Cue To Cue: The Performers' Podcast

Today, in honour of the late Paul Soles, I re-release this conversation I had with him 3 years ago just on the heels of him winning best actor for his role in My 90-Year-Old Roommate. Paul is a Canadian Treasure and I feel so lucky to have sat a spoken with him for as long as I did collecting gems of wisdom. A true class act. Sitting down with Actor/ T.V. Personality/ Voice- Over Artist, Paul Soles, was a real treat for me. Paul was full of such life and good humour that it made for an easy discussion about the ups and downs and ins and outs of perusing a career as a performance artist. Aside from having an incredibly diverse and robust career, Paul witnessed the progression and development of both theatre and television from the beginning in Canada which allowed him to have a far broader scope and understanding of how the entertainment industry works and to have fascinating insights and stories on being a Canadian born artist that worked at home and internationally. One of the things that struck me about Paul was the immense of gratitude he has for the work he does. Paul is 86 and still working. Just a few weeks ago Paul won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor in a Digital Program or Series for his work in the hit CBC Comedy My 90- Year-Old Roommate. Paul seems to speak with the same level of enthusiasm as someone who is starting out on their journey as an artist and that truly left a mark on me. Many times through the interview he proclaimed how lucky he has been to have been given the opportunities to work and how blessed he has been to work with the calibre of actors over the course of his career. In his words, "more luck than good management". I am sure talent had a little something to do with it. In this episode, we discuss how he got his start as a voice-over artist and actor, what is one tip he has received throughout his career that has stuck with him and proved to be useful, what his most memorable moment has been of his career and what he believes draw performers to want to perform in the first place and so much more! A little about Paul : Soles is widely known as the voice of Hermey the misfit elf in Rankin/Bass' Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from 1964. He also voiced Marvel superhero Spider-Man in the original animated television series also from the 1960s, and he played "The Lawbreaker" on the CBC panel quiz show This Is the Law in the 1970s, and played Costas Stavros on the Canadian soap opera Riverdale. In 2001, Soles took over the role of Shylock the Jew in the Stratford Festival of Canada production of The Merchant of Venice after Al Waxman, who was originally scheduled to play the part, died.[3] Soles played Stanley the pizza shop owner in The Incredible Hulk (2008), and his other film appearances have included roles in Ticket to Heaven (1981), Just the Way You Are (1984) and The Gunrunner (1989) opposite Kevin Costner. He also played Danny, the Montreal Customs House janitor in the 2001 crime thriller The Score. Soles won a 2006 Gemini Award for his role in the television series Terminal City,[4] and a 2017 Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Digital Production for My 90-Year-Old Roommate.[5]

Today we are talking about the BIG G! Gratitude! Why it's so important. How as an artist a gratitude practice can help in your life and work! I am sharing my experience of how I did what all the books told me to do and failed miserably at developing a gratitude practice of my own for an entire year. How I turned that self-induced miserable experience into a breakthrough to having one of the most joyous gratitude practices! Enjoy!

Are you planning on creating a show or learning something new? Are you afraid to bother people and ask for help? Don't! Be a bother and reach out! It's normal not to know everything. Actor/Writer/Comedian Clare Blackwood from the hit Late Night in Canada show is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue this week to remind us that it's ok not to know things and not always get things right. You can tap your artistic community and seek for their guidance and feedback. Whatever you're feeling, don't let it stop you from trying, reaching out and developing yourself while waiting for that opening. Life is like a double dutch game, it's all about timing, finding your opening and keeping the momentum! You just need to have the stamina and endurance for it. In this episode: How a joke about starting a Canadian late-night show prompted her to pursue her passion for comedy and writing. The challenges in Clare's multi-step artistic journey from classical acting to comedy and writing and how she overcame it. The importance of using her platform to talk about issues that might not get talked about. How she dealt with her insecurities when she was starting in the comedy community. How artists can enrich the fabric of society in which we live. A little about Clare: Clare Blackwood is an award-winning Toronto-based actor, writer, and comedian, an alumna of the Second City Sketch Conservatory, a Second City Tim Sim's Encouragement Award nominee, and the creator, writer, and host of Late Night in Canada, a new weekly political late-night show on YouTube. She is a contributing writer for The Beaverton and has also been published on CBC Comedy, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and more. Share this episode! >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/193 Follow Clare! Twitter: @clareblackwood Instagram: @clareblackwood Facebook: @clareblackwood

As the trend of virtual performances continue, do you fear that your knowledge of technology limits your creativity? Are you worried about how you can transition from live shows to online acts? Don't be afraid to rise to the challenge and use it to your advantage. Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue this week are Improvisors/Actors Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood who remind us that it's ok to get yourself into trouble and to enjoy being in survival mode. They would take us on a journey on how they transitioned from two guys with zero knowledge about virtual performances to creating the Stream of Consciousness. They also remind us that when your creative brains are in crisis mode, that's when you open doors and find things that nobody is doing; except for Oprah. Use technology as your friend instead of a limitation. Be willing to be bad to be good, good to be great, great to be excellent; you just need to have that willingness! Surprise yourself and be creative! In this episode: How being in a survival mode opened doors to creativity in the virtual landscape. The technical challenges they encountered in starting the Stream of Consciousness and the steps they took to overcome it. How the pandemic allowed them to find their creative outlets. How they learned to embrace the difference in the audience dynamics between a live and virtual performance. A little about Colin and Brad: Armed with nothing but their sharp wit, comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood around proud to present an all-new LIVE improv show via Zoom, Stream of Consciousness, where you are in the driver's seat. This truly interactive experience is fueled by audience suggestions, leaving Colin and Brad to rely only on their wits and intuition. Hilarious and bubbling with irreverent humor, the duo captivate with their whip-smart senses and off-the-cuff comedic brilliance you won't find anywhere else. Known by TV audiences for their work on Whose Line is it Anyway? Colin & Brad improvise new material every night from audience suggestions and participation. "Interactive" in every sense of the word, Colin & Brad will take the audience on a comedic high-wire act…just like a live version of Whose Line! Their amusing, PG-rated family show includes variations on many of the games showcased on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, including "Sound FX" and "One Word Expert." As Mochrie and Sherwood take caution to point out at the beginning of each show, the scenes that make up the act are entirely unscripted. Throughout the evening, the show becomes truly interactive as audience members are called to participate in the fun. Mochrie and Sherwood both rose to prominence on the improv TV series as frequent players in its original incarnation on Britain's Channel 4 and then as star performers on the American version of the TV show from 1998-2006. Before making comedy history with Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Mochrie starred in a variety of commercials, TV shows and movies. He was the recipient of the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Improviser in 2000 and the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Performance on the Canadian version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? the following year. Sherwood has also appeared on various TV sitcoms, including VH1's I Love the 70s, 80s and 90s and has headlined in Las Vegas with Drew Carey as a member of the comedy show, "Improv All-Stars." Now, Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter for all ages. Share this episode! >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/192 Follow Colin! Instagram @colinmochrie7591 Twitter @colinmochrie Follow Brad! Instagram @thebradsherwood Twitter @TheBradSherwood Get your tickets to "Stream Of Consciousness" online!

Have you ever had an audition experience that made you cringe? Recalling it makes yours shudder? We have all been there. How do we not allow these audition experiences to create a sabotaging narrative and start to define our success or failure as artists? Today, I am sharing one of my WORST audition experiences and how it affected my confidence as a performer and the transformational moment that allowed me to reframe my life as an artist and bounce back from less than desirable experiences in my career. You are guaranteed to have bad auditions in your career but you do not have to let them define your worth as an artist! Hopefully, in sharing my experience it will empower to walk in your power and take ownership of your auditions.

In honour of International Women's Day, we are celebrating some of the inspiring and powerful women that have chatted with us on Cue To Cue- the performer's podcast! Get ready to be inspired! Send this episode to someone in your life! Share this episode: www.thisischelseajohnson.com/191 In this episode: Denise Donlon: Media/Music Executive Lisa Brescia: Broadway Performer/Teacher Laura Adamo: Actor/Writer/Director Jully Black: Recording Artist Dani Kind: Actor Julia Juhas: Performing Artist/Mindful Movement Facilitator Jenni Burke: Actress/Songstress/Performer Britta Johnson: Writer/Composer/Lyricist Jenni Walls: Performer/Director/Producer Sharron Matthews: Actor/Writer/Producer Kaylee Harwood: Singer/Actor/Dancer

What does it mean to be confident? The word confident comes from the root word Con and fid. With fidelity. With Fidelity to oneself. Today, we are exploring what it means to be confident as an artist and a performer. How do you build confidence? How do you keep it? How do you grow it? Do you have a complicated relationship with confidence?! If you do struggle, rest assured you are not alone! Have a listen to today's episode of Cue To Cue! Let us know what resonated with you! Connect with us on all social platforms! I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Is there a passion that you have always want to explore? Is it too late for you? Will you be successful? Should you just stick to what you know? What will people think? Sound familiar? Take a leap of faith! It doesn't need to be all or nothing to explore your passions! Writer/Comedian/Actor Yaw Attuah joins the conversation on Cue To Cue this week to encourage us to take a leap if we want to and explore why it's gnawing at you. You need to try it and see if it's really what you're looking for. Yaw will take us on a journey on how he took a leap of faith in becoming a comedian and how his worst set turned out to be the a great learning experience. He reminds us that we can demystify the unknown and learn from moments when we fall. Don't wallow in your failures. Don't let the beast grow! Confront your biggest fears! In this episode: The difference between any comic and a better comic is how you frame the joke. How modesty can be dishonesty when we don't acknowledge our own skills and achievements. The importance of critique in nurturing your creativity. How a performance solidified his leap of faith as a comedian. Share this episode! >> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/189 A little about Yaw: Yaw Attuah is a comedian, writer and actor from Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. He was a finalist in the 2017 Toronto Comedy Brawl competition and competed in comedy competitions in Brantford, ON, and San Diego, CA. He debuted his critical and audience hit one-person show 'Rhymes with Wow' at the Toronto Fringe Festival July 2018. Yaw has completed the Second City Toronto Writer's program and the prestigious Second City Conservatory program. As a stand-up comedian, Yaw has performed at many well-respected clubs/venues across the North America and has opened for Comedians Sam Jay (SNL), Josh Gondelman (Desus & Mero), and Eliza Skinner (Drop the Mic on TBS) Follow Yaw! Instagram: @yawexperience Twitter: @yawexperience

Do you fear having to sing popular music? Do you have an upcoming audition, but you're still trying to figure out the right pop music material for you? Start with learning more about it. Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue this week is Performer/Entrepreneur/Performance Coach Valerie Stanois who reminds us that we need to educate ourselves on the history of popular music in order for us to gain a deeper understanding of the different genres and styles. There are more and more musicals written in the pop genre which pushes us to step outside of our comfort zone and interpret something which has been heard a million times and make it our own. Pop music is an emotional expression of a singer's life; and in turn, we hear our own and interpret it through our own lens. Valerie reiterates that we don't need to sound like Celine Dion; rather, we need to put our authentic stamp in our art. Share your story! Rock your spotlight! In this episode: How she found her true authenticity by thriving in her own creative journey. The importance of understanding the history of pop music in determining how you can put your own stamp on your art. How she gained a deeper appreciation of the diversity of cultures when she worked in a cruise ship. How an artist can tell stories and inspire others through their craft. How podcasts helped her look at things from a different angle. A little about Valerie: 'Powerhouse' vocalist, Valerie Stanois, is an accomplished and award-winning entertainer who truly redefines the term "triple threat". Her career has led her to Broadway and around the world performing on stage, television, radio, music videos, cruise ships, theme parks, casinos and numerous corporate events. Valerie is most well-known for her portrayal of "Oz", the rocker rebel, in the Original Canadian Production of Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and also starred in the Broadway and original Toronto productions of 'Rock of Ages'. She has been noted to have "a real command of the stage", "impressive stamina and disciplined vocal control" and has received a number of awards and nominations for her work. Other notable credits include: 'Dee Snider's Rock and Roll Christmas Tale', 'Hello Dolly' and 'Into the Woods' at the Stratford Festival, Sillibub in 'Cats', Brook Wyndham in 'Legally Blonde', Rizzo in 'Grease', 'Hair' and many more. Her talents have also lead her to perform alongside such artists as Queen, Carly Rae Jepsen, Dee Snider of 'Twisted Sister', and has recorded a duet with Canadian Idol runner up, Rex Goudie, entitled 'Won't Have to Wait' now available on Itunes. Valerie continues to be one of Canada's leading entertainers, choreographers, and educators. Follow Valerie! Instagram: @valeriestanois @rockyourspotlight YouTube: Valerie Stanois Share this episode >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/188

Are you sitting in your comfort zone? Or are you intentionally working at the edge of your growth? Try something new, be uncomfortable and drive your own artist! Hillary Tuck & Eric Hunicutt from The Performer's Mindset are joining our conversation on Cue To Cue this week to urge us to try something that seems crazy and create our unique interpretation instead of going with the obvious choices. They remind us that there's a bunch of different versions to do a thing, even though our first impulse often takes us to just one option. Are you afraid you might do it wrong? Are you focused on hitting the marks and just getting it done? Enjoy the process and love your messy bits! Show your authentic self as an artist. In this episode: How the ability to pick options makes good improvisers The benefits of virtual workshops in creating a community of artists How starting to perform at a young age impacted Hillary's search for identity The importance of intentionally being willing to work at the edge of your growth The impact of having a process in developing a performer's mindset Take Intro To Mindset! Sign up here! >> Use promo code: cuetocuemind for $50 off https://www.theperformersmindset.com/product/intro-to-mindset-virtual-edition-february5-february7-2021/ A little about Hillary: Hillary Tuck has been a working actor since she was 14. She has been a series regular on several shows including Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Her movies have been to Sundance. You may have seen her on shows like Grimm, NCIS and 90210… You've heard her voice on Family Guy and she's been in commercials that aired during the super bowl. You can see her most recently in Sorry For Your Loss with Elizabeth Olsen and recurring in season five of Bosch. Hillary has been an acting teacher and on set coach since 2014 at Warner Loughlin Studios…coaching actors on shows like Fox's The Exorcist, ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and comedians like George Lopez Follow Hillary! Twitter: @MissHillaryTuck Instagram: @HillaryTuck A little about Eric: Eric Hunicutt has worked in the performing arts and entertainment industry for over two decades. He's worked as an actor, director, improviser and educator across the US and in Canada. Eric's work includes live theatre, commercials, films, tv, sketch comedy and hundreds of improv shows in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and on tour. As a teacher, he's taught acting and improv classes to a wide range of artists, from undergraduates to Broadway veterans and series regulars, working in prestigious acting studios, universities, and intensives. In addition to working with artists, he's guided executives and educators, taught science communication skills to researchers and professors, facilitated corporate teambuilding workshops, and coached performers, athletes, and storytellers. He is a presenter and coach for The Performers Mindset. Follow Eric! Instagram: @ehunicutt

The entertainment industry is one of the industries to be hit the hardest due to its collaborative nature; both in its creation and consumption. This has left us in an uncertain as performers and artists. I have loved watching people innovate and change as we need to. It has been very inspiring but what happens to all of our personal goals as artists? These last ten months has given me great pause in my life in many ways. It feels like I can acutely remember every moment and also all of it feeling like a blur at the same time. One thing I am certain of it has forced me inward. To live in the truth of my desires. How do go after and achieve what I want in such uncertain times? Over the last four months, I have been looking at different strategies in setting goals for the next while and there are four main things I have had to do to keep moving forward. I am sharing them with you today :) Enjoy! Connect with Cue To Cue: F: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

What is your biggest failure in life? Did it stop or help your art? Actor/Writer/Director Laura Adamo is joining the conversation on Cue to Cue this week to share how the failures and pain she experienced in the past allowed her to hone her creative process. She reminds us that we can fail spectacularly because at some point in our lives, it will be a part of the key in unlocking the next step of our journey into something great. What do you do when you're forced to face the unknown? When was the last time you learned something new and stepped outside of your comfort zone? Take a leap of faith! Laura reiterates that creativity requires us to lean into vulnerability instead of running away from it. Have the courage to have an open heart and move authentically through the world. Be the best version of yourself and don't let your past define your future. In this episode: How taking the director's hat became the greatest gift she gave her actor self. The importance of having an open heart in your creative process. How to discern which criticism you should listen to. The dynamics of balancing the business and creative side in directing a movie. How a series of painful events inspired her to create "The Wishing Tree" movie. Share Laura's Epsiode! >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/185 A little about Laura: LAURA ADAMO, is a Toronto based actor who is a graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in New York. Upon her return to Toronto, Laura began writing and producing in addition to acting. Her first project was the short film DRAMA QUEEN, which she created the concept for, produced and stared in. The film screened at the TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL and won the bronze medallion award at the HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. She went on to produce and star in LAST CALL, a feature film that screened at THE BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL and won the audience choice award at THE SAN DIEGO FILM FESTIVAL which led to a distribution deal with Moving Pictures in the USA. Adamo then turned her attention to television. She has created 5 scripted series and one lifestyle documentary food series. Her lifestyle show FAMILY SECRETS was in development with Paperny films and the pilot was shot by Douglas Arrowsmith. Her first scripted series CATTLE CALL, a half hour comedy, went into development with CITY TV where she shot a pilot directed by Ron Murphy. Her second series BAIT, went into development with BUCK PRODUCTIONS and had a pilot script ordered by MUCH MUSIC. Laura's current project is the feature film THE WISHING TREE, which she wrote, and starred in. THE WISHING TREE just premiered at FILMOCRACY FEST, the new festival by Jon Fitzgerald, who is the co-founder of THE SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL where it won the AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD. THE WISHING TREE is her directorial debut. Follow Laura! Instagram: @thewishingtreemovie @l_adamo Facebook: @thewishingtreemovie Twitter: @LauraAdamo_

How do you juggle multiple skillsets? How do you keep your skills sharp? Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue this week is Performer/Fight Director/Intimacy Professional Siobhan Richardson who advises us to always reassess and rebalance on what makes us happy, not what other people think you should be. Are you suffocating because you're selecting what you should show the world? Are you being the fullest version of yourself? Release yourself from those shackles! You can be more than one thing at a time and still find fulfillment. You can enjoy and thrive in the diversity of your passions! In this episode: How breaking the shackles from the expectations of others allowed her to thrive in different forms of art and creativity How ballet triggered her journey in movements arts to discovering stage combat and scenes of intimacy The importance of points and pathways in embodying the required movements for scenes of violence The impact of communication in knowing if someone is in trauma response versus being uncomfortable with scenes of intimacy A little about Siobhan: Siobhan Richardson is an award-winning actor/fighter/singer/dancer, Fight Director and Instructor, and Intimacy Director and is a pioneer voice in the Canadian Theatre Industry regarding Intimacy in Performance. She is the preferred Fight Director and Instructor for a number of theatre companies, actors and directors, and a certified Fight Director with Fight Directors Canada. Stage combat teaching has, likewise, taken her across Canada, the USA and Europe. She has taught at international events such as the "Paddy Crean International Art of the Sword Workshop", "The World Stage Combat Certification and Teacher's Conference", "Fight Directors Canada's National Workshops", and the "Nordic Stage Fight Society's Summer Workshops". In 2009, she received a "Chalmers Arts Fellowship Award" from the Ontario Arts Council, which allowed her to travel to Washington (DC), England and Sweden to study with some of the world's foremost Fight Directors: Brad Waller, Jonathan Howell, Tim Klotz and Peppe Östensson. She has completed three separate teaching tours of Europe which included Sweden, Norway, Estonia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Finland, Germany and France. Siobhan's approach to teaching stage combat draws parallels to the actor's process in order to connect fight technique to the characters objectives, obstacles and tactics. From a physical perspective, her classes examine structure and biomechanics to prevent injury, while expanding physical vocabulary. She had been teaching Intimacy extensively across Canada for the 2.5 years before Pandemic, travelling from Vancouver to Halifax to teach this work, in professional and amateur settings, and in educational institutions. She has also shared these techniques across the United States and in Europe. She is the first certified Intimacy Director in Canada (Intimacy Directors International), was the first ACTRA "Intimacy Coordinator" contract and the first Intimacy Coordinator contract at Ubisoft. Her work as a fight director and/or intimacy director has appeared at The Shaw Festival, the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre and English Theatre, The Stratford Festival, Native Earth Performing Arts, Tarragon Theatre, Factory Theatre, Soulpepper, Canadian Musical Theatre Projects, The Grand Theatre (London, ON), Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, Young Peoples' Theatre, Starvox Entertainment, and Coal Mine Theatre, to name a few. Meanwhile, she continues to perform as an actor/fighter/singer/dancer, most recently Faking It (#canadaperforms, NAC), The Penelopiad (Grand Theatre, London, ON) and A (musical) Midsummer Night's Dream (Driftwood Theatre). When at home, she and her partner, Matt Richardson, teach stage combat (private lessons, workshops for actors, and workshops in schools). In the 2013-2014 school year, Burning Mountain was on the Ontario Arts Council's "Artists in Education" roster, a program that subsidizes professional artists in high schools. In 2011, they won the Stage Combat Competition at CombatCon (Las Vegas), and later shot their scene "Trespasser" for film. Always infusing Joyfulness and Curiosity into the work, Siobhan is dedicated to the growth and development of the art forms, the artists and the workplaces. She builds upon current practices, inspired by historical sources, drawing upon a variety of styles and approaches, infused with some science and developing ideas. Her approach to teaching movement arts draws parallels to the actor's process in order to connect movement technique to the characters objectives, obstacles and tactics. From a physical perspective, her classes examine structure and biomechanics to prevent injury, while expanding physical vocabulary. She endeavors to foster and support a vibrant and healthy artistic community, and to help performers around the world connect more through their bodies to continually grow as storytellers and joyful co-workers. Follow Siobha

Did you ever feel that you needed to prove yourself as an artist? To your parents? Teachers? Directors? Castmates? Critics? You are not alone! Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue this week is Producer/Writer/Performer Duff MacDonald who will take us on a journey on how his "umbilical cord" was severed when he lost his parents and how it lead to an epiphany that he was doing everything to prove his worth to his parents. When the magic carpet is pulled under you, Duff reminds us that you have the magic and the skillset to survive and grow as an artist. Is there a project you've been wanting to start or a skill you've always to learn; but you're worried that there's a ton of technical things that you don't know yet? Don't devalue yourself! You don't have to be an expert; you have to be willing to learn the things that you don't know as you go. As long as you have the fundamentals, you can do it. In this episode: How the pandemic induced his creative juice and lead him to paint How an unexpected contract lead to a life-shifting experience in Scotland The influence of his mom's creativity to his own journey towards discovering his own artistry The Connection between creativity and confidence and how to find your confidence if you are struggling A little about Duff: Hailing from the wide open prairies of Saskatchewan, Duff has been singing and songwriting since the age of seven. He picked up the guitar at age fourteen and went on to win the Saskatchewan Search For the Stars at age 16. He also was a finalist in the Music City Song Festival in Nashville for his song "Dreamin" early in his career. He has performed venues all across Canada and the USA from coffee houses to large theatres and stadiums. His first professional recording came on a CD Compilation entitled "Desolation Sound" . Off his first recording, Duff received airplay for "If I Only Had the Time" and "In the Night" on CBC Radio Canada. His new country folk album NAKED is currently digitally available online within Apple Music, iTunes, Google Play and Amazon as well as many other sites. Material inspired by some major life events like the sudden passing of his parents, his brother and the end of a relationship. Veteran musicians Peter Bleakney (Anne Murray's bass player of 25 years), Adam Warner (Kevin Quain and the Mad Bastards, Sarah Slean, Royal Wood) and Mark Stewartson (Classic Albums Live) are the backing band on the album. Featuring Duncan Scott on Mandolin/Fiddle, Fred Smith on Banjo/Dobro and Michael Lerner on Keys and Synth. Produced by Duff and Michael Lerner. Featured on the album is a haunting duet of the celtic traditional song "The Skye Boat Song" with Juno Award nominated singer songwriter WENDY LANDS. His new country single PENNIES, NICKELS & DIMES can be heard on radio stations and streamed on iTunes as well. Mr. MacDonald is a seasoned performer of the stage, radio and television, acting in over 30 musicals and plays across Canada and the USA. He has also appeared in several national and international commercials. You are sure to have seen him in film and television roles like the recent CARTER (CTV Drama Channel), GOOD WITCH, TITANS (NetFlix), CLAWS OF THE RED DRAGON, Incorporated (SyFy), Tru Love (Winner of 35 Worldwide Film Fest Awards), Cinderella Man, Foolproof, The Music Man and most recently in the nation-wide spot for BOSTON PIZZA as the gold Professional Sports Trophy Model. Extremely popular during the 2015 World Baseball Series. Get Your Tickets to the Duff Show! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-duff-show-tickets-131683949237?fbclid=IwAR1DqpeNOcwZfwygi_UvZgMfVzGJvm3LaL_6QcYvdlek1A6Z1aFOn4-CS1U Follow Duff! Facebook: Duff MacDonald Twitter: @duffmacdonald Instagram: @duffmacdonald YouTube: Duff MacDonald W: https://duffmacdonald.com/

Have you ever feel that your performance was compromised because you got too nervous? Don't worry, you're not alone. Most of us seek to avoid nervousness. Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today is Actor/Coach/Founder Of The Performers Mindset Joe Towne who reminds us that even though we think that we have to be nerve-free to be at our best, that is not true. We need to be stressed enough that we have the opportunity to be at our edge of growth, but not too far to be overwhelmed or too little to be bored. What do you struggle most during auditions? Do you look for someone else to tell you how your performance went? Joe explains that is a misunderstanding of what your job is and that is an all to common reflex among performers. It's a trap, that somebody knows better than you do which can lead to anticipatory stress, comparison, and a lack of confidence. Focus on yourself and aim for excellence and do better than you've ever done before. Learn, grow, and expand! Enjoy today's episode! Sign Up for The Performer's Mindset Workshops Online! https://www.theperformersmindset.com/training/ SHARE THIS EPISODE >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/182 Follow on Social! I: @theperformersmindset I: @mejoetowne F: @theperformersmindset T: @mejoetowne

Are you struggling to find the balance in using social media? Do you ever get social media fatigue? Don't let it overrun your life! Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today is Actor/Artistic Director of We Are Here Productions Matt Lacas and Actor/Singer/Host Rosie Callaghan who encourages us to take the time to tune away. If you can't find the balance in using social media, it can turn to work, which can turn to stress and then burnout. We need to take a breather and do other things. Be ready to be inspired! In this episode: How finding a niche in the Instagram world allowed them to find something that they both enjoy How partnering with other companies helped them with their vision That blocking time helps with social media fatigue The importance of not being afraid to ask, try and be rejected A little about Matt and Rosie: Matt – Matt Lacas is an artist from Montreal who is now living and working out of Toronto. Matt is a graduate of both Dawson College Professional Theatre Program in Montreal and Randolph College for the Performing Arts here in Toronto. Matt has had the privilege to perform on stages in Asia, Europe, and all across Canada and the US. Matt is also the Artistic Director of We Are Here Productions, a Non-Profit that aims to turn art into tangible aid for those in need worldwide. Since it's inception in Dec.2017, We Are Here Productions has raised $30,000 for various charities and has worked with over a hundred Toronto based artists. Rosie – Rosie is an award-winning actor/singer originally hailing from Montreal. She is a proud graduate of both Dawson College (Montreal) and of Randolph College (Toronto). Selected credits include Omen (Toronto Fringe/Creation Coffin), In This House (Workman Arts/Talk Like You Theatre), tick, tick…BOOM! (Rentrobuff Productions), Spring Awakening (Persephone Productions), The Magical Journey (National Tour), It Shoulda Been You (Segal Centre/DWYT), Heathers: The Musical (We Are Here), and HAIR (In the Wings Promotions), for which she won a BroadwayWorld Award for her portrayal of the role of Jeanie. She also has had the chance to host many cabaret for such companies as The Segal Centre, Kaleidoscope, Project X Performance, and Rentrobuff. Follow Matt and Rosie! Instagram: Matt: @Is_That_MattLacas Rosie: @Callaghan.Rosie Sign up for Isolation Cocktails! https://www.sidehustlestudio.ca/store/isolation-cocktails/ Share this episode! www.thisischelseajohnson.com/181

Are you stuck in a negative pattern loop? Are you having trouble finding joy? Take baby steps! Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today is Actor/Singer/Director Thom Allison who reminds us to take the small victories to uplift ourselves, others and our craft. You have to willfully make a choice to find joy. If you can see it, you can change it. Don't feed your weakest self, feed your best self! Grab a notebook, a pen, your favourite beverage, and get comfy! Enjoy! In this episode: How the stillness brought by COVID can give us that much needed break How choosing joy every day uplifts ourselves, others and our craft His journey shifting from acting towards creating magic on stage in musicals The importance of diversifying the creative team to make the story richer and getting a different point of view His challenges in overcoming bulimia, self-doubt and impostor complex and how he did not let these internal fears overrun him A Little about Thom : Canadian Screen Award winner, Thom Allison can be seen as "Pree" in the hit series, KILLJOYS, on Space/Syfy Networks. Thom has appeared on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and in the original Canadian companies of Miss Saigon, The Who's Tommy and Rent. He was also a judge on CBC's Over the Rainbow, searching for Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz. At The Stratford Festival, Thom has appeared in Romeo and Juliet, Pericles, My Fair Lady, Threepenny Opera, The King and I, King Henry VIII, and Into the Woods. At the Shaw Festival: Ragtime, Wonderful Town, A Little Night Music and Follies: In Concert. Some other credits include The Wizard of Oz at Young People's Theatre (Toronto), Cabaret at Theatre Calgary, Annie at the Grand Theatre (London), Evita at Theatre Calgary/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (Winnipeg) and The Drowsy Chaperone at The Vancouver Playhouse, The Citadel (Edmonton), National Arts Centre (Ottawa) and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. TV/Film: Murdoch Mysteries, Kim's Convenience, I Me Wed, Road to Christmas, Leaving Metropolis. Directing credits include Seussical at Young Peoples Theatre, A Little Night Music (Randolph Academy), and Mary Poppins (Dora Award Nomination) at Young Peoples Theatre. His CD, "A Whole Lotta Sunlight" can be purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify. Visit his website: www.thomallison.com Follow Thom! Facebook: Thom Allison Twitter: @thomallison Instagram: thom_allison Website: http://thomallison.com/ Stay Connected with Cue To Cue! F: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

I am not certain of many things these days but there is one thing that has become very clear to me. That the pervasive cancel culture that has become prevalent in our culture is a threat to art. If we are not careful it will prevent us ( society) as a whole from exploring meaningful ideas and impede the making of art. I believe canceling people is dangerous. In today's episode, I am exploring the ramifications of cancel culture and the effects it has on the creative process, artist, and our art! Spicy episode! enjoy! Follow Chelsea! F: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today is Artist and Educator Omari Newton! I came to know of Omari while attending a self-tape webinar hosted by Casting Workbook where by Omari was the guest speaker. I not only found his webinar to be informative but I was drawn to his kind and truthful nature and I knew he would have so much to add to the conversation we have on Cue To Cue about creativity, personal growth, hot to hone your craft, and living the creative lifestyle. He did not disappoint! Grab a notebook, a pen, your favourite beverage, and get comfy! Enjoy! In this episode: his involvement in helping The Arts Club Theatre to Decolonize and implement sustainable, Anti-racist policy and practices what the potential blind spots areas that we may be missing or failing to bring to light, as society and the entertainment industry move foreword in allyship with the Black Lives Matter movement? How do we be a useful ally to POC and not get stuck in performative allyship How to ensure you are setting yourself up for success when you self- tape when submitting for auditions How to handle fear and doubt in your career and not let it overwhelm you How being financially literate has been one of the best things he did for his career as an artist A little about Omari: Omari Newton is an award-winning professional actor, writer, director andproducer. As a writer, his original Hip Hop theatre piece Sal Capone has receivedcritical acclaim and multiple productions, including a recent presentation atCanada's National Arts Centre. He has been commissioned by Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) in Montreal to write a companion piece to Sal Capone entitled Black & Blue Matters. The new piece is set to premiere at BTW in 2019. Omari and his wife, fellow professional playwright Amy Lee Lavoie, recently received a generous grant from the Canada Council to co-write a new play:Redbone Coonhound. Their latest collaboration is a bold and innovative satirical comedy that confronts instances of systemic racism in the past, present and future. Newton's work in Speakeasy Theatre's production of Young Jean Lee's TheShipment earned him a 2017-2018 Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor, as well as a nomination for Best Direction. Notable film & TV credits include: Lucas Ingram on Showcase's Continuum,Larry Summers on Blue Mountain State, and lending his voice to the Black Panther in multiple animated projects (Marvel). Most recently, Omari has a recurring role as Nate on Corner Gas (the animated series) and a recurring role as Corvus of Netflix's hit new animated series The Dragon Prince. Follow Omari! I: @omariakilnewton F: Omari Newton T: @omariakilnewton Mentioned in the episode: How To Self Tape. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_RyRmnd5zg

I am elated that Mark and I were finally able to make this conversation happen! I have been after mark for over a year to get him on Cue To Cue! Today is the day! One sentiment that really stuck with me after my time with Mark is how necessary it is to be in pursuit of what you love in order to stay passionate. Evolution is not something that just comes with time or age, it is something we need to actively pursue. Moving forward and staying curious about the "whispers" we receive, as creatives beings, is the only way to ensure our growth. It can feel unsettling as artists because it means staying extremely present and tuned with ourselves. No checking out! Being ready and willing to let go of who we think we are as artists and courageous enough to allow ourselves to continually evolve. To talk to Mark is to be inspired by this idea and to think about it as one of the most exciting journeys as an artist we get to embark on. This is the life of an artist. In this episode: Why he decided to go back to grad school to get his masters in music Composition after having a successful career for decades The importance of valuing our sift skills as creatives and how to make sure you are bringing them into all areas of your life. How to ensure as a teacher of performers in post-secondary education you are supporting them in their transition into the entertainment industry How to use the rehearsal period as a learning opportunity to hone your interpersonal skills. The importance of learning to put the project first and the ego last. A little about Mark: Mark Cassius is a graduate of Sheridan College's, Music Theatre Performance program. He has been featured on Broadway, in the original Ragtime and revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar and Shenandoah. He was most recently featured in the Toronto premiere of the new musical, Sousatzka. He has starred in Drayton Entertainment's Damn Yankees, The Little Mermaid and Sweet Charity. Other credits include, the Toronto Premiere of the Off- Broadway Musical, The Musical of Musicals, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Donny Osmond), Miss Saigon, Showboat and Cats. He has also been featured on the stages of both the Shaw and Stratford Festivals. He holds an ongoing position, as a Performance Instructor at The Randolph College for the Performing Arts, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He spent eight years touring with the world-renowned acapella group, "The Nylons", from 1997 to 2005. He is a Songwriter, Music Producer/Director and Teacher, who is presently doing a Masters in Music Composition at York University, where he intends to continue his tireless pursuit of creative excellence. Follow Mark! Facebook: The Mark Cassius Instagram: @themarkcassius Twitter: @themarkcassius

The performances I find most compelling t watch are truthful. Not only to me but I can see that this is how the artist feels too. They are born out of the uninhibited expression and allowing of one's bassist and unfiltered emotions in reactions to the current circumstances in the moment. Today's episode explores the different areas of shame and fear and how it shows up in our work and how the inability to teIl truth and shed shame in your life will keep you from honing your craft and keep your work static. www.thisischelseajohnson.com/176 Follow Chelsea: I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Musician/Composer Rob Preuss. Rob has had an incredibly diverse career and believes that part of the reason is due to his sense of curiosity and absolute love for all genres of music. Whether he was talking about his time spent as a keyboard player in the band 'Spoons' or Honeymoon Suite or teaching the vocal track to a new member of the cast of Mamma Mia, he seemed to always find something that about the experience that satisfied his passion and also made him want to dig deeper into his love of music. In this episode: what has enabled him to change genres and take on different roles in his music career Why it is important to look at every creative endeavor as a novice What he does when he is feeling uninspired or stuck Why listening is the most important skill he continues to embrace as an artist, How to follow your curiosity and not fear failure A little about Rob: Rob is a musician/composer. He's worked professionally in the recorded/live music business since he was 15 years old and has written, recorded, produced, conducted, rehearsed, played, bought, listened, loved, and learned music all of his life. Rob has worked alongside performers, producers, managers, accountants, agents, record company staff for decades. He started playing classical piano at age 5 and joined his first rock band at age 10, and had some top 10 records in Canada with his band 'Spoons' when he was 16-19 years old. They recorded their first album when he was 15, with Daniel Lanois, at his studio in Hamilton Ontario. With the band he recorded with other producers such as Nile Rodgers, toured and did shows with The Police, Culture Club, Simple Minds to name a few. 'Spoons' were on Quality/A&M Records in Canada, and Jordan Harris signed us to A&M US. Rob has also played in a Warner Bros. band called 'Honeymoon Suite' who was produced by Ted Templeman and recorded the title song for the first 'Lethal Weapon' film in '87. Honeymoon Suite went on to Tour the world and did shows with Journey, Status Quo, Starship. Rob has done music for corporate jingles, television/online spots, and many recording sessions for a variety of musical situations. In 1989 he also began working in Musical Theatre, in Toronto, playing many different shows, including Tommy, Miss Saigon, Beauty & the Beast, and Phantom of the Opera. In 2000 Rob had the opportunity to work on Mamma Mia!, in Toronto, as Associate Musical Director, working with Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from ABBA, along with the whole British creative team, to help create the international production of the show. It's been successful, to say the least! He made his way to NYC in 2001 with the show and was Associate Music Director on Broadway until September 2015. From 2011-13 he was Associate Music Supervisor for ONCE the Musical, off- and on Broadway, and we recorded the Grammy-winning cast album, produced by Steve Epstein. He studied composition in Germany with the composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, in 2007, a few months before he passed away. "I'm always discovering great new music, in every genre, and I'm probably the most open-minded person I know when it comes to music!" Instagram: @robpreuss

Have you ever had an injury? How did you deal with the pain? Did you panic? This week, Performing Artist and Mindful Movement Facilitator Julia Juhas will take us through her journey on how she found gentle self-care techniques and habits which helped her relax when she was injured. She will remind us to not to max out ourselves in pain and not always be in a "flight or fight mode". Have you ever been frustrated with yourself? Consistently pushing yourself until you hit the wall? Injury is something that almost all performers go through at some point in their careers. Question is will you be ready when that time comes? Don't fear the pain! Stay calm and listen to today's episode with Julia Juhas! In this episode: How the fear of the pain can activate pain the effect of giving yourself a chance to relax amidst the pressures of the world and how it relates to your craft How to manage pain and tension through gentle self-care techniques and habits The impact of proper stretching to your muscles A little about Julia: For over 20 yrs Julia has been performing alongside some of North America's finest, both onstage and on the big screen. Last spring Julia played the role of Halina in the Segal Centre's Production of Indecent for which she won a Broadway World Award for Best Performance by a Female in Featured Role. Recently she appeared in Lil' Red Robin Hood at the Winter Garden Theatre in her 4th Ross Petty Pantomime. Julia has performed at the Stratford Festival, Mirvish Productions and in theatres across Canada and the U.S. She has appeared in films and TV shows such as Frankie Drake, Beauty and the Beast, Remedy, Cracked, In Contempt, Hairspray, and Amelia Julia's first passion has always been dancing. According to her, there is nothing more expressive than moving the body through space, listening, and following the unique language of your individual body. This is why Julia not only touches lives through her storytelling as a performing artist but through her approach to yoga and movement. As a longtime practitioner and teacher of yoga and dance, Julia helps people unravel and manage their chronic pain through mindful movement modalities. She has choreographed and taught dance, art, and yoga in many schools as well as shelters across the GTA. She offers online private mindful movement sessions and complimentary yoga practices via her YouTube Channel - Live With Ease which is a wonderful creative outlet for her. It's her way of giving back and being of service to others especially during these unprecedented times. Follow Julia! Facebook: JuliaJuhas and Live With Ease Instagram: @juliajuhas and @_livewithease_ Youtube: Live With Ease

What is keeping you from moving forward? Taking the Next step (other than being in the middle of a global pandemic... haha)? I had a conversation with a mentor of mine this week. I often call him to bounce ideas off of him and talk coaching philosophies and techniques. He said something that really struck a chord with me. About what holds people back and keeps them at the same level and place in their development. I am sharing this nugget of wisdom with you today, and how you can apply it to help move forward toward the life you want as an artist! Connect with Chelsea! https://www.thisischelseajohnson.com/ I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisichelseaj

How are you dealing with the impact of COVID and everything going on around you? Do you think you're not doing enough? It's ok! This week, Lisa Brescia will remind us to just do the next loving thing. Take it one day at a time and take care of yourself – physically and mentally. She reiterates that it's great to have a plan but also ok if you don't because life can be an experiment. It's a marathon, not a sprint. In this episode: How to direct actors with humor and deep respect The importance of being physically and mentally healthy as a performer Role of teachers in helping students how to articulate their creativity Keeping a sense of curiosity and innocence to deepen your craft A little about Lisa: On Broadway, Lisa recently concluded an extended run as Heidi Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen. Previously, she's starred as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, Elphaba in Wicked, Cleo in Twyla Tharp's The Times They Are A-Changin', Amneris in Aida, and Marion Halcolmbe in The Woman in White. Additional New York credits include the role of Helena in All's Well That Ends Well at the Public Theater's Shakespeare Lab and Claire in Roundabout's Ordinary Days. Regional credits include Tatiana Racon in the world premiere of Ken Ludwig's A Comedy of Tenors (McCarter/Cleveland Play House), Hermione in The Winter's Tale, Gertrude in Hamlet, Ivy in August: Osage County, Anna in Sister Play (The Magic Theatre), Betty Blake in The Will Rogers Follies (Pioneer Theatre), Victoria in Victor Victoria (Ogunquit Playhouse), Sally in Cabaret (PlayMakers), Kennedy Center's Broadway: Three Generations - Side Show (Violet), Chicago's Wicked (Elphaba), Into the Woods (Witch - PlayMakers), The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown (Mom - Orange County PAC), Evita (Eva), The Last 5 Years (Cathy), A Little Night Music (Petra - Goodspeed), and Brigadoon (Meg - Goodspeed). Lisa is now on the Acting faculty at Missouri State University's acclaimed Department of Theater and Dance. Training: MFA in Classical Acting from the Academy for Classical Acting. Follow Lisa! online: www.lisabrescia.com Share This Episode >> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/172

Exciting news for anyone who missed or wants to look back on our interview with the talented Dani Kind; we're releasing it again! Actor Dani Kind from the hit TV Show Workin' Moms is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today! I absolutely love my time with Dani. Dani let 'er rip as we discuss all things creative living in this episode. Dani has a unique way of looking at life that encourages one to not sweat the small stuff and realize that it's okay for things to be hard work. That is not a reason to stop pursuing something you love. She reminded me that we have a capacity to hold more than we know and to go along for the ride and you will meet yourself on the other side where you will discover that you not only made it through but have grown in capacity to take on more. In this episode: The importance of finding the right fit when it comes to an agent and how you need to advocate for yourself How to keep motivated as an artist and embrace hard work Why it is important to begin in class as an actor How she manages a busy career on set with young children and what motherhood has revealed about herself as an artist Why we need to be willing to have uncomfortable conversations not only in our work but in our day to day life The most meaningful moments for her time on the set of Workin' Moms A little about Dani: Dani Kind stars as 'Anne' in CBC's half-hour comedy series Workin' Moms and recurs as 'Mercedes Gardner' in SyFy's hit series Wynonna Earp. She recently starred in Blue Ice Picture's thriller Banana Splits opposite Sara Canning and Steve Lund. Other recent credits include CBS' Ransom, BET's In Contempt, and a supporting role alongside Peter Sarsgaard in Veena Sud's The Lie which premiered at TIFF 2018. Follow Dani! T: @DaniKind I: @danikindofficial

Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today is the Artistic Producer of Toronto Musical Concerts, Christopher Wilson. Chris is not one to sit around watch things happen. He is a mover and a shaker and has always been, as long as I've known him, committed to lifting up artists and creating community among performers, by writing and producing his own work, putting on productions and providing work for actors and teaching up and coming talent. In the same spirit, with COVID-19 hit Chris was looking for ways to help Performers in the industry who find themselves currently out of work with every event, production, and tour being canceled. Chris is presenting a YouTube Live stream, BIG GIRL & Friends supporting The AFC - the lifeline for Canada's entertainment industry beginning Monday, March 23 TUNE IN!! 7PM EST SHARP! Check it out and Subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcQMxY3vB34 Follow Toronto Musical Concerts! Facebook: @TOMusicalCo Instagram: @torontomusicalconcerts

Have you figured out your own voice? That unique sound and message that only you have? If so, you are not alone!! So many artists struggle to find the courage and confidence to trust the uniqueness they bring to their craft and that it is enough. Myself included! Joining our conversation on Cue to Cue this week is Singer/Songwriter Ben Kunder. He will take us on a journey on how he found his authentic voice and trust that the ideas in his head are enough. He will also share the challenges he faced when touring and eventually discovered how to create from a place of joy and inspiration. In this episode: Tips and to hone and sharpen your songwriting skills The process of letting go and trusting other people with your creative process How important it is to have effective communication when collaborating How to keep your vocal performance consistent when touring The role oof publicists and booking agents in building your career A little about Ben: With the forthcoming 2020 release of his beautiful third album, Searching For the Stranger, Ben Kunder expands his ability to soundtrack both the ordinary and the extraordinary in luminous detail. Major tours behind 2018's acclaimed Better Human and 2015's Golden — buoyed by marquee guests like Carleigh Aikins, Oh Susanna, Jim Guthrie, Wintersleep's Loel Campbell and Arkells Anthony Carone and Tim Oxford — consolidated his worldwide fan base while establishing the Toronto singer/songwriter as a consistently electrifying performer. Kunder crafts intricate Indie-Folk that's hugely accessible, relatable, and almost ridiculously melodic. Follow Ben! Instagram: @benkundermusic Facebook: @benkundermusic Twitter:@benkundermusic Share this episode >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/169

I believe we all have superpowers. Not like superheroes where we can shoot lasers out of our eyes. Well, at least I don't. But we all have unique attributes that we have honed, sometimes subconsciously, through our experiences here on earth. But if we are not careful we the very thing that makes us powerful used to the extreme can also be the very thing that takes us down. I am learning this lesson in a BIG way and this week I am sharing how I I got taken down by the very thing I pride myself on and how I am learning to harness this power and learning to use it as something I call upon when I need it and not to use it as my default setting. Connect with Cue To Cue! F: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Are there people who doubt your skills? How do you deal with it? Or do you live in fear? This week on Cue to Cue, Canada's Queen of R&B, Jully Black, opens up about her past challenges overcoming self-doubt and finding her inner confidence. She reminds us that true wealth is in our confidence and our belief systems. In this episode: Why mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for artists How to deal with people who doubt you Why confidence is your most valuable currency and why most people fail to understand its power How to live your life in a way that you will leave a legacy Jully's process of learning love the "sound that is coming out of her right now" Finding and embracing your own voiceprint A little about Jully: Jully Black is a true Canadian Icon. Named as one of 'The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever', (CBC Music) she has been dubbed 'Canada's Queen of R&B Soul' by fans and industry leaders alike. As a platinum selling recording artist, her music career has yielded multiple singles reaching the Top 10 pop, R&B and dance music charts. She has taken home Juno and Gemini Awards, earned innumerable industry accolades and was hand selected to sing for the Queen of England. With her powerhouse vocals, hilarious personality and love of people, Jully Black truly is everyone, and unlike anyone. Her passion for philanthropy has taken her from the shantytowns of Bangladesh to the villages of South Africa and all across Canada. As a woman of faith, she champions important causes and uses her career as a platform to celebrate and inspire the greatness that lies within each of us. As a songwriter, Jully has touched the hearts of her fans with her extensive music catalogue, her compositions for industry heavyweights such as Destiny's Child and Nas, and on collaborations with songwriter, musician and performance titans such as Ian Thornley (Big Wreck). She has shared the stage with superstars such as The Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Etta James and Juno Breakthrough Artist, Jessie Reyez, to name a few. Jully is a major presence in the Canadian media and entertainment industry. As former host and correspondent for CTV's etalk, Jully was chosen to interview global megastars such as Jay-Z, Oprah Winfrey, and former president Bill Clinton. Her music has been featured in film and television and she has personally appeared on, co-hosted and been featured on numerous national television programs and speaking platforms including the sizzling and immediately viral CBC 'Canada Reads' 2018 appearance, a much lauded TED Talk, the Global TV feature 'The First Time I Was Called A ...', CTV's 'Canadian Idol', and City TV's 'Breakfast Television'. With a current starring role in The Musical Stage Company's 'Caroline, Or Change and various other recent lead roles in theatre such as The Musical Stage Company's signature concert feature "Uncovered" (with Music director, Reza Jacobs in collaboration with stars of Stratford, Shaw, Broadway and London's West End, 2018), and starring role in the critically acclaimed Mirvish Production of "Da Kink In My Hair at the renowned Princess of Wales theatre in Toronto, Jully continues to magnify her expansive musical, theatre and television repertoire. Jully's successful 2018 foray into creating and hosting 'The Blackout with Jully Black' (the critically acclaimed, provocative, ebullient and empowering weekly radio show on iHeartRadio - Newstalk1010) along with a guest starring role in the Canadian television crime drama series 'The Coroner' and featured segments in documentary film features with acclaimed directors and producers, serves to firmly establish her as the preeminent personality in the entertainment arena unlike anyone has in Canadian history. Steadfastly maintaining personal fitness and wellness goals remains a priority in Jully's life. In 2018 she leveraged social media influence and innate leadHERship skill along with unwavering desire to be the bridge that everyone can cross and launched 100 Strong and Sexy ('100SAS'), Canada's largest female founded, curated and led fitness challenge to date. With purpose driven ideals and boundless spiritual fortitude, she continues to refine and reinvent her artistry. A phenom in Canadian entertainment, lifestyle and public speaking arenas, she is also co-founder and key note speaker for the renowned "Empowered In My Skin' women's empowerment summits, a Notable.ca award recipient, a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ communities, WE Day Ambassador and recipient of the prestigious BBPA Harry Jerome [Entertainment] Award (2018). Jully's smash single 'Follow Your Love' (released January 18th, 2019) debuted on the iTunes Canada Top 20 within one day of being released and saw unprecedented online impressions totaling 1.1 million+ within four days and instantly appeared on several top Spotify Playlists. Written by Jully Black and megawatt songwriters and producers YoungPete Alexander (Jully Black Musica

Do you hate promoting yourself and you work as an artist? I get it. I used to have all sorts of "head junk" around self-promotion. I used to have all of the thoughts "I don't want to bother anyone", "no one is going to come anyway", These thoughts I used to your think. It was really just to keep me playing small so I didn't have to level up. Then I actually worked in sales and got to see how it actually works and it totally changed everything! If you get weird about getting yourself out there! Today's episode is for you! Let's get you going and unstuck! Connect with Chelsea! FB: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Have you are ever thought that you are not doing enough to address social issues? That simply "clicking to donate" was no longer going to cut it? This week Singer/Actor/Host, Matthew Bradley, is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue! Matthew will walk us through on what inspired him to create the fundraiser "Canada Loves Australia: An Evening To Help Our Neighbours Down Under" and the overwhelming response he received for this creative idea to help the Australian Red Cross. In this episode: Connecting with the community through fundraisers The obligation of artists to tell the truth for social change Importance of setting goals and creating good habits How to overcome insecurities, self-doubt, and fear of failure Making auditions more comfortable A little about Matthew: A Toronto Born Host, Singer, Actor, Writer and first time producer, Matthew has been entertaining people on stage and off for over 10 years. A graduate of Randolph College For The Arts, Matthew has worked all over the world performing in musicals, plays, films and TV. His favourite musical credits include the World Premiere cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Eltons "The Boys in the Photograph" with Mirvish, "Rocky" with Drayton Entertainment and "Rock of Ages" with Stage West Calgary. Matthew also hosts numerous independent wrestling shows across Ontario. He can most regularly be seen on "Junction City Wrestling" on Youtube. Follow Matthew! Facebook: @matthewwilliamscottbradley For Reservations Call! 416- 792- 8725

This week Actor/Director/Theatre Educator is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue! Bruce reminds us that there are things we can't control and we need to focus on the things that we can. He will share the importance of Pleasure, Prestige and Pay in how he controls his life as an artist. How do you deal with change? Learn to let go and accept change! Life gets messy, and it's ok. Maybe this is just your path of becoming what you're supposed to be. This is a must-listen episode! Born in Seattle, raised in Vancouver, Bruce is best known as an actor who has appeared on stages from coast-to-coast across North America. His stage career has spanned over 30 years and includes 5 featured roles on Broadway; 12 seasons in leading roles at the Stratford Festival; 2 Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Best Actor & Best Actor Musical) for his work with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - the world's oldest and largest LGBTQ+ theatre; a Toronto Theatre Critic's Award; a Helen Hayes Award nomination (Washington, D.C.) and 2 Helen Hayes Award ensemble/production wins. His career on the small screen includes voicing roles on hit animated series such as Total Drama Island, The Busy World of Richard Scary, Hotel Transylvania, and the up-coming Powerbirds for the new NBC/Universal Kids Network. He has appeared (as a live person) on multiple episodes of The Rick Mercer Report", The Strain, Anne with an E, and Murdoch Mysteries. A graduate of the University of British Columbia with both a BFA in Acting, and an MFA in Directing, minor in Theatre History, Bruce has made a point of teaching at colleges and universities near every theatre at which he has performed, including UCSD, The Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University, the University of Calgary, the University of Alaska at Anchorage, among others. He has taught at The National Theatre School, The University of Western Ontario, Centennial College, and The Randolph College for the Performing Arts. He is the Director of the Academy for Young Actor Training with The Festival Players of Prince Edward County (Artistic Director, Graham Abbey.) Bruce is a produced composer/lyricist/librettist of musicals: B!TCH ISLAND, the musical! just swept the Hamilton Fringe Festival Awards, winning Best of Fringe, Critics Choice, Audience Choice, and Best of Venue. Hard Hats, The Musical! was produced at Lunchboxtheatre, Calgary, and The Lighthouse Theatre Festival, while Wilde Tales was workshopped the Shaw and Stratford Festivals and then given a full production in Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre Company. Bruce, at present, has 3 new works in development with major theatres across North America. A member of The Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, he is a major proponent of cabaret performance in Canada. His work as a solo artist can be heard on his two recordings of cabaret music: Keepin' Out of Mischief, Lucky to Be Me, and a newly released compilation album The Best of Bruce Dow - available on iTunes. Follow Bruce! www.brucedow.com T: @DowBruce I: @dowBruce

Gary Borden is in the house!! I knew Gary was an amazingly talented musician with a hustle like no other. What I didn't know about Gary was what an incredibly kind soul he is. From our first conversation on the phone, I knew we were going to have a great discussion on creativity, the entertainment industry, process, and matters of the heart. One of my favourite moments of the interview was listening to Gary talk about his brother and how he valued their relationship and considered him to be his mentor as a musician. Truly inspiring and heartwarming episode on Cue To Cue this week! Come join the conversation! Have a listen! A little About Gary: Born in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada, Gary was the youngest of three children. His family later moved to Dryden Ontario, where he attended Dryden High School. His parents were both musicians and started the family band "The Bordens". Being the son of musicians, music was one of Gary's earliest passions. By the time Gary was 8 years old he was drumming in the Borden band and a few years later they released their first album. Gary started playing guitar at age 15. Some of his early influences include Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Jeff Beck, Brian May, and Albert Lee. His formal education included studies at G.I.T. in Hollywood, California and after graduating, Gary moved to the Toronto area, where he began to establish a career as a freelance musician. Gary is a talented songwriter and producer. He has written music for many film and t.v. shows and has produced songs and albums for indie artists to Sony Nashville Songwriters. Gary won second place in an international guitar playing contest sponsored by Fender/G.I.T./Eric Clapton. He has also hosted instructional seminars supported by Boss/Roland and Charvell Jackson Guitars. Gary has played live with artists such as TORONTO, Sass Jordan, HELIX, The Guess Who, Ray Lyell And the Storm. He has also shared the stage with Johny Lang,Tanya Tucker, Humble Pie, Rascal Flatts, Barbara Mandrell, Loverboy, Eddie Money, Gowan, Lonestar ,Brian White, LeAnn Rimes, Nazareth, April Wine, Peter Frampton, Honeymoon Suite, Headpins, Platinum Blonde, David Wilcox, Stampeders, Doc Walker, The Roadhammers, Grand Funk, Lee Aron, Lighthouse, Harlequin, The Kings,Sloan,Trooper, and Phil Naro. Gary's original project Blood of VanGogh (BOVG) is named after his great-great-uncle Vincent VanGogh. BOVG received incredible reviews from around the world after their debut album was released in 2013. After a lineup change, Blood of VanGogh has been releasing their second album one song at a time, with video. In 2018, the first video single "LIES" featuring Ronny Munroe (Metal Church, Trans Siberian Orchestra) was selected by ten Film Festivals, receiving Gold, Silver, Award of Acknowledgement. Expect to hear more special collaborations on the next singles… The instrumental album "Chasing A Dream" on which he collaborated with Nashville drummer Rory Faciane was released in 2015 by Tangerine Music Group. The album consists of 8 tracks and is available on itunes. Gary continues to be an in-demand studio and live musician and is currently recording and writing for numerous projects. Connect with Gary! Facebook: Gary Borden Instagram: @vangoghblood Twitter: @vangoghblood

Today we are shaking things up on Cue To Cue! I am bringing the creative team from Songs Songs For A New World on To do a post mortem of the process of putting up the production. Joining us are: Matt Lacas (Co-producer/co-director), Meredith Busteed ( Co-producer/Choreographer/Cast member), Quinton Naughton ( Musical Director) and Me! ( Co-producer, Co-director/Cast member). It is so rare as performers that we are a part of this process. The lights go down, and as performers, we go on with our lives or onto the next project. But for the creative team, some of the most valuable lessons are in the discussion afters he project comes to a close. This is where a lot of growth occurs. So why share? What do these talks have to do as a performer? EVERYTHING! I am a huge believer that the more you can understand everyone's roles in the project you are working on a better collaborator, communicator, and ultimately a better artist. Connect with Cue To Cue! F: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

What a year!! Lots a growth over here!! You?! I am sharing with you the BIGGEST things that were lessons for me in 2019 in my professional and personal development! What kicked my butt, what opened up for me, and what I am taking into 2020 with me! Connect with Chelsea! FB: @thisischeseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Has anyone ever affected your ability to believe in yourself as an artist? Singer/Actor Charlotte Moore is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today to share how people influenced her confidence as a performer and the battles she faced to overcome self-doubt. She will help us reevaluate how we speak to ourselves and how it impacts our self-assurance. In this episode: Practicing gratitude when things don't turn up as planned Impact of having positive conversations with ourselves How Social Media affects your castability Importance of saving in an artist's life A little about Charlotte: Daughter of Mavor Moore (Order of Canada, Governor General's Award), grand-daughter of Dora Mavor Moore (after whom Toronto's annual Theatre Awards are named), and one of Canada's most dynamic performers, Charlotte has been on the scene for over thirty-five years, mostly in her first love, musical theatre. A recipient of the 1990 Dora Mavor Moore Award, (also known at Charlotte's house as a "Granny"), for her work in The Rocky Horror Show, Charlotte has had the great good fortune of working across the country with some pretty amazing people. Most recently she appeared as Marilla in Anne of Green Gables at The Charlottetown Festival. She has twice appeared in Gypsy – once as "Louise", and once as "Rose" – eighteen years apart. She also managed the same trick with "Lucy" in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. She played "Fantine" in Les Miserables across the country opposite Craig Shulman, and her favourite role to date is definitely as the sole woman in Stan Rogers - A Matter of Heart. She spent a season in Robin Phillips' Grand Theatre Company , and three wonderful seasons at the Shaw Festival, culminating in the unforgettable Jackie Maxwell production of Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along. Charlotte has also done a lot more shows you'd recognize, but her real passion are the ones you probably won't – the Canadian shows that she has had the pleasure of being in. Shows by Leslie Arden, Jim Betts, Cathy Elliott, Joey Miller, and a whole host of other folks – a lot of whom are represented on her CD, "Friends of Mine". It features fifteen songs from shows past and present, only one of which had been recorded before. For more information, check out the Music page. For Charlotte's current résumé, visit The Talent House.

I am elated to bring this episode of Cue To Cue with Founder/ Artistic and Managing Director of The Musical Stage Company, Mitchell Marcus! Mitchell has become an influencer in the Toronto MusicTheatre scene and has been quite successful in a medium where many theatre companies don't make it past their first season and I have been dying to have a conversation to hear his thoughts on creativity, entrepreneurship and the place of musical theatre in today's ever-shifting arts landscape. WISDOM: When I asked Mitchell what advice he would give someone who is thinking of starting a theatre company he said, "don't", with a laugh and continued to say, if you feel you must go through with it then find the Gap. How are you going to differentiate yourself from every theatre company out there? Do you need to do a show or become a theatre company because that is a totally different undertaking. In this Episode: What is missing from the Canadian musical theatre scene How to embrace the art of fundraising and get people to support your idea What he believes holds artists back from creating and how you can overcome it How to discern the right path for yourself A Little about Mitchell: Mitchell is the founder and Artistic & Managing Director of The Musical Stage Company – Canada's leading and largest not-for-profit musical theatre company. Over fourteen years, The Musical Stage Company (previously Acting Up Stage Company) productions have been recognized with 61 Dora Award nominations, 11 Dora Awards and 12 Toronto Theatre Critics' Awards and programming partnerships have been built with Mirvish, Canadian Stage, AGO, TIFF, Massey Hall, Obsidian Theatre Company, and the Regent Park School of Music amongst others. Outside of The Musical Stage Company, Mitchell was the Associate Producer for the inaugural six years of Luminato, producing over 100 productions for one-million attendees annually. Mitchell has twice been the Creative Producer for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize as well as the producer of the Dora Awards. He organized four years of It's Always Something, working with a team that raised over $500,000 annually for Gilda's Club Greater Toronto. Mitchell is active on committees that serve the arts community. He is an advisor to the Metcalf Foundation for its Creative Strategies Incubator program, a member of Sheridan College's Performing Arts Committee, a member of the Dora Eligibility Committee, and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Canadian Musical Theatre Writers Collective. Mitchell has held positions in the arts management departments at University of Toronto and Ryerson University. He is the recipient of a Harold Award and the 2017 The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award for Outstanding Leadership in Administration.

Joining our conversation on Cue To Cue today is multi-talented Jenn Kee, a performer, voice coach, and yoga instructor. She will take us on a journey on how she suffered from numerous vocal injuries and the steps she took to conquer it and learn from these trials. She will share the techniques and habits she formed to avoid the panic and value her voice. In this episode: The value of authenticity and being unapologetically you How to handle rejections as an artist What to do when you have vocal injuries Self-care for vocal health A little about Jenn: Jenn has toured internationally with Brit Floyd and Classic Albums Live performing the music of Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, The Eagles, and Led Zeppelin. In 2015 Jenn suffered an injury to her vocal cords that would take her out of the business for the better part of four years. It was through this journey she learned the value of vocal health, self-care and the importance of boundaries. Follow Jenn! I: @jennkeemusic

Today I sit down with Andrea Ginraj, the Vice President of the Canadian Women's Foundation! If you have been following along with Cue To Cue you would know that I have been co-producing/directing and also performing in Songs For A New World with Matt Lucas at We Are Here productions! Well, It's here! This wee is the week! Nov 27, 28, 29th at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre in Toronto at 8pm! Ticket >>> http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/event/songs-for-a-new-world-benefiting-the-canadian-womens-foundation/ ALL of the money raised will be going to this amazing organization and cause! I sat down with Andrea to illuminate what exactly the organization does with their money and the kind of impact they have made to see effective real changes in society This is a very special interview. Take the time to listen and get educated. And come have fun and see the show while supporting this amazing cause!

Tim Leyes is joining me on Cue To Cue Today! Tim is a highly sought after, Toronto based, photographer who has shot some of biggest names in show biz. When you land on his website you will find celebrities such as, Martin Short, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams and Andrea Martin, just to name a few. He has recently started to shoot in LA which is opening up opportunities for L.A. based performers to be able to work with Tim. Tim is a real casual guy. I think that is part of his charm. He is warm, friendly, and you can tell he genuinely loves what he does, which allows you to feel comfortable very quickly. I have had a session with Tim and I can tell you when you're in front of the camera he has a way of making you feel like you possess everything he needs to make it a great shoot. He gets so keyed up while shooting you can't help but get excited and feel confident about letting go and just going for it. I have also had the pleasure of sitting on on a few sessions and watching him work and I find it equally enjoyable. He is present and ready to go with each artist and you can see he wants to have the best experience possible. One thing I like that Tim does is, he will ask you what you usually get seen for in auditions and he will take that into consideration when choosing looks for the shoot. Its simple, but I am not sure every actor thinks about it as much as they should. It's one thing to have pretty photos but if those photos aren't helping you book auditions then really what's the point? He will make sure he puts together looks that work for those types and then he will do a few looks that go in a different direction, just so you have them if you need them. I was excited to talk to Tim about and hear his thoughts on what makes for a successful shoot and how we can maximize our odds to have a great result. What do we need to prepare? Should we always get hair and makeup done? How many looks do we bring? How much touching up is too much? How do you know you have chosen the right photographer to shoot with? Tim's expertise and suggestions for performers getting a headshot done were so useful and could save you from having a bad shoot and potentially save you hundreds of dollars by implementing some pretty simples things. Listen up! Follow Tim! I: @timleyes

Actor/Songstress/Performer Jenni Burke is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue today! Jenni Burke will unravel the strides she is taking to continuously find happiness and share positive things into the world. She will echo the value of redemption, authenticity and believing in your magic as an artist. In this episode! how to be in control of your finances as an artist. how to get inspired and stay inspired how to be in alignment with the law of reciprocity in your life and career how to handle the fickleness and thrive in the "fair-weatherness" of the entertainment industry Why you need to be an abundant thinker Share this episode >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/157 A little about Jenni: A Toronto native and no stranger to the Film Theater and music scenes. Jenni's career has taken her all across our beautiful country most recently - Vancouver Island, Winnipeg, Calgary just this year. Up Coming: Da Kink in My Hair(Arts Club); Sleeping Beauty (Drayton)New Canadian Curling Club in Kamloops BC. National Art Center, The Grand Theater, The Globe, The Citadel, The Arts Club and Can Stage, Shakespeare in the Park. Recent stage credits include Timothy Findley's The Wars, Bang Bang, King Lear and Twelve Night, Little Shop of Horrors, Funny Girl, Chicago, Funny Girl, Les Miserable, Mary Poppins, Ain't Misbehavin, Drowsy Chaperone, Once on this island ,The Miracle Worker, Toute Comme Elle ,Vagina Monologues,The Miracle Worker. Film and TV credits include; Sensitive Skin, Rookie Blue, Da Kink in my Hair, Blues Brothers 2000, Half Baked, Under Cover Brother, The Music Man, This is Wonderland. Missing. Forbidden fruit and TIFF award-winning film You are Here. Follow Jenni! T: @TheJenniBe I: @jennicburke

This is a follow-up episode of What To Do When You've Bitten Off More Than You Can Chew! Before You Listen go get caught up! I am keeping myself accountable and checking in with you guys on how I am doing during this full time in my life and how it is affecting my creativity, what lessons I am learning about my creative process and I am passing it on to you guys! Share this episode: https://www.thisischelseajohnson.com/156/ Connect On Social Media! FB: @thisischelseajohnson I: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Get ready! Actor/Writer/Producer, Sharron MatthewsJoins the conversation on Cue To Cue! Sharron takes us on a journey today of expanding what we perceive as possible for ourselves as artist, learning to speak your truth and have constructive conversations, and to use transitions in life as a tool to grow as an artist! Grab your favorite bevy and listen up for this one! Share this episode>>> https://www.thisischelseajohnson.com/155/ In this episode: the power of affirmations and how to use them to empower your life as an artist how to stand up for your beliefs and have a constructive dialogue with a creative team What you need to know and what to expect as a series regular on a TV series the importance of learning to trust your body to give you the information you need as an actor how to let transitions in your personal life heal you and use them in your art. A little about Sharron: Sharron Matthews is one of the stars of CBC's new hit period detective drama "Frankie Drake Mysteries" playing "Flo Chakowitz, the morgue attendant," a role for which The Globe and Mail's John Doyle proclaimed her "comedy heaven." and for which she was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award. Frankie Drake Mysteries is in it's third season, is now airing in countries around the world! Best known for her portrayal of "Joan The Secretary" in Tina Fey's iconic Mean Girls, Sharron Matthews is an excitingly diverse, award-winning Canadian artist, actress, singer, comedienne, writer and producer. Sharron is known internationally as the "Canadian Goddess of Cabaret." Named "Best Cabaret Performer" by both Now Magazine and Broadway World, her award-winning solo cabaret work has taken her across Canada and around the world, selling out her shows at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, three years in a row and winning Best of the Fest! (besting 3,000 other productions for the honour). Sharron has played international festivals as far away as South Africa and headlined the legendary cabaret rooms 54 Below and Joe's Pub in New York. In 2017, she premiered at Just For Laughs in Montreal and, one week later, packed Toronto's High Park Amphitheatre for one night only with her acclaimed show Girl Crush. In 2018, her hit Cabaret for Kids was nominated for 3 Dora Mavor Moore awards. Sharron has worked on stage and screen with artists like John Travolta, Andrea Martin, and Colm Wilkinson; sang back-up on Jann Arden's award-winning Christmas album; toured all across Canada on a double bill with Canadian comedy icon Mary Walsh; and collaborated with Gavin Crawford on CBC's Because News sell-out World Pride show. For two seasons, Sharron was one of the stars of Global's hit TV show "Canada Sings," a project for which she was named "Queen of the Mash Ups" by the Toronto Star. In addition to Mean Girls, Sharron was also featured in the films Cinderella Man, Take the Lead, Hairspray and "The Music Man" TV movie for Disney. She had a guest role in last season's finale episode of NBC's newest hit "Taken," played "Daphne" for two seasons on "She's The Mayor," and is currently "Chef Sylvia" on the multi-Emmy Award-winning children's TV show "Odd Squad," In addition, Sharron co-wrote, hosted and consulted on Slice TV's "Meme gURL." Upcoming roles include "Officer Cheryl Kellogg" in the feature horror film Buckout Road with Danny Glover. Sharron toured North America in the Broadway musicals Les Miserables and Showboat, directed by Hal Prince. She can heard on the cast recordings for both Showboat and "The Music Man" with Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenowith. Her debut recording, "Party Girl" is available on iTunes. A badass body warrior lauded not only for her musical talents but also for the jubilant celebration of her zaftig form and lush style, Sharron has written essays and articles for publications around the world and is very active on social media. Follow Sharron! I: @sharronmatthews T: @SharronMatthews F: @sharronmatthewssuperstar

Percussionist/Motivational Speaker/Emcee Elec Simon is joining the conversation on Cue To Cue! Prepared to be blown away with Elec's love of life and his passion for serving others as with his art! If you are challenged by finding your place as an artist and where you can make a difference! Buckle up! Elec is bringing the inspiration today! In This Episode: What are the daily practices that keep him grounded What advice he gives to artists who say they have nowhere to perform How even when you think it's over to Never Give Up! How to learn from your challenges and turn them into the purpose that drives you Where he got the idea to start anti-bullying drum performances in schools A little about Elec: Bio: In 2002, Elec took his love for music to New York City. There, on the streets and subway platforms, he began to find the rhythm that would define his life. He would busk alongside many of the great street performers of our generation such as Larry Wright and William B. Johnson. Those moments created a pathway to his future– a role in the hit off-Broadway show STOMP. Elec spent over a decade with STOMP. Touring across the country, experiencing life as a performer in one of the world's best-received shows. But even that experience wasn't enough to fuel his fire for music. After his time with STOMP, Elec decided to return to his home in Canton, Ohio where he felt the need to give back to his community. Dear to his heart was the subject of anti- bullying. As a child, Elec had lost his best friend to bullying. He realized he could use his music as a platform to create change. He began performing in schools where his mix of "street smarts" and stage experience allowed him to connect with the children, teachers and staff in front of him. He doesn't just stand there and lecture them – he puts the music directly into their hands. Every Elec Simon assembly includes a full band, a huge line of buckets for the kids to play along, and Elec's positive, high-energy message about respect, love and believing in yourself. If Elec looks familiar to you, that's for good reason. Not only has he been found on stage with STOMP and major news outlets who cover his message, he can also be seen performing with the Cleveland Cavalier's Q-Stix. The Q-Stix were chosen to perform during the NBA 2016 and 2018 All-Star weekends. In 2017, Elec went on to win the BMe Genius award with one of the most prestigious organizations called, "BMe." BMe is a nationally recognized award-winning network of community-builders known for defining people by their positive contributions to society. Additionally, in 2018, Elec was invited back to Washington, D.C. where he sat on the panel at the capitol building and addressed future BMe members. Elec was also featured on the front cover of "Akron Life Magazine December 2018" issue as well as a full interview. Elec Simon has made it his life's mission to spread his positive message through music. It's a rhythm-based off nature's oldest drum; the heartbeat, and it's from the heart that his message captivates his audience. I: @elecsimon T: @ElecSimon

We have all had it. That feeling of how am I going to get everything done? You have so many things all the go you don't know where to start? Today, I am opening up about the discovery I have made about one pattern that I have repeated for years when I kick it into overdrive and how it has gotten me results but ultimately made me sick, stressed, and unhappy. I am busting that pattern as I head into one of the fullest times in my life and how I am implementing a plan to keep me healthy, inflow, and joyful and how you can too! Episode References SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD audition info! Deadline to submit: Oct.10th, 2019 – early submissions encouraged Audition Date: Oct.11th and Oct 13th. (Accepting Self Tapes) Performance Dates: Nov.27 – Nov.29 Rehearsals Start: 1st Week of November Send Headshot and Resume to: [email protected] Share this episode of Cue To Cue:

It was so lovely to have Debra McGrath on the show. Deb seems to me like someone who has gotten good at living in the moment. That is something I continue to work on every day. She has a kind of infectious energy that inspires you to go for more in life. When I was listening back to the interview, I actually had the thought, I am so glad I record these conversations. She provides such nuggets of wisdom with her wealth of experiences, I found myself listening to certain parts of the interview more than once to let the truth of her words ring. Kind of like listening to a great song that you can't get enough of when you first hear it. In this episode, we discuss what she believes people who are starting out should look for in an agent, how she keeps herself engaged in her creativity, how she looks at giving a "good audition" as the "win" and actually booking the job is "the cherry on top." She also gave a great piece of advice regarding exercising your creativity, "Do it any way you can and every way you can." A little about Deb: Deb McGrath has recently been seen on DeGrassi, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town and The Ron James Show. She played Mayor Ann Popowitz for six seasons on Little Mosque on the Prairie. Deb also pursues writing and has a blog of which she is very proud called The Middle Ages. Deb and husband Colin Mochrie have developed a stage show called The Colin and Deb Made-Up Show, which they are starting to tour across the country Follow Debra! Twitter: @MiddleAgesBlog Facebook: Debra McGrath Blog! http://themiddle-ages.blogspot.com Go see Debra McGrath Perform! Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath Presented by: Centrepointe Theatres Monday, December 05, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. Get your Tickets!

Performer/Producer/Director, Jennifer Walls is coming on for round two of Cue To Cue! we wasted no time digging and getting real about matters of the heart in Jeni's personal and professional life. Jeni's right in the middle of directing Hart House's production of Rocky Horror Picture Show and is opening up about her creative process and everything that comes with it!! In this episode: how to get help if you are struggling with an eating disorder or body image how she is learning to embrace and love her body after battling an eating disorder and suffering from body dysmorphia for 20 years why it is imperative to your growth as an artist to pay attention to the stories you are telling yourself how to keep the integrity of a show/play that has been around for decades intact while updating it to have cultural relevance audition tips: The one thing you should NEVER do in an audition! A Little About Jeni Jennifer Walls is a Toronto based performer, voice actor, performance coach, producer and has recently added director to the list. As a performer, she is a graduate of Sheridan Institute's prestigous Musical Theatre Performance Program. She has performed across North America and the UK and has been blessed to share the stage with some of her theatre heroes including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ben Vereen, Rebecca Cain, and Colm Wilkenson. She has enjoyed seasons with The Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, Drayton Entertainment and Hart House Theatre, but is best known for her self-produced work and has received acclaim for per portrayal of Liza Minnelli in Liza Live! As well as for her autobiographical rock cabaret Jagged Little Me, based on the iconic Alanis Morissette album Jagged Little Pill. She has been featured in the Globe and Mail and has had the good fortune of gracing the cover of NOW Magazine for her work with the Toronto Fringe Festival. As a voice actor, she is the current voice of both the Family and Family Jr. networks as well as recurring characters on PBS' Peg + Cat and Amazon's Creative Galaxy among numerous animated series and commercials. If you've hears the words "Garner Sleek and Shine, you've heard her! Jennifer has worked as a producer with a number of critically acclaimed solo shows for various Fringe and theatre festivals, Most notably Rebecca Perry's Redheaded Coffee Shop series, Adam Proulx's Baker's Dozen: 12 Angry Puppets, She is a curator with the 120 Diner's Sunday Cabaret Series the producer and host of Toronto's premier Musical Theatre Open Stage Singular Sensation, providing a fun gathering for performers of all kinds in a safe, supportive atmosphere. She has also collaborated as a producer with Random Hero Productions, Toronto Pride, The Musical Stage Company, The Second City and The Toronto Fringe Festival. When not working on stage, in the booth or behind the scenes, she is a performance coach with Lawson Vocal Studios with a focus on musical theatre and pop vocal and stage performance, voice-over and audition preparation. Last year, Jennifer made her directorial debut at Hart House Theatre directing the Heathers the Musical. She also directed Mandy Goohandy's Just Call Me Lady for Toronto Pride and has returned to Hart House Theatre to direct The Rocky Horror Show starring Chris Tsujiuchi, opening on September 27th. Get Tickets www.harthousetheatre.ca Follow Jeni! Instagram: @jeniwallsto

Director/Producer/Cinematographer Elisa Paloschi is on Cue To Cue today!! I am so excited to be able to bring this interview to you. Elisa has spent the past ten years bringing Driving With Selvi to the world. A documentary about a former child bride who ran away from her abusive husband and became South India's first female taxi driver. Yes, you read that correctly Elisa spent ten years working on this documentary! I was dying to know what made Elisa want to take ten years to develop this idea and see it through. I have the utmost respect and admiration for someone who has that kind of grit. I think most people would have abandoned the idea before it even reached the five-year mark. During the ten years, Elisa made multiple trips to India and with the promise to Selvi that if at the end of the process she didn't like the film it would never be released! I want to be Elisa when I grow up!! To have that kind of commitment to a project and to the people the project involves says so much about her character. I am elated that Selvi did like the film and agreed to share her story with the world! Her story is one of strength and perseverance and is now empowering children and woman all over the world to understand that they have value and deserve to treated with love and respect. Elisa has launched a campaign called Save Her Seat where donating $10 sponsors a girl in India to have the opportunity to see the movie. Selvi serves as a role model to these young girls and empowers them to think about their future and the more children that see this film closer we come to changing the conversation and treatment of women around the world. Please take a moment to donate and Save Her A Seat A little about Elisa: With more than 25 years' experience in documentary production as a director, producer, and cinematographer, Elisa Paloschi is president of Eyesfull, a Toronto-based independent production company dedicated to non-fiction documentaries that reflect the diversity of the human voice. Her first experimental short premiered at Int Film Fest Ouberhausent in 1992, and completed her first feature documentary, Embracing Voices, in 2012 (NXNE). Paloschi's latest feature, Driving with Selvi (drivingwithselvi.com) premiered atRaindance in 2015; since then it has appeared at festivals around the world, winning a number of awards and accolades (best doc, and New Mavericks awards at Atlanta, best doc Reel Asian, best director Yorkton etc.) and was selected as an IDFA Top 10 Audience Favourite. She is currently working on the film's multi-phase social engagement campaign, which will see the film screened to viewers across India in support of gender equality and economic empowerment for women and girls.(saveheraseat.com). Follow Elisa! Eyesfull www.drivingwithselvi.com Instagram: @drivingwselvi Twitter: @drivingwselvi Facebook: Driving With Selvi

I am elated to be bringing you this conversation with Actor/Improviser Ryan Stiles! Like so many people I was addicted to Whose Line is it Anyway? I was a fan from the very first time, I happened upon it when the Comedy Network aired the UK version of the show with host, Clive Anderson. I was always in awe of Ryan and Colin in particular and how it seemed like they were completely in sync with one another's energy. They were definitely an early influence on how I learned about connection through acting and learning to trust your scene partner to have your back. I also used to wonder if they were as genuine and friendly as they seemed, and even though I have spent just a little bit of time with them both I am so glad to say that they were both very kind and warm to me. In the episode, Ryan says that he doesn't like people to know a lot about him and he likes his alone time, however, I think he opens up and imparts some wise words that can help many artists as they find their groove and make their way, no matter what stage of the journey they are on. Grab a cup of coffee settle in and enjoy! *Warning: If you do not like dogs this episode may not be for you… #sorrynotsorry In this episode: Why it is important to work for your success What the biggest difference was between working on the US production of Whose Line Is It Anyway versus the UK production Why he prefers improv over stand-up comedy What he gets from improv that he can't get anywhere else What has been the most challenging thing that he has come up against in his artist's journey Why learning about the previous generation of artists can help deepen your work Why ABBA is underrated! A little about Ryan : Ryan Stiles puts his hilarious improvisational skills to the test each week on the critically-acclaimed CW comedy series "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Colin Mochrie and Wayne Brady co-star on the series, which is hosted by Aisha Tyler. Stiles has starred in all three incarnations of "Whose Line." First in the British version from 1989 to 1998; second in the American version hosted by Drew Carey from 1998 to 2006; as well as in the current version. He executive produced both American versions. Stiles began his comedy career as a teenager, performing stand-up routines at small comedy clubs near his home in Vancouver, British Columbia. At age 17, he dropped out of high school to pursue stand-up comedy full-time. He began honing his celebrated improv skills in 1986 with Canada's highly- acclaimed Second City comedy ensemble. In 1990, he began a successful, four- year run with the Second City troupe in Los Angeles. In addition to his "Whose Line" series, Stiles also portrayed Lewis, the luckless janitor, on the hit sit-com "The Drew Carey Show" and recurred for several seasons as Dr. Herb Melnick on the popular series "Two and a Half Men." His film work includes the spoof features "Hot Shots" and "Hot Shots, Part Deux" and the Academy Award-nominated short film "Rainbow War." And he recently produced a feature-length documentary called "Out of Nothing," about four men competing to break the motorcycle land-speed record on the salt flats of Bonneville. And you can likely catch Stiles in your home town with his ongoing national improv tour "Whose Live Anyway?" starring Stiles and fellow "Whose Line" veterans Greg Proops and Jeff Davis, along with Joel Murray ("Mad Men"). According to Stiles, when he's not at work, he spends his time thinking about work. Connect with Ryan! Twitter: @WhoseRyanStiles