theatre for a limited-engagement on Broadway, starring Eric McCormick and Laura Bell Bundy, and is available for licensing via Broadway Licensing’s Dramatists Play Service. Follow Sandy on Instagram: @sandyrustin_ You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is a crossover with Jayke Workman's podcast, Oh My Pod U Guys. Oh My Pod U Guys Episode Description: From Hairspray to Beetlejuice, to a Tony Nominated performance as Kira in Xanadu, Kerry Butler has one of the most extensive careers on Broadway. I am joined by Bway icon, Kerry Butler, to chat all about her incredible career on Broadway and beyond! Kerry talks about her background as an artist, and how she ended up in the world of art. She touches on her experience originating roles on Bway, as well as all the roles she had a hand in creating but never got to play. We dive into the extracurriculars, and how important it is for an artist to have interests and joys outside of the theater bubble. Kerry also shares about her incredible podcast, Breaking Broadway, and how much she enjoys instilling wisdom about the industry for the next generation. U guys, Kerry is amazing, U don't wanna miss this episode! Follow Oh My Pod U Guys: Instagram: @ohmypodugys bpn.fm/ohmypod You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have casting director, Jason Styres, back for part two- giving insight into the casting process. Jason discusses casting from open calls- What makes someone stand out in auditions? How to work on the material for auditions. Then we have Margot Plum on to chat about side hustles. Jason is an award-winning casting director whose work is currently globally represented, covering every facet of the industry: theatre, film, television, commercials, live events, dance, company consultation, and more. He is the founder and creative director of the Casting Collaborative, as well as the founder of the Caucus for Independent Casting. He has cast projects such as the Tony Award Winning Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Broadway, 1st National Tour, and 2nd National Tour), the hit Off-Broadway comedy Puffs, The Lion King (Broadway & National Tour), and over 15 different productions for the prestigious New York City Center Encores! series., from Merrily We Roll Along (starring Lin Manuel Miranda, 2012) to Cabin in the Sky (his first foray into stage collaboration with Camille A. Brown, 2016). You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Follow Jason Styres: Instagram: @castingbyjasonstyres and @thecastingcollab www.thecastingcollab.com Follow Margot Plum: Instagram: @margyplum and @plumtreeprojects Follow The Hustle: Instagram: @thehustle_nyc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have casting director, Jason Styres, on this episode giving insight into the casting process. Jason discusses casting from open calls - What makes someone stand out in auditions? How to work on the material for auditions. Then Margot Plum joins to give the logistics on finding open calls. Jason is an award-winning casting director whose work is currently globally represented, covering every facet of the industry: theatre, film, television, commercials, live events, dance, company consultation, and more. He is the founder and creative director of the Casting Collaborative, as well as the founder of the Caucus for Independent Casting. He has cast projects such as the Tony Award Winning Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Broadway, 1st National Tour, and 2nd National Tour), the hit Off-Broadway comedy Puffs, The Lion King (Broadway & National Tour), and over 15 different productions for the prestigious New York City Center Encores! series., from Merrily We Roll Along (starring Lin Manuel Miranda, 2012) to Cabin in the Sky (his first foray into stage collaboration with Camille A. Brown, 2016). You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Follow Jason Styres: Instagram: @castingbyjasonstyres and @thecastingcollab www.thecastingcollab.com Follow Margot Plum: Instagram: @margyplum and @plumtreeprojects Follow The Hustle: Instagram: @thehustle_nyc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back for Part 2! We have TikTok star and Wicked National Tour standby for Elphaba, Emily Kristen Morris. In addition to being a working actress and social media influencer, Emily is a certified vocal coach. Because she has so much to share, Emily is my guest for the next two episodes. She will share stories about her career and offer her favorite vocal tips. We will also learn all about her digital course and take a deep dive into using social media to help your acting career. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Follow Emily Kristen Morris: Instagram: @emilykristenmorris and @EKMvocalstudio TikTok: @emilykristenmorris Youtube: @emilushkaa www.emilykristenmorris.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have TikTok star and Wicked National Tour standby for Elphaba, Emily Kristen Morris. In addition to being a working actress and social media influencer, Emily is a certified vocal coach. Because she has so much to share, Emily is my guest for the next two episodes. She will share stories about her career and offer her favorite vocal tips. We will also learn all about her digital course and take a deep dive into using social media to help your acting career. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Follow Emily Kristen Morris: Instagram: @emilykristenmorris and @EKMvocalstudio TikTok: @emilykristenmorris Youtube: @emilushkaa www.emilykristenmorris.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s college audition time! I did a joint podcast with "Mapping the College Audition" and talked about MY college experience and how that is different from today. (Loved Ithaca College!) They don’t cut people anymore?!!! Hope this helps you trust the process! And trust you will get in where you are meant to be. Follow Mapping the College Audition! Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions) TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions Charlie Murphy:@charmur7 Meghan Cordier:@meghanmarie2014 You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your show is moving to Broadway! Actually, not happening. Your show may move to Broadway! Not yet... How do you handle the hope/stress and live your life while you are involved with a show that MAY go to Broadway? After years and years, Jose Llana is finally back on Broadway with the hit show Here Lies Love. Listen to his journey getting there! Follow Jose Llana on Instagram @thejosellana and check out Here Lies Love @herelieslovebway. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas J. Cohen recently wrote a a book, How to Survive a Killer Musical, Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway, giving great insight into creating a new musical. Great insight for anyone who wants to get in on the ground level of creating a new show! Part two of two. Douglas J Cohen's composing credits: Music & Lyrics for No Way to Treat A Lady, The Gig, The Big Time, and The Opposite of Sex (Kerry and Doug worked together on this show). Follow Douglas J. Cohen on Instagram @douglasjcohen and get more info at douglasjcohen.com. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Douglas J. Cohen recently wrote a a book, How to Survive a Killer Musical, Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway, giving great insight into creating a new musical. Great insight for anyone who wants to get in on the ground level of creating a new show! Part one of two. Douglas J Cohen's composing credits: Music & Lyrics for No Way to Treat A Lady, The Gig, The Big Time, and The Opposite of Sex (Kerry and Doug worked together on this show). Follow Douglas J. Cohen on Instagram @douglasjcohen and get more info at douglasjcohen.com. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Matthew Scott - best known for Jersey Boys and Sondheim on Sondheim talks about creating his own show. Get some tips on how to create your own work and how to write your own show. Matthew's Broadway credits: Grand Horizons, An American in Paris, Sondheim on Sondheim, A Catered Affair, and Jersey Boys Follow Matthew Scott on Instagram @m.a.t.t.h.e.w_s.c.o.t.t. He'll be performing his show, The Jesus Year, A Letter From My Dad at Theatre Raleigh on September 22nd - theatreraleigh.com and 54 Below on September 26th - 54below.org. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reunited with my co-star from Xanadu, Cheyenne Jackson. Cheyenne moved from a very small town, not knowing anything about theater to… Not Broadway... Seattle! From there he eventually made it to Broadway and then Hollywood. I asked him about that transition. He has great self-tape tips! Cheyenne's Broadway credits include: Into The Woods, Finian's Rainbow, Xanadu, All Shook Up, & Thoroughly Modern Millie Follow Cheyenne on Instagram @mrcheyennejackson. He'll be performing at 54 Below this September - 54below.org/events/cheyenne-jackson/, and you can see us both on thebroadwaycruise.com in March 2024! You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brilliant award winning song writing team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are my guests. Currently they are represented on Broadway in the smash hit Some Like it Hot. I had the privilege of working with them on Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can. You also may know their music from the tv show Smash. We talk about their incredible careers, and they give advice on how to audition. Can you take their music and make it your own? To riff or not to riff, that is the question. Learn more about Marc at marcshaiman.com. On Instagram, follow Marc @marc_shaiman and Scott @scottwittman. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continuing our discussion of side hustles, we have Mandy Gonzalez. She starred in Hamilton for five years, was Elphaba in Wicked, and originated Nina in In the Heights. Even with all those amazing credits, she still finds other work. We also have Aurore Joly, who moved to NYC from France to try to make it on Broadway. While going on auditions and working theater jobs, she created her own pilates business (that I go to!) Learn more about Mandy Gonzalez at mandygonzalez.com. Follow her on Instagram @mandy.gonzalez. Learn more about Aurore Joly at aurorejoly.art and @cleophaseve and Move Art Studio at themoveartstudio.com and @moveart_studio. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have been doing a series on side hustles, because people don’t talk about how much an actor’s salary can fluctuate. There could be one great year, and then a few years where you barely make money acting. That’s normal. This week we have Katie Webber and David Josefsberg - actors who between the two of them have been in over 20 Broadway shows! They both found side hustles they love that work around their audition schedules AND tap into their other talents and creativity. Learn more about Katie, her favorite recipes, and her cookbooks at katiewebbernyc.com. Follow her on Instagram @katiewebbernyc. Follow David on Instagram and TikTok @davidsjosefsberg. Learn about his classes at broadwaybreathwork.com, and learn more about the Target 100 program at target100.net. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Bell Bundy is about to star on Broadway in The Cottage! She has been acting in this business since she was eleven, when she starred in Ruthless! Off-Broadway. (She had some very famous understudies.) We have the best time catching up and hearing all her wonderful advice for performers AND learning all about her business and activism that is so important to her - Womxn of Tomorrow. Learn more about Laura Bell Bundy at laurabellbundy.com and on Instagram @laurabellbundy. Follow Womxn of Tomorrow Foundation at womxnoftomorrow.org and on Instagram @womxnoftomorrow. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dream of getting a Tony on Broadway? Here are some words of advice from this year's Tony nominees, including Nikki Crawford, Wendell Pierce, Kevin Cahoon, Kevin Del Aguila, Jordan Cooper, Jen Weber, James Ijames, Eva Price and many more! You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robert Horn, the Tony nominated writer of Shucked and classic tv shows Designing Women, Teen Beach Movie and so many others, tells us what the creative team looks for during auditions. And, why you may have given the best audition, but still not have gotten the part! Follow Robert @rhorn1 on Instagram and Twitter. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonnie Milligan tells us how she went from open calls to getting a Tony nomination for Kimberly Akimbo on Broadway. Follow Bonnie in Instagram at @beltingbons and Twitter @BeltingBonnie. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2023 Tony Nominees share the tough times they made it through before becoming a nominee. We spoke live with Nikki Crawford, James Ijames, Kevin Cahoon, Julia Lester, Lorna Courtney, NaTasha Yvette Williams, and Miriam Silverman just days after the nominations were announced. Get ready to be inspired! You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have Tovah Feldshuh, star of Funny Girl, as our guest. Tovah celebrates a milestone this month - 50 years being on Broadway! Listen as she shares her unconventional journey to getting on Broadway and decades of incredible stories along the way. Learn more about Tovah at tovahfeldshuh.com/. Follow her on Instagram @tovahfeld, Facebook @TovahFeldshuh, Twitter @TovahwithaV & YouTube @SolidGolda. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you have made it on Broadway are you set? NO! We are always hustling! Dana talks about how she kept her “day” job while performing on Broadway. The dry spells can be long, so we all have to have other ways to make a living. Follow Dana Steingold @dsteinface on Instagram and Twitter. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have Aurore Joly, a dancer who lived and trained in Paris alone at a very young age, talking about her journey to New York. She is my Pilates instructor, and she helped me be able to do 8 shows a week with an injury. We ALSO have Dana Steingold on to talk about getting through 8 shows a week in Beetlejuice, and we may bring up the competition we had going to win the coveted "Most Shows" award. Learn more about Aurore Joly at aurorejoly.art and @cleophaseve and Move Art Studio at themoveartstudio.com and @moveart_studio. Learn more about Dana Steingold @dsteinface on Instagram and Twitter. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have my dear friend - the fearless Mandy Gonzalez. Mandy has starred in so many amazing Broadway shows - Wicked, Hamilton, and In the Heights to name a few. Mandy talks about getting her start in theater, and how she was able to do 8 shows a week in Hamilton while being a mom AND going through cancer treatments. She is a survivor. Join us for this truly inspirational episode. Learn more about Mandy at mandygonzalez.com. Follow her on Instagram @mandy.gonzalez. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have triple threat Katie Webber on. Not only has Katie been in 9 broadway shows, but she is also a trained holistic nutritionist. Performers are athletes. She talks about how best to fuel our bodies to be able to do eight shows a week. Learn more about Katie, her favorite recipes, and her cookbooks at katiewebbernyc.com. Follow her on Instagram @katiewebbernyc. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Josefsberg has been in 9 broadway shows, and most recently he had the great pleasure of playing my husband in Beetlejuice 😂. Staying on the topic of doing 8 shows a week, I interviewed David to find out his tricks. When you are put in for a show, it can be very stressful. You barely have any time to rehearse with the cast. I remember when David came into Beetlejuice and on his first night he had to close his dressing room door and take time to meditate before the show. He ended up doing a fantastic job, and I was really impressed with how he set boundaries and took that time for himself because he knew he needed it! Follow David on Instagram and TikTok @davidsjosefsberg. Learn about his classes at broadwaybreathwork.com, and learn more about the Target 100 program at target100.net. As always, you can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with casting director Andrew Fem! I found Andrew through Instagram and LOVED their content. Andrew breaks down the do’s and don’ts of self tape auditions from the casting director’s perspective. Whether it is for TV, film or theater, Andrew discusses the differences and shares how to nail the self tape. Learn more about Andrew Fem on Instagram @castingbythem and at castingbythem.com. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All auditions have changed in a big way since Covid! I found casting director Andrew Fem‘s Instagram and LOVED their content! Andrew breaks down the do’s and don’ts of self tape auditions from the casting director’s perspective. Whether it is for TV, film or theater, Andrew discusses the differences and shares how to nail the self tape. Learn more about Andrew Fem on Instagram @castingbythem and at castingbythem.com. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder how dancers can do the things they do eight shows a week?!! Me too! I have my dear friend and Broadway darling Angie Schworer (Currently in Some Like it Hot) on to let us know how she has the stamina and energy to keep going from show to show. Angie gives us all the tips on how to get it, and how to flaunt it, eight times a week! Learn more about Angie Schworer on Instagram @angieschworer. You can find me on Instagram @kerrybutler1 and TikTok @kerrybutlernyc. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com, follow @kerrybutlercoach on Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As someone who gets rejected pretty much every day, I have always felt comfort in hearing other people’s rejection stories. My advice is know that rejection is just part of being an actor and try not to take it personally. This episode will feature stories from Laura Bell Bundy and Telly Leung. As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about Laura Bell Bundy: Laura Bell Bundy (co-host and co-creator of Women of Tomorrow Podcast) is a Tony-Award nominated actress and singer whose many Broadway credits include the original Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray and the original Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Her TV credits include Dr. Jordan Denby on television's Anger Management and Rachel Ragland on The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder. She also is a recording artist, songwriter, director, producer, and mother. In recent years, her creative work has been focused on the education and empowerment of women. Twitter & Instagram: @laurabellbundy Learn more about Telly Leung: Telly Leung is a New York City native, Broadway performer, recording artist, producer, and theater arts teacher. His Broadway and national touring credits include Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, In Transit, Allegiance, Godspell, Rent, Wicked, Pacific Overtures, Flower Drum Song. Television audiences will remember him as Wes the Warbler on Glee, as well as appearances on Instinct, Odd Mom Out, Deadbeat and Law and Order: Criminal Intent. He can be heard on many original Broadway cast recordings and has released two solo albums, I’ll Cover You (2012) and Songs for You (2016), and the You Matter EP (2020). Twitter & Instagram: @tellyleung / www.tellyleung.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As someone who gets rejected pretty much every day, I have always felt comfort in hearing other people’s rejection stories. My advice is know that rejection is just part of being an actor and try not to take it personally. This episode will feature stories from Constantine Maroulis and Ann Harada. As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about Constantine Maroulis: Constantine first came to prominence as the beloved rock n’ roll underdog on American Idol. He then secured his place in pop culture as a Broadway superstar, best known for his Tony-nominated role in Rock of Ages. Now, for his third act, he begins an invigorating and promising new era with a bevy of intriguing projects, which include touring with his band Foreigners Journey and working on his new Broadway endeavor, Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story. Instagram: @constantinemaroulis / Twitter: @ConstantineM / ConstantineMaroulis.com Learn more about Ann Harada: Ann is best known for originating the role of Christmas Eve in Avenue Q on Broadway and in London’s West End. Other Broadway: Rodgers+Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Les Miserables, 9 to 5, Seussical, M.Butterfly. Recent Off-Bway: Pacific Overtures, Stuffed, Dear World, Brooklynite. Film: Sisters, Admission, Hope Springs, Happiness, Youth in Oregon.TV: Smash, Blue Bloods, Schmigadoon!, Indoor Boys (Indie Series Award nomination). Instagram: @iamannharada / Twitter: @annharada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the story morning glory?... Insta-story that is! Find out how to work social media to market yourself. This episode is the second part of our conversation with the incredibly knowledgeable Bret Shuford - Broadway Actor, Create Life Coach and one half of the Broadway Husbands. You do not want to miss it! As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about Bret: @bretshuford bretshuford.com broadwayhusbands.com Listen to The Broadway Husbands Podcast at bpn.fm/broadwayhusbands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the story morning glory?... Insta-story that is! Find out how to work social media to market yourself. Our guest is the incredibly knowledgeable Bret Shuford - Broadway Actor, Create Life Coach and one half of the Broadway Husbands. You do not want to miss this one! As always, you can follow me on Instagram @kerrybutler1. For coaching and teaching, visit my website at kerrybutlercoach.com or email me at [email protected]. Learn more about Bret: @bretshuford bretshuford.com broadwayhusbands.com Listen to The Broadway Husbands Podcast at bpn.fm/broadwayhusbands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ghost-with-the-most is returning to Broadway! Barbara Maitland herself goes behind the scenes with Alex Brightman, Elizabeth Teeter, David Josefsberg, Adam Dannheisser, and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer! She gets the inside scoop on all things Beetlejuice with answers to never-before-asked questions, funny back-stage anecdotes and rituals... all while having a few chuckles along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices