Why I‘ll Never Make It

Communication and interacting with each other through words is really at the heart of what it means to connect and relate to other people. This is even more clear as actors and writers in the way that we tell stories and share experiences. Clear and understandable communication is a vital part of the performing arts. We do this through dance, visual media, physical gestures, and other ways, but most importantly though language. For Damian Thompson, this of course has been an essential part of his career, from Shakespeare productions like MacBeth and King Lear, to contemporary plays like Angels in America and Little Rock. He even wrote and starred in his own short film called Black? But it hasn’t always been easy for him to communicate verbally , especially in auditions and cold readings. As a young child he suffered from a speech disorder that affects approximately 3 million Americans speakers, and that is stuttering. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter. And so in today’s conversation we talk about things that Damian has had to overcome. We even get into the importance of not only diverse but accurate representation within the arts. But we start of with Damian sharing how his stuttering and Martin Luther King‘s “I Have a Dream" speech eventually led him into theater…with a little help for Dawson’s Creek. Follow Damian - Vimeo / Instagram / IMDB Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes like the Final Five. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 15 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Hyson is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

in many ways today’s episode is almost a masterclass from beginning to end in how to bridge the gap between being artist and an entrepreneur. Ashley Danyew is a musician and educator who shares how she has had to branch out in many different directions to build both an enjoyable and sustainable career. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter. Even before the pandemic, the life of any artist was one of constant change. Times when you have more work than you know what to do with and other long stretches of time where you have to take other side jobs just to keep going. For centuries the term "jack of all trades" has been used to describe an individual who knows a variety of skills and is able to bring these disciplines together in a practical and ideally profitable manner. In more recent years, though, “jack of all trades” has become synonymous with another term: multi-hyphenate, especially when it comes to actors and other artists who branch out beyond their main creative focus. But in my conversation today with Ashley Danyew, we will be talking about yet another term: the portfolio artist. A few years ago The Guardian wrote about the need for more portfolio musicians. The article says, “As 21st-century professional practitioners, a musician must not only excel as a performer, but also as a teacher, leader, and creative collaborator across a range of styles and genres.” It goes on to say that artists and musicians are increasingly engaging with people, places and digital technology, producing all sorts of environments for creation and performance, with an ever-greater blurring of boundaries between artforms. Now, in addition to all this artistic creativity, we must also be entrepreneurs who thrive as much on the business side as we do the performance. That of course can be much easier said than done. Especially during times like this past year with the pandemic. Ashley even had her own devastating setback when she lost her voice and had to learn how to just speak and sing again. Through that experience and others, Ashley learned how important it is to pivot throughout our careers and find work in a variety of way. And so in today’s episode she shows through her own experiences as a teacher, musician and performer how each of us can blend the creative and corporate halves of our career together, in a more seamless and sustainable way. Follow Ashley - Blog / Podcast / Musician & Co. Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex and Podington Bear is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, here we are at the third and final installment of my young artist series. And it could be argued that I’ve saved the most prolific artist for last. As both a performer and writer, Joshua Turchin has crammed a lot of experience into his very young career. Whether it’s on stage at the Hollywood bowl or a national tour OR composing his own award-winning musical OR Music directing his weekly cabaret series, Joshua certainly stays busy. Oh yeah, he also has school and homework to deal with as well. And so in the conversation you’re about to hear we’ll talk about the many facets of his creativity, and how he learned to play 11 instruments and compose his first musical at the age of 11 called The Perfect Fit. The New York Times reviewed his musical, saying "Joshua Turchin proves his worth as a composer, actor and a book writer, delivering a richly layered show about the lives and loves of showbiz preadolescents." Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter. I have to admit it’s artists like Joshua that make me realize I haven’t done as much with my own career as I could’ve or should’ve. That being said, we can all learn a thing or two from this teenage musical tour de force. Joshua is a beautiful light with a never-ending positive attitude, whose smile and spirit are definitely contagious. Follow Joshua - Website / Early Night Show / YouTube Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out these Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Incidental music in the episode by Chad Crouch is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to actors, we really are part of a family and community with one another, and no matter how long or how short a time we’ve been in this business, there’s always something we can learn from each other. I mean that's really the basis of this podcast, and today’s guest is a perfect example of this. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter. For the most part Chloe Noelle is just your average teenager, who loves games, movies, and time with her friends. But Chloe‘s first big acting job came on the huge hit show TRUE BLOOD. And while it was certainly a big juggernaut for her career, in today’s episode she shares how it came with expectations of what kind of actress she should be. In this episode, we discuss the ups and downs of her young career and how she continues to grow with each new role and performance. In addition to TV, she’s done classic musicals, had her own segment on the morning news show, and has even performed stand-up comedy for Comedy Central. Chloe has certainly done a lot in the last 10 years and shares with us what she’s learned during that time as well as the sometimes difficult journey it’s been. Follow Chloe - Website / Instagram / Twitter Support WINMI and get access to Members-Only Episodes on Supercast. Check out Artist Resources and follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter. ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Kai Engel and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a coach and leading master classes has been something I truly enjoyed doing. Imparting my experience and insights to students and watching them have those a-ha moments and discovering something new about themselves or their own skills and talents. But sometimes it’s good to flip that around and ask those just starting out their career what THEY have learned so far and where THEY see not only themselves going in this career but where the industry is going as a whole. So for the next three episodes I’m going to be talking to young artists about what they’ve discovered along their own journeys. And I begin today with actor, writer, director, and producer Alex J Dean, who is actually graduating from film school this month. What a time to be starting an arts career, huh? But as you listen to our conversation I think you’ll recognize that he has a pretty good head on his shoulders that will enable him to navigate these very strange and tumultuous times. Sign up for the monthly WINMI Newsletter. Alex started out as an actor on stage and on screen, and was co-host of the award-winning Nerdtabulous series. Even in real life he has embraced the nerd moniker, as a fan of Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Japanese anime. So it should come as no surprise that Alex has found a real home behind the camera as a director and writer, creating worlds and stories from his own imagination. His final thesis project for college was a horror anthology film, with plans to release it later this summer or early in the fall under his own production company Penny Arcade Pictures. So suffice it to say, Alex loves to stay busy and immerse himself and creativity and production. But as you and I know this is certainly a tough time to get started in the arts field, and that is where we begin our conversation today. Follow Alex - IMDB / Instagram Join WINMI and get Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Check out Artist Resources and Offers Follow WINMI - Instagram / Twitter ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this past year, as most actors and artists were forced to stay at home, we found new ways to keep creating. The most obvious is the explosion of zoom readings and productions of both new and existing works. Others discovered this medium of podcasting, and in just one year the number of podcasts doubled. But in today’s episode, in honor of Pride Month, I’m talking with two women who set out to explore a relatively new art form, the podcast musical. Ellie Brigida and Leigh Holmes Foster are the creative force behind The Flame musical. It's the story of two women -- Jamie, a queer bar owner, and Sam, the woman selling the building that the bar inhabits -- and the inevitable sparks that end up flying between them Follow Ellie | Leigh | The Flame And at the end of this episode I play one of the songs from the first episode of The Flame: "Keep It Lit" Lead vocals: Jenn Colella as Jo, Ellie Brigida as Jamie, and Leigh Holmes Foster as Heather Ensemble vocals: Dayna Arnett, Briana Bonilla, Leesa Charlotte, Benjamin Doncom, Ashton Grooms, E. Maloney, Quince Mobley, Liz Mongrello, Sydney Nicholson, Vico Ortiz, Dana Piccoli, Saria Schuyler, Mickie Rose Wadsworth ————— Just some of the ways to connect with WINMI as well as opportunities to grow as an artist: The monthly WINMI Newsletter Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I'm sharing a conversation I had on another podcast called Blatantly Honest. At the end of this episode I also talk about the recent survey and the need for a reassessment of WINMI Podcast. Makaila Nichols is the founder of the Blatantly Honest Foundation. She is also a national speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author of Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen, Abnormal Life. In her book, she shares her personal struggles with issues teens may encounter such as: bullying, body image, sexual assault, peer pressure, and more. To reach an even larger audience, Makaila has a podcast series that focuses on changing the stigmas behind teen social issues. She is able to accomplish this by chatting with celebrities, influencers and experts about their own struggles and triumphs. ————— Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week on the podcast I spoke with an acting teacher (Terry Knickerbocker) about techniques and the creative process for us actors. Well, this week a publicist will guide us through the business side of our profession, and how best to promote and grow our careers, not letting others and especially ourselves stand in our way. Join or Donate to WINMI - whyillnevermakeit.com Back in March 2021 I appeared on a podcast called sing dance act thrive hosted by PR and marketing coach Diane Foy. Other guests of that podcast have included Akon, Bif Naked, Timbaland, and Broadway life coach and former WINMI guest Bret Shuford. And I enjoyed being on her podcast so much, I invited her to join me here and share her vast knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. The 6 C’s Roadmap to Book Gigs & Make Money Clarity - laying your personal vision and professional goals Confidence - finding motivation and acknowledging your skill, strengths, and weaknesses Captivate - evaluating your personally, exploring your story, and embracing your image (Big Five Personality Test, https://www.truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test) Competitive Advantage - researching those who have the career you want as well as what sets you apart, figuring out your business and artistic audiences, and what other sources of income can come your way Content Creation - sharing your personal and professional stories systematically yet authentically, making sure your brand is consistent across all platforms Communication - finding your target audience and how to engage with them, interpersonal and business/media skills Are You A Multipotentialite? A TED Talk On Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling Follow Diane - Website / Instagram / Podcast ————— Just some of the ways to connect with WINMI as well as opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last time a couple came on the podcast was way back in Season 1. And on today's episode Evelyn LeBel and her fiancé Chris Stepanek join me to discuss their different roles backstage, why unions are so important, and how networking is the name of the game in finding work. Give your feedback in the 2021 Listener Survey. This Broadway dresser and Master Technician would have been married last year but something called Covid got in the way, and it continues to affect all arts workers professionally and personally. Follow Evelyn and Chris on Instagram. ————— Just some of the ways to connect with WINMI as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Monthly WINMI Newsletter Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Give your feedback in the 2021 Listener Survey. Ever since I became WINMI's sole host and producer, I have wanted to have an acting teacher on this podcast. Well, it certainly took long enough, but that time has finally come. Terry Knickerbocker has been guiding students for almost 30 years, having trained and taught with William Esper, one of the most respected protégés of Sanford Meisner. And The Terry Knickerbocker Studio is this month's featured Artist Resource. You can find a full list of artist resources at resources.whyillnevermakeit.com. The studio has four primary objectives when it comes to their actor training, and Terry and I will be touching on these topics throughout today’s episode: To provide students with tools and a process for creating authentic imaginative acting. To cultivate uncompromising Standards of craftsmanship and artistry. To empower students to embrace the full range of their unique humanity. To support students with the entrepreneurial skills needed to be a successful working actor. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. Follow Terry - Website / Instagram / YouTube ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you and I certainly know there is so much more to Theater then just what happens on stage. There are those behind the scenes and backstage, contributing just as much to the production of any show. The next four episodes will be focusing on this important work and how we as Actors can collaborate with them. Today’s guest is not only an actress but has worked as a dresser in more than 20 Broadway shows. But for Kimberly Faye Greenberg, performing in a Broadway show is still on her bucket list. If you’ve ever listened to the very end of one of these episodes, you’ll hear me talk about this podcast’s association with Broadway Makers Alliance. They are a collective of small business entrepreneurs and artists who have all found outlets for their love of theater and especially Broadway. Well, it was actually one of the leaders of Broadway makers that introduced me to today’s guest, and I am so grateful to have met and spoken with Kimberly. And after this episode, you will be too. Follow Kimberly - Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $5-10/month Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s really no big secret that having children involved in the performing arts can have a major impact on them in school and out of school. Well, today’s guests are training some of these young artists in a fine arts conservatory down in Miami, Florida called MoonAmie Productions. Monica Rosell and Priscilla Blanco join me to discuss their important work and the creative home they provide their students. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. My conversation begins with Monica, Owner and Artistic Director, who holds both a master of fine arts and a bachelor of arts. She’s taught script analysis and theater history it has been both a private acting coach as well as director of many musicals and plays in South Florida. While MoonAmie productions focuses on stage work and musicals, they also produce short films with their students Who are receiving highly structured and individualized instruction, and this really sets moonamie apart from most other theater schools for young artists. "How the Performing Arts Benefits Kids" - Scholastic I then bring on Music Director Priscilla, who has a Bachelor's and Master's in music education, and she works as a vocal coach and accompanist throughout South Florida. She was also in the public school system there and was the president of the Dade County music educators Association. But her work has gone beyond just Florida —she is also the cofounder of Spark music initiative, a nonprofit based in Grand Cayman, which focuses on introducing and igniting students’ interest in music through free workshops and camps that focus on world music, technology, improvisation, and songwriting. And the work she does with the students at MoonAmie is very similar. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow MoonAmie - Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last episode we learned the importance of producing our own work as actors. Well today's guest, Joel B. New, will show us that just because you build it doesn't mean people will come. After the hard work of creating, then comes the daunting task of producing and promoting it, getting others to take notice and support that work. Learn how Joel found unique ways to get the word out on one of his own musicals. "Strong Hands" - performed by Ernie Pruneda "The Fort" - performed by Marita Stryker Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. Follow Joel - Website / Instagram / YouTube Joel's Birthday Concert - https://joelbnew.com/birthday ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes like the Final Five Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At one point or another there is a lesson that all actors have to learn, and this past year has driven home that lesson even more so, and that is the need to create our own work. Today’s guest, Ashley Kate Adams, Not only added producing to her already sizable acting resume, but she put all of her thoughts and lessons learned into a new book called Be Your Own Producer. #BYOP - https://amzn.to/3wUPUF9 (pre-order for August publication) Join WINMI - http://whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Ashley - Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $5-10/month Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Incidental music in this episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s podcast journalist Marcus Scott shares his love of telling stories and how he suddenly found himself writing musicals. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter Real life writing, that’s really the best way to describe the kind of work Marcus does. It’s something of the moment. It's meaningful, insightful, and true to the experiences that Marcus knows firsthand or has researched down to a minute detail. And one of the most ever present issues affecting Artist right now is the pandemic, and even through this hardship Marcus continues to grow as a an artist and a writer. Besides the pandemic, the social justice and race issues of the past year have been particularly inspiring to Marcus‘s writing. List of Marcus' works on New Play Exchange His Interview in MIRANDA Follow Marcus - Website / LinkedIn / Twitter ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Borrtex is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While natural talent certainly plays a part in the capabilities of any actor to perform, there’s one skill that has to be learned and nurtured for any actor to really make it in this business, and in part two of my conversation with Joyce Hshieh, she talks about this all important ability to learn and memorize lines. As an actor she struggled with memorizing lines, but as a trivia enthusiast she learned several simple and easy techniques to boost her memory. She studied and researched the science of memory and learning and figured out what works and what doesn’t. She shares what she learned and the program she created to help actors, called OFF BOOK IT. Watch the free masterclass - Line Memorization Without the Stress and Headache! Sign up for the free WINMI Newsletter and get your Members-Only Bonus Episodes starting at only $3/month. Topics and references in this episode: Actors who couldn't memorize lines - Grunge Rita Ora in Fifty Shades of Grey - The Independent How actors remember lines - Psychology Today Regional actor Patrick Treadway and the Body List - Spokesman Review FOR EXTRA CREDIT - Marilu Henner and her ability to remember everything ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Bortexx, Chad Crouch, and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost every actor would seize upon the opportunity to be in a big TV show. But even with a BFA in acting and conservatory theater training, none of it had really prepared Joyce Hshieh for one of the biggest roles of her life, Becoming a three day champion on the game show jeopardy. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. In part one of my conversation with Joyce, we talk about her theater training and her struggle to find fulfillment as an actor. She shares how surprising it was to find herself on Jeopardy and how similar it is and isn’t to her work as an actor. In part two, we’ll talk about the course she created all about memorization and how Actors can better learn lines and retain scripts. Follow Joyce - IMDB / Instagram / WeAudition / Website ————— Season 5 offers ways to connect with me and the guests as well as other opportunities to grow as an artist: Members-Only Bonus Episodes starting at $3/month Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Bortexx and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 23, 2020, Broadway and musical theater lost one of its most beautifully talented leading ladies, Rebecca Luker. In the second half of my conversation with Sally Wilfert, we talk about their close friendship and the last project of Rebecca’s life, a duo album called All the Girls. We also touch on what made her such a unique and special individual who touched the lives of so many. We also share personal stories of knowing and working with Rebecca, and discuss the legacy she leaves behind. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. Follow Sally - Website / Instagram / Twitter ---------- Music in the episode by Bortexx is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Other music from YouTube: Luker and Wilfert at 54 Below: https://youtu.be/Ndw6NNhlq5M "And This Is my Beloved" from KISMET: https://youtu.be/-qvxqRKmuLA "All I Ask of You" at the Mormon Tabernacle: https://youtu.be/bqGcB1f6Z9E Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sally Wilfert is a Broadway actress and an amazing vocalist who understands the rigors and demands of performing at the top of her game. In part one of my conversation with Sally, she and I discuss the difficulties, injuries, and self-doubts she’s endured. Sign up for the WINMI Newsletter. Unlike other jobs like accounting, engineering, or even medicine, singing is uniquely personal, expressing parts of ourselves that may go unspoken or unknown at any other time except through the music and lyrics that we bring to the stage. But for Sally singing was something that she did in private, a secret enjoyment just for herself. As she slowly began to let others hear it, though, it changed not only that enjoyment but gave her added purpose as well. Follow Sally - Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, is a part of Helium Radio Network, and is a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Bortexx and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Other music from YouTube: "Unworthy of Your Love" from Assassins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRD1OJDxC1k, "Anytime" by William Finn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVLV654tUD4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we talked about in Part One, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is what put Gabrielle Ruiz on the map. However, it was her theater training and performance abilities that made it possible for her to be cast in the show. In this episode we talk more about her time on the stage and what drives her most as an artist. Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Gabrielle - Website / Instagram / Twitter / WAFF Podcast ————— Here are ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My good friend and amazing performer Gabrielle Ruiz joins me for Women's History Month to chat about her journey from ensemble member on Broadway to a principal role on primetime television. It's a path many of us actors wish to have, but hers has not been without personal and professional setbacks. And in part one of our conversation we touch on some of the highlights as well as how she's handled the low points. Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Gabrielle - Website / Instagram / Twitter / WAFF Podcast ————— Here are ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $3-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Bortexx is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifty years ago this month 10 people were inducted into the songwriters Hall of Fame. Included on that list are well-known names like duke Ellington, Ira Gershwin, and Alan J Lerner. The only woman in that group was Dorothy Fields. But despite her talents for lyrics and storytelling, her journey to becoming a songwriter wasn’t easy. In fact, there were some pretty big roadblocks in her way. This episode Is presented in conjunction with Maestra Music. Women's History Month continues wirth part two of my conversation with musical theater historian Kristin Stultz Pressley. We dig a little deeper into her Dorothy Fields biography: I can’t give you anything but love baby. We discuss what it was like for a woman writer in a man’s world, how Fields transitioned from one decade to the next, from one musical genre to another, and we get into this idea of fame and success and what that meant to Dorothy Fields. Listen to part one of our conversation. Kristin's biography of Fields at Amazon - https://amzn.to/38sPxXQ WINMI Newsletter and Members-Only Episodes - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Kristin - Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot and a member of Broadway Makers Alliance. Music in the episode by Chad Crouch, Bortexx, Kevin Macleod, and Latch Swing is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week for Women’s History Month, I’m sharing a special conversation with Dr. Broadway about prolific lyricist and librettist Dorothy Fields, who collaborated with some of the most iconic and legendary composers in Broadway history. For much of the Golden Age of the American musical, Fields was one of the only women writing for the Broadway theatre. This episode is presented in conjunction with Maestra Music. Even if the name Dorothy Fields isn't completely familiar to you, her songs and musicals are some of the most well-known words in the Great American Songbook: On the Sunny Side of the Street A Fine Romance The Way You Look Tonight Hey, Big Spender It's Not Where You Start Kristin Stultz Pressley first appeared in Season Two, talking about the Tony awards and musical theater history in general. Well, she is back and talking about her new book, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby, chronicling the remarkable life and career of one of the most successful female songwriters of all time. Listen to part two of our conversation. Follow Kristin - Website / Instagram / Twitter / PhD Dissertation on Fields ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast, only $5-10/month Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music in the episode by Crowander and Latch Swing is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The church plays and school musicals of Carrie's childhood eventually gave way to on-camera acting and her desire to become a "black girl James Bond." So she was introduced to stunt work and martial arts classes, giving her a whole new set of skills that she also created careers of themselves. That's when she also discovered WeAudition and it online video community for actors. Sign up for the WINMI newsletter and get 25% off a WeAudition membership. We also talk about her travels abroad and the interesting stereotypes and fetishes she had to confront in other countries as well as America. Learn more about CB Seed - https://www.cbseed.org/ Follow Carrie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers plenty of ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrie Bernans is the perfect person to kick off Women's History Month. She is a strong individual who knows who she is, what she wants, and usually how to get there. That’s not to say it’s been all smooth sailing for her, either personally or professionally, but she never lost her faith or belief in what’s possible. She isn’t just an actress, she’s also trained in martial arts, stunt work, and body movement in addition to theater. Growing up she not only performed in plays and dance recitals but also competed in track and field. She’s been a world traveler and now speaks six different languages. There is simply no way to pigeonhole Carrie into this box or that genre. And it is this variety in her life and her work that has created so much opportunity for her, particularly landing roles in Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame. Sign up for the WINMI newsletter and get 25% off a WeAudition membership. Learn more about CB Seed - https://www.cbseed.org/ Follow Carrie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers plenty of ways to connect with me and the guests as well as opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and John Bartmann is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of my conversation with Brie Eley, she talked about her latest project that has been such a mountaintop experience for her and we get into her organization that promotes and supports black actresses, providing them with opportunity and community but also showcasing the vast diversity among these black actresses. Topics discussed: The High Republic - a new digital series from STAR WARS Pew Research - social media and Black Americans Nielsen Company - 2019 Diverse Intelligence Series report on African Americans Any actresses interested in learning more about Here and Ready and how to build a profile, head to the Actor Portal: Here and Ready Talent Database for Black Actresses Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Brie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to being an artist, Brie Eley is the very definition of a multi-hyphenate. She is a classically trained actress and improviser, spent more than 10 years in marketing and small business development, and she creates, produces, and directs independent productions. As Black History Month comes to a close, Brie joins me to talk about the wide variety of projects in her career, the daily grind of being an actor, and the persistence that we all need to keep going. Because no matter how busy we get or how many projects we may take on, finding real success can still be tough and elusive. Rules for Using Social Media - Jeremy Gordon, casting director Get the WINMI Newsletter - join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Brie - Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB / Here & Ready ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions, and Chad Crouch is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the hardest lessons for any actor to learn is to not take constant rejection personally. Adrienne Walker and I continue in part two of our conversation with stories from our own struggles and failures in the audition room and on stage. We also get into her YouTube Series called 32 Bar Cut as she seeks to help others navigate this tricky business. But first, I did a little deeper into something she said about bringing her blackness into the audition room and try to gain a better understanding of what that means to her. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Adrienne: Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 offers new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. John Bartmann music is public domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the goal of every actor is to perform, our day-to-day job is actually auditioning. As we continue Black History Month here on the podcast, Adrienne Walker from The Lion King on Broadway joins me for a very open and candid conversation about being in such an iconic show. We also touch on some very important issues: auditioning as a black actress and the need for authentic black voices in theater. But we start off talking about The Lion King, when it and Broadway are coming back, the show’s history both culturally and theatrically, and the pressures she faced in taking on the role of Nala. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Adrienne: Website / Instagram / Twitter / IMDB ————— Season 5 brings new ways to connect with me and the guests as well as new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by John Bartmann and is Public Domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of our conversation, Erin Cherry focuses on her weekly show Sundays with a Cherry on Top, a health and lifestyle show that showcases Black Culture in all its forms. She also joined playwright Mfoniso Udofia, Ngozi Anyanwu, and Chinyere Anyanwu as a founder producer of NOW Africa. This playwrights festival seeks to introduce, and sometimes reintroduce, artists and academics to the masters of African Dramatic Literature, both classic and contemporary. Thank you for joining me and Cherry for these episodes. Stay tuned next week for my conversation with Adrienne Walker from The Lion King. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Follow Cherry: Website / Instagram / YouTube ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For almost a year now Actors have had very little in the way of exercising and using our creative muscles, so in this episode I wanted to remind us of the craft and joy of acting. As Black History Month continues here on the podcast, who better to discuss the ins and outs of acting with than Emmy-winning actress Erin Cherry. join.whyillnevermakeit.com Cherry, as she prefers to be called, coaches and teaches actors at Maggie Flanagan Studio in New York City. It’s a Meisner based acting program, which basically aims to help actors get out of their head and behave instinctively to the surrounding environment. Well, Cherry put her training and coaching to good use in the Amazon Prime show After Forever. In 2019 she received her first Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Digital Daytime Drama Series. In part one of our conversation, Cherry talks about her first love, theater, and the amazing experience she had sharing the stage with Andre DeShields. She talks about making that transition from the stage to the screen and how us actors can handle the consistent self doubt and rejection we face. Follow Cherry: Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes on Supercast Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Instagram and Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. And John Bartman's music is Public Domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The life of any actor is one of going in and out of employment. But for Geoffrey Owens back in 2018, his side job was captured in a photo and spread across the Internet. In part two of our conversation for Black History Month, Geoffrey opens up about what led to his job at Trader Joe’s. We talk about the importance of work and how hard it can be for Actors to find it. Follow Geoffrey: Website / Instagram / IMDB ————— Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Bortexx is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout his career Geoffrey Owens has been an actor, director, and teacher. But for more than 35 years he has been known as Elvin from The Cosby Show. As we kick off Black History Month here on the podcast I sat down with Geoffrey to talk about his own history as an actor, the lucky breaks that have come his way as well as the hardships he’s faced, the photo that surfaced in 2018 of him working at Trader Joe’s, and what it means to be so singularly identified with one show. Links and References: Huxtable family watches "I Have a Dream" • Carsey/Werner Production • Alvin Poussaint Interview • Claire sets Elvin straight Follow Geoffrey: Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions, Kevin MacLeod, and Chad Crouch is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I think it’s fair to say that artist are an emotional bunch in general. We feel things deeply and react with conviction. And that goes for the wonderful and exciting emotions but also goes for the heavy and worrisome emotions as well. In part two of my conversation with Ashley Monique Menard, she reveals the yen and yang of her confidence and her self-doubt, she compares her dating life to Broadway, and has a few choice words for perfectionism. Join WINMI to listen to the Final Five episode: join.whyillnevermakeit.com Don't forget to check out EGCC.edu for free college course and degree programs. Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with Ashley. Come back next week when I talk to Cosby Show actor and theater coach Geoffrey Owens. Follow Ashley: Website / Instagram / Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the website: whyillnevermakeit.com Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In theater or really in any performing art, we have certain genres or types of characters and stories that fit us better than others. And today’s guest Ashley Monique Menard found her niche in comedy. But often, even what we’re good at doesn’t really begin to blossom and grow until we really hone that craft and work on it. So in part one of our conversation we’ll talk a lot about that comedy, how it’s helped her find and strengthen her voice, but also how an honest assessment of her talents and limitations was key in finding the best ways for her to shine. One of those ways was going back to school to learn more about business and writing and marketing, and she’s doing it all for free. And she’ll share how you can do it for free as well: EGCC.edu Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with __________. Come back for part two in just a couple of days. Follow Ashley: Website / Instagram / Twitter Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Instagram / Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the website: whyillnevermakeit.com Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the host of NPR‘s the big listen, Lauren Ober was basically podcasting about podcasts and through that became a bona fide podcast expert. Maybe you’ve thought of starting your own podcast. In part two of our conversation, she takes us through her production process on Spectacular Failures and what it takes to make a great podcast. Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Newsletter Thank you for joining me for part two of my conversation with Lauren Ober. Come back next week for for my discussion with actress and comedian Ashley Monique Menard. Follow Lauren: Website / Instagram / Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the newly updated website: whyillnevermakeit.com Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here on Why I’ll Never Make It, we focus on the challenges and setbacks that artists face, but there is one podcast out there focusing on the Spectacular Failures of companies and organizations. Lauren Ober is the host and producer of that podcast and is also a journalist, a noted speaker, and voice coach. In part one of our conversation She and I discuss some of the parallels between being onstage and behind a mic, but we focus mainly on the rise and fall the big Broadway production company Livent. Listen to "The Curtain Falls on a Big Broadway Company" on Spectacular Failures. Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with Lauren Ober. Come back for part two in just a couple of days. Follow Lauren: Website / Instagram / Twitter Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Instagram / Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the newly updated website: whyillnevermakeit.com Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Justin Guarini! He’s already shared pivotal moments from his childhood and given us a cautionary tale of his college experience. So we pick up with his decision to stick with American Idol instead of making his Broadway debut with The Lion King. Get Justin's book Audition Secrets and learn his tips and secrets to auditioning. Topics discussed in this episode: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Julie Andrews and her vocal surgery Justin in Wicked Follow Justin: Website / Instagram / Twitter Join WINMI: Website / Memberships / Instagram / Twitter ————— Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot Music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year to you! And welcome to the premiere episode of Season Five. Today’s guest is Justin Guarini, who you probably know from American Idol but has done so much more and has a lot to teach us about becoming an artist, finding our own path, and realizing that fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Get Justin's book Audition Secrets or possibly win a signed copy of this book by becoming a member of WINMI as a Maker, Producer, or Artist. Sign up for one of these memberships by January 31, 2021, and one lucky winner will get Justin’s tips and secrets to auditioning. Follow Justin: Website / Instagram / Twitter Join WINMI: Website / Supercast / Instagram / Twitter Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 20 Theater Podcast on Feedspot ---------- Season 5 brings with it a new ways connect with me and the guests and new opportunities to learn and grow as an artist: Members-Only Episodes and videos Coachings and Consultations Ask questions to upcoming guests Monthly WINMI Newsletter Artist Resources and Offers All this and more can be found at the newly updated website: whyillnevermakeit.com Thank you for joining me for part one of my conversation with Justin Guarini. Come back for part two in just a couple of days. All music used in the episode by Blue Dot Sessions and Borrtex is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look back at the year that was unlike anything we hoped for or would ever imagine. Still, this podcast had its good moments and a plethora of fantastic guests. Here's just some of what you'll get in this end-of-the-year episode: Broadway Makers Alliance & Helium Radio Networks Season Recap and Top 5 Guests My two favorite episodes Season 5 Preview with Justin Guarini Final Five questions with Sammi Cannold Members-Only episodes ————— Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes. WINMI is a Top Theater Podcast thanks to you - blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas! :) In honor of the recent release of THE PROM movie on Netflix, here is a special combo episode of my conversations with star of the Broadway production, Caitlin Kinnunen (starts at 1:58), and one of the co-producers, Abigail Rose Solomon (starts at 35:18). Also, this holiday season don't miss the 12 Days of Auditions, available at donate.winmipodcast.com. Become a WINMI Producer and listen to former guests share their most memorable audition stories. Listen to Caitlin's full second season episode and audition story here. And Abigail's full conversation and Final Five from season four is here. ————— Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts There's also another way to listen to this podcast: https://vurbl.com/station/6Wr76KvsqOG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is part two of my conversation with the final guest of Season 4. Sammi Cannold is a remarkable artist and director. She was even named to the 2019 Forbes List of 30 under 30 in entertainment for her innovative and unique approach to directing for the stage. And today’s conversation is going to be focusing on a few of those productions: her remarkable staging of the musical Violet on an actual bus AND her 2019 New York City Center Gala production of Evita. I have my own personal connection to Evita having done the national tour of the latest Broadway revival. Even our music supervisor Kristen Blodgette worked with Sammi in her production. In fact, It was that revival production that inspired Sammi to become a director in the first place. Follow Sammi: Website / Instagram / Twitter ————— Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here we are at the final guest of Season Four... In part one of my conversation with New York director, Sammi Cannold shares the details of an article she wrote for The Stage, detailing how South Korean producers have made theater safe and possible for both creatives and audiences. While Sammi remains more diplomatic, I am not gentle in my rebuke of the Broadway League and Actors Equity, who have either kept silent for much of this pandemic or have actually been a hindrance to getting theater up and running again. We highlight the leading efforts by Andrew Lloyd Webber and how there is no equivalent here in the US. Part two discusses her directorial projects in New York and regionally as well as her affinity for all things Andrew Lloyd Webber. She was also on the 2019 Forbes List 30 Under 30 in Entertainment. Follow Sammi: Website / Instagram / Twitter --- Subscribe to WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one-man operation. By subscribing you’ll be supporting these podcasting efforts, and have access to extended conversations and other bonus content. Whether you subscribe or donate, your financial support of this podcast is greatly appreciated! Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube ---------- Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part one of my conversation with Christophe Zajac-Denek, he talked about growing up with dwarfism, his love of music and drumming, and how he just kind of fell into the world of acting on camera. For part two, we continue that journey with the movie and experience that had a profound impact on his life. As we start this episode Christophe has moved back to Michigan to go to music school and return to his first love of drumming, but life had other ideas for what Christophe needed to be doing. Follow Christophe: IMDB / Demo Reel / Website Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website ————— Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If I’m being honest, I have never really met a little person. Maybe in passing, but never actually sat down and had a conversation with one. But once we got on Zoom, Christophe Zajac-Denek and I chatted for more than two hours and even then we still could’ve kept on talking. There were so many areas of his life and experience that were not only interesting but also inspiring. So this is actually just part one of that conversation. His fascinating story is such a departure from most conversations I’ve had on this podcast. He answers questions about dwarfism was and the day-to-day life of someone living with this condition. Christophe also shares his love of music and how he found acting...or rather how it found him. Follow Christophe: Website / Instagram / Podcast Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website ————— Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been one heck of a year, yet one arts group wanted to come together and make something to celebrate this season. They asked me to be a part of the event by hosting their Virtual Red Carpet. These interviews with the actors and creative team behind BroadwayMania's Holiday Special were first shown Thanksgiving weekend and led up to the hour-long Christmas program. Amanda Varelakis, singer/director (1:51) Sean Milas, singer (5:15) Amber Dickson, singer (9:38) Toby Blackwell, singer/writer (12:43) Sadie McCurry, singer (17:46) Scott Polovitch Davis, singer (22:04) Gray Norton, singer/technician (26:59) Cecy Treviño, singer/producer (32:45) To watch these Red Carpet interviews on YouTube as well as the Holiday Special, go to: https://youtu.be/OyK_xT3tY98 ————— Donate to WINMI and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ The instrumental music in this episode: "Christmas" by AShamaluevMusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past summer, as we were in the midst of massive theater shutdowns and summer season cancellations, I found BroadwayMania on Instagram. It was mostly videos of singers belting out show tunes, well-produced performances that were earnest and passionate. As I found out more about this organization and their mission to provide opportunities to performers around the world, I was truly captivated by their love of theater. While there are some professional artists in the group, many others come from a variety of backgrounds, from technology and teaching to advertising and the military. And Cecy Treviño is the force behind it all, founding the group in 2018 as a hodge podge group of people on a singing app to now a theater company that has just released a YouTube Christmas Special and Holiday album. Cecy shares this journey and the many lessons she learned to make this dream a reality. The BroadwayMania Holiday Special: https://youtu.be/OyK_xT3tY98 Their GoFundMe page: https://gf.me/u/zajjnw Follow Cecy & BroadwayMania: Website / Instagram / YouTube Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you from WINMI guests: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs we all face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to the arts, I aim to give as wide a field of experience and opinion as possible here on the podcast. Yet for the most part I steer clear of politics. This is for a few reasons, but the main two are that I don’t want to add to the already divisive nature of some political activism and I want the content of this podcast to be as relevant today as it will be a year or more from now. Causes come and go, elected officials also change regularly (as does their rhetoric and positions on key issues). The closest I’ve come to venturing into the political realm is when I had on two of the founders of Be An Arts Hero, highlighting their efforts to lobby Congress for more funding and attention given to the arts here in America. So there is no doubt a relationship between the arts and politics, throughout history they have been both supporters and adversaries of one another. And recently there was a podcast that veered from its normal format to highlight the Politics of Culture that is inherent with so many works of art. The podcast is called Left, Right, and Center. And as the name implies they bring on guests and pundits from all sides to discuss the issues of the day. However, in this recent episode their guests are a television writer, a pop music songwriter, and a stage playwright. The discussions are led by Keli Goff, who is a journalist as well as a playwright and screenwriter herself. Of the four guests in this episode, I was particularly struck by the conversations with Stan Zimmerman, who wrote for the classic TV show The Golden Girls, and award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau, who wrote the book for the hit Broadway musical Ain't Too Proud. They both share how their own writings have contributed to social conversations and have addressed important issues. Like with any episode of Left, Right, and Center there will opinions you agree with and those you may not, but the discussions are nonetheless thoughtful and in-depth. Stay tuned for the next recommendation, which will be my year-end pick for the best podcast to take us into the new year. Until then take care, and subscribe to this podcast wherever you listen to audio. ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for coming back to join me and Kristen Hetzel again! This is a bonus episode to the previous conversation, where we cover topics and five specific questions that we didn’t address on the last episode. Today, Kristen talks about her athletic and acting bucket lists and shares wisdom from her Aunt Zee. The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Subscribe to get access to bonus episodes and extra content Make a one-time Donation to support transcripts and podcast production If you’d like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast’s continuing series, Bettering Ourselves, Bettering Our Careers we’re finding ways to improve how we work and create, how to push through challenges we face. So far we’ve looked at ways to better our public relations, our mindset and deliberate practice as well as branding strategies and how best to use social media. Join the WINMI newsletter: whyillnevermakeit.com Today, as we head into a long Thanksgiving weekend, we’ll be tying it altogether by talking about persistence and gratitude with Team USA silver and bronze medalist Kristen Hetzel. She’s a runner and cyclist who is also an actress, personal trainer, and holds a doctorate in physical therapy. She shares her secret to getting it all done and how she overcomes what stands in her way. Follow Kristen: Website / Instagram / Twitter Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter / Website ————— Donate to the podcast and gain access to members-only bonus episodes: pod.fan/winmipodcast Don't forget to check out all the helpful offers available to you through WINMI guests and partners: resources.winmipodcast.com WINMI is a Top 20 Theater Podcast thanks to you! blog.feedspot.com/theatre_podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices