Why I‘ll Never Make It

Hannah Elless and Mykal Kilgore (and myself) first met doing a reading of a new musical called THE STAR CHILD. They have each gone on to do three Broadway shows, but they still love that new-car smell of a fresh, unknown piece of theater. In today's conversation they explain why new works are so important, how their big families taught them to collaborate, and what success means to them and how they are still striving for it. Plus, they talk about the dream of a Broadway debut versus the reality of getting one. - Listen to my episode with Jenny Stafford, book writer for STAR CHILD. - Hear a song from Mykal's A MAN BORN BLACK. - Watch Hannah's multi-instrument talents on display in "Ashville" from BRIGHT STAR. Follow on Instagram: Hannah Elless / Mykal Kilgore ————— 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 that follow. Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com Support WINMI through your kind donations: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast Music used in this episode from Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "Sidecar" • "Kitty in a Window" • "Smooth Actor" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to my talk with Andrew Lippa as he answers the Final Five questions. This is a bonus episode to the conversation we had previously, covering topics we didn't get to last time. From political aspirations to advice he gives to aspiring artists, this is a deeper dive into a talented composer and performer. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com. ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/ Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/ WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From his first intimate musical, john and jen, to his bigger productions on and off Broadway, Andrew Lippa has been a prolific and award-winning writer. He joins the podcast to talk about his growth along that sometimes bumpy path and what it means to bring a bit of himself into his compositions and lyrics. He shares the disappoints he felt with The Wild Party and Big Fish, the lessons he learned from The Addams Family, and the personal journey he took in becoming Harvey Milk. Learn more about Andrew... Website: https://andrewlippa.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lippaofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lippaandrew/ His recent shows: The Man in the Ceiling, I Am Harvey Milk, Unbreakable ————— 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 that follow. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/ Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/ Reach out to me with comments or questions: contact.winmipodcast.com WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: ko-fi.com/winmipodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After our conversation on the previous episode, Hal Luftig answers the Final Five. He shares his love of teaching and his dream to work with Audra McDonald as well as what he learned from famed Broadway producer Emanuel "Manny" Azenberg. Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com. ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/ Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/ WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a month-long look at previous Broadway seasons...the nominations, the wins, and the losses. With four Tony Awards to his name, including two as lead producer, and two Olivier Awards, also as lead producer, Hal Luftig knows and thing or two about theatrical success. But he also knows the pitfalls that come and how not every show finds an audience or makes a lot of money. Today, he shares those insights and more from the heights of success with KINKY BOOTS to his disappointment with the early closing of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD. He opens up about the lessons he's learned and what keeps him going. Website: https://www.halluftig.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rialtoguy Twitter: https://twitter.com/halluftig Previous guests who have appeared in his productions: J. Harrison Ghee - KINKY BOOTS Caroline Bowman - KINKY BOOTS and EVITA James Monroe Števko - FIDDLER IN YIDDISH John McGinty - CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD ---------- Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode with Alina Alcántara! After our last conversation about staying motivated and the joy she found in performing, Alina sat down to answer five questions on topics and insights not covered in the previous episode. She also mentioned mutual friend and fellow artist Juan Cantu as someone who inspires her both personally and professionally. If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ————— The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former flight attendant Alina Alcántara is a New York native of Dominican heritage, who has lived in Florida for most of her life. And in this episode she shares the rocky road to finding her true calling in life as an actor and singer. But even with this love and passion for performing she has her bad days of feeling inferior and unmotivated. So what keeps her going? Her story will inspire you and put a smile in your heart. Follow her online and social media: twitter.com/BroadwayBaby73 instagram.com/broadwaybaby1973 https://alinaalcantara.com/ Listen to her on Diagon Alley - https://youtu.be/fwuk_UxndlY ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast ---------- Music in this episode: "Elephants On Parade" and "Shines Through Trees" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. (Based on work at http://soundofpicture.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a month-long break, so welcome back to the FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! After our last conversation, Seán answers five final questions not covered in the previous episode. He talks about his bucket list Sondheim musical and reveals his comedic idol... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seán Cullen is a Canadian actor, voice artist and stand-up comedian, known for combining improvisation with mimicry and music. He joins me today to share his love of comedy and writing books for his children. But we also dive into the worries and frustrations that come from almost making it and how to bounce back from a canceled show or that inner voice saying we aren't good enough. Follow Seán on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mrseancullen Listen to his podcast - http://www.theseanpod.com/ Watch some of his stand-up - https://youtu.be/jTG2Nfcwm6A Corky and the Juice Pigs sing "Eskimo" - https://youtu.be/CwO33oUawM8 ————— Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. ————— Music in this episode: "Whispers" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last episode, Rebecca Selkowe reminded us of the groundwork needed to organize and manage our money. Today, she brings it to the present with useful tips and insights we can use during times of crisis like COVID-19. For more on how The Actors Fund can help you (or ways you can donate to them) go to actorsfund.org and for a mental and artistic break from the daily grind go to starsinthehouse.com, hosted by Seth Rudetsky & James Wesley and benefiting The Actors Fund. ---------- Do you have specific questions? Anything you need? Reach out to me with anyway I can be of help: contact.winmipodcast.com Also, join the WINMI Community on Twitter and Instagram @winmipodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1955, April 15th has been Tax Day, until this year...the year of COVID-19 and economic uncertainty. With so many unemployed, especially those of us in the arts, what are we to do. How can we manage our money? What money!? In this episode, I'm sharing my conversation a year ago with Rebecca Selkowe, author of DOMINATE YOUR DEBT and head of the Financial Wellness Program at the Actors Fund in New York City. This is part one, where she gives us the basics of how we need to approach financial matters, not just from a numbers perspective but also the mental and emotional aspects as well. Part two comes in the next episode, where Rebecca joins me again to talk about the here and now and what we need to do today to make it through such tough economic times brought on by quarantines, self-isolations, and shutdowns. ————— 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 that follow. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/ Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/ Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast ---------- Music used in the episode: - Theme songs from both Why I’ll Never Make It and The Spotlight Series, created by Patrick Oliver Jones on GarageBand. - "Miss You" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Overcome with laziness and procrastination, feeling unmotivated, stuck, and just can’t get started? Believe me, you are not alone. But there is hope when mired in such complacency. However, it may not be the solution you think it is. You and I were taught from an early age that we need to stay busy and keep moving. And while the intent behind those ideals was good, putting them into practice is neither easy nor always helpful. In this episode, I consider what we do as artists and the energy we expend to see if we can eliminate some actions, to see if laziness can be our guide to achieving a greater impact by doing less. This doesn't mean less is more. It means less can be better. Explore "laziness" in these articles: - 7 Reasons Why Lazy People Are More Likely To Be Successful - Lifehack - BEING LAZY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS - The Independent - Science: Lazy people are likely to be smarter, more successful, and better employees. Who knew? - CNBC ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/ Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/ Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast ---------- Music in this episode: "Here" and "All Will See" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. "Kitty In The Window" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. (Based on a work at http://soundofpicture.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, coronavirus is all people can talk about. It has completely changed our daily lives and interactions with others, especially in the world of theater. So I wanted to address it head on with friend-of-the-podcast Clayton Howe. We share how each of us lost our jobs and what we're doing now to keep going and make it through this extraordinary time in the world. I also give 5 ways we as artists can regain control during a very uncertain moment in our lives and careers: Commitment, Outside, Variety, Introspection, and Dreams. To follow Clayton and his podcast Entertainment(x): instagram.com/inclaynation & entertainmentx.podbean.com/ Articles mentioned in this episode: How stress influences disease - Science Daily A Connecticut Theater Finds New Ways To Get Art To Audiences - WSHU Getting At Least 7 Hours Of Sleep Helps Prevent Colds - NPR How Coronavirus Impacts Broadway – Variety How Coronavirus Shifted the World of Theater - The Guardian Broadway Finds a Way for the Show to Go On - NBC News ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. ---------- Music used in this episode: "March" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License. "Jazz Brunch" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Attribution 3.0 International License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! After our last conversation Tiffany answers five final questions not covered in the previous episode. She talks about how she still hopes to do musical theater one day and opens up about her late father and the lessons he taught her... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Also in this episode, the last of the Women's History Month features. This one highlights three television icons: the very first female game show host, Arlene Francis; the First Lady of Games Shows, Betty White; and the master of letters, Vanna White. https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/first-ladies-game-shows http://www.tvparty.com/games-female-hosts.html ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether as sidekick or the lady in charge, Tiffany Coyne has made her mark on the popular game show LET'S MAKE A DEAL. She can keep up with Wayne Brady and holds her own in the chaotic fun of each episode. Starting out as a dancer, she had no thoughts or goals toward television. But when the time came and the support of family, she and her husband made the decision to leave their lives in Las Vegas for what has become an 11-year residence in Los Angeles and the stability to raise two beautiful children. She has studied and learned hosting and improv techniques that have not only boosted her abilities on-camera but also her confidence in life. This often soft-spoken woman has a powerful story to tell and an example to set of what it takes to seize opportunity while continuing to learn and grow. Find out more: Tiffany Coyne - Instagram (@tiffanylcoyne) • Twitter (@TiffanyCoyne) • IMDB Let's Make a Deal - Website • Twitter (@letsmakeadeal) (Her husband Chris Coyne was also on the podcast in Episode 15.) ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. ---------- Music in this episode: Barbara by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License. Clear Progress by Scott Holmes is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! After our conversation on Wednesday about opera and directing, Charlotte gave her answers to five questions and topics not covered in the main interview. Also, in honor of Women's History Month, this week's Broadway pioneer is Vinnette Justine Carroll, PhD. As an actress and playwright and later as a director, she holds the distinction of many firsts in theater and television: first black female to direct on Broadway as well as receive a Tony nomination for direction, and the first African-American to appear in a week-long television show. ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlotte Cohn was born in Denmark and raised in Israel where she served in the Israeli Army as a commanding officer. She was a founding producer of the New York Music Theatre Festival (NYMF) and MainStreet Musicals. Other producing credits include Rated P For Parenthood, The New York Times critics’ pick Handle With Care and Church & State. In this episode she chronicles her journey from commander to singer, from Broadway actress to Off-Broadway producer and director. Despite the setbacks faced as she progressed from one to the other, her passion and persistence kept her going...along with a good sense of humor. Follow her on Twitter (@charlottecohn) as well as her website: https://charlottecohn.wixsite.com/charlotte ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. "Traces" by Hyson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License. "Here" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. "September" by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAESTRA MUSIC was founded by composer/lyricist and music director Georgia Stitt to give support, visibility, and community to the women who make the music in the musical theater industry. Their membership is made up of female-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming composers, music directors, orchestrators, arrangers, copyists, rehearsal pianists and other musicians who are an underrepresented minority in musical theater. For Women's History Month, Georgia continues our conversation from the previous episode, talking about her efforts to foster and celebrate more women in musical theater. Also, in this episode is a feature on Mary Rodgers, daughter of famed composer Richard Rodgers and a composer in her own right of the rollicking musical comedy Once Upon A Mattress. The episode ends with the Final Five questions posed to Georgia...all about bucket lists and the best advice she's received. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GEORGIA STITT (georgiastitt.com) is a composer and lyricist whose original musicals include Snow Bird, Big Red Sun, The Water, and Samantha Spade, Ace Detective, which was the National Youth Theatre “Outstanding New Musical” in 2014. She is currently working on the The Big Boom with Hunter Foster and is also preparing to release her third album later this year. Now I haven’t even gotten to her work as producer, music supervisor, pianist, orchestrator, vocal coach, music director, and conductor. Needless to say she lives and breathes music. Not to mention her role as mother and wife and founding director of Maestra (maestramusic.org), an activist organization for women musicians in theater, which we will talk about more in the next episode. For more information on the articles and quotes used in this episode follow on Twitter (@winmipodcast). ---------- 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 that follow. You can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Each week there’s audio that doesn't make it into the episode. You'll get these extra nuggets only on Instagram (@winmipodcast) as well as other insights and motivations. Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Music: "Oldie Song" by David Szesztay is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "All Will See" by Hyson is licensed under a Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After our in-depth discussion on producing in NYC and balancing that with an acting career, Abigail now shares bucket lists and who she looks up to. These final five questions get into topics and insights not covered in our previous conversation. If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first episode of Women's History Month, I'm talking to New York-Los Angeles actress and producer Abigail Rose Solomon, who founded Rosalind Productions in 2005. We talk about the differences between acting and producing NYC and LA as well as her process of finding shows and working on them with other producers and creatives. Rosalind Productions' credits include THE PROM, THREE TALL WOMEN, WAR PAINT, THE LAST SEDER, PROOF, and AS YOU LIKE IT. Also, this week's female Broadway pioneer is Cheryl Crawford, founder of Group Theater and the Actors Studio. ---------- 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 that follow. For further insights (Twitter) and unreleased audio clips of today's interview (Instagram) be a part of the WINMI community on social media @winmipodcast. And you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. ----------- Music: September by Kai Engel is licensed under a Attribution License. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the second half of AUDITION STORIES we dive into the comparison game with Justin Guarini. This kind of jealousy is so common to actors and affects us in the audition room more than we know. Former guests share their experiences from onstage to on-camera, from the wonderful to the embarrassing, and everything in-between. (Listen to Part One as well.) Those featured in this episode: JUSTIN GUARINI - "Comparison Trap" (Audition Secrets podcast) LAUREN KENNEDY - Artistic Director of Theatre Raleigh MEGAN HOXIE - Actor/Singer in FOOTLOOSE REMY GERMINARIO - Actor and Stand-Up Comedian MEGAN CARVER - Actor, Writer, Filmmaker MIATA EDOGA - Actor and Financial Coach CHARLOTTE COHN - Actor, Director, Producer (Episode coming in March) MAISIE WILLIAMS - Actor from GAME OF THRONES (TED Talk) Join The Chain with Megan Carver and Adventuress Films. NY Actorfest - Casting Directors panel discussion ---------- I want this podcast to 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 that follow. You can always reach out to me: contact.winmipodcast.com Also, don't forget Miata Edoga's special financial empowerment offer for WINMI listeners from Abundance Bound. For further insights and unreleased audio clips of these episodes, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram (@winmipodcast). Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2nd Annual Auditions Stories is here! And this is only part one...focusing on the Audition Book and debunking 5 myths about what this book is supposed to be. The typical audition book has at least 20 songs (or monologues). It must contain material from every genre and era. "Show your range" means to hit your highest note. You don't need the full song in your book. It doesn't have to have a table of contents. Here are the former guests featured in this episode with all-new stories from the audition room (click on their name to listen to their episode): Kelvin Moon Loh - Otho in BEETLEJUICE on Broadway Sherryl-Lee Secomb - Australian Director and An Idiot on Stage J. Harrison Ghee - Lola in KINKY BOOTS (Broadway & National Tour) Caroline Bowman - Elsa in FROZEN National Tour Janine DiVita - Anne in IF/THEN National Tour, Rizzo in GREASE on Broadway Joshua Morgan - Shelly Berger in Broadway's AIN'T TOO PROUD Terri Dollar - Talent Agent in North Carolina & Director of S.T.A.R. Bret Shuford - Broadway Husbands and Life Coach Amy Marie Stewart - "Definitive Guide to Building Your Audition Book" on Soundfly and at Theory Works. ---------- May this podcast be a resource as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow. You can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram (@winmipodcast). Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout history artists have known that music provides benefits for both the creator and the listener. It can affect individuals in positive ways by inducing both psychological and physiological healing. This is especially true in the senior community. Sing For Your Seniors is a nonprofit built around the mission of enriching lives through the universal language of music. They bring professional artists to the communities of seniors in need...to entertain them, to foster inter-generational connection, and most especially to create shared joy. Jackie Vanderbeck is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of SFYS. From her great grandmother, whom she lovingly called grandma Dee Dee, she realized the enormous therapeutic value of music for seniors, especially those who are showing signs of withdrawal. And so in Grandma Dee Dee’s honor and memory she started SFYS in 2005 as a one-person a cappella hour at the Village Adult Day Center in New York’s West Village. But it has now grown into a much bigger organization, and today Jackie joins me in this Spotlight episode to talk about that journey. Last summer, she invited me to participate in one of their sessions at the Actors Fund Home in New Jersey. So we also talk about that experience and how SFYS brings hope and joy to a very vulnerable group that is often forgotten by our society. Discussed in today's episode: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (Tom Viola) Alzheimer's Foundation of America Broadway for the Blind The PROM's Broadway Session Donating Pianos Follow Sing For Your Seniors: Website | Instagram | Twitter ---------- Contribute your own Audition Story: contact.winmipodcast.com ---------- For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram and you can always reach out to me directly: [email protected] Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: buy me a coffee. ---------- Music used in this episode: "Reverie (small theme)" (ft. Pitx), 2010 by _ghost. Licensed to the public under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ "Stardust" by U.S. Army Blues is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License. "Stompin At The Lough" by The Underscore Orkestra is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. "In Your Arms" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast mainly focuses on the artist and the creative, the actor or composer or director, etc. But in today’s episode I’m turning the tables and focusing on the audience, specifically those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Their access to what we do onstage is often limited and often times they can’t make it to the theater because there is no way provided for them to understand what is happening. That’s where sign language interpreters come in and provide access for this underserved community of theater-goers. (Click here for a full transcript of this episode at the WINMI Blog.) The history of ASL-interpreted shows is actually fairly young. It was not until the early 1980s that the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles would offer the first regularly-scheduled ASL-interpreted performances of theatre in the nation. This was spurred on by its own success with the play Children of a Lesser God in 1979, which went on to a Broadway production and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1980. (Source: howlround.com, an essay by David Kurs) In fact, Children of a Lesser God had a Broadway revival a couple of years ago and I was grateful to have one of the actors from that play, John McGinty, on the podcast. (Listen to that conversation here: smarturl.it/johnmcginty) As I was putting together this episode, I contacted John again and asked him about the importance of ASL-interpreted shows: "It is imperative to show that audiences prefer the personal aspect that a great, certified, sign language interpreter can bring to a theater performance. It helps build a “family” and a sense of belonging in the audience for those who happen to be Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Also, once the audience sees that the show is interpreted, they will be able to leave and say, 'Hey, I saw a show that was interpreted.' This will at least build a foundation and awareness of the Deaf/HoH community in their future." Recently one of our FOOTLOOSE shows on Norwegian Cruise Lines was ASL-interpreted by two women who travel to many different events and venues to provide sign language interpretation, Heidi Johnson and Mia Engle. In all my contracts aboard ships I’ve never seen ASL done for any show, so it was a real honor to be a part of the night’s presentation and it was an even bigger pleasure to sit down with them and talk about the important work they do. These are some of the people and topics covered in this episode: Mairéad MacSweeney - Director of the Deafness, Cognition, and Language Research Centre at the University College London Children of a Lesser God - A play by Mark Medoff based on a story written about deaf characters for deaf actors in the late ‘70s—featuring a deaf woman named Sarah Norman who falls in love with a speech therapist named James Leeds. John McGinty - Deaf actor and advocate, who also teaches sign language David Kurs - Artistic Director of Deaf West theater company Prosody - the rhythmic structure, intonation, and stress in spoken and signed languages ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider donating and supporting the work that goes into each episode. donate.winmipodcast.com Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to me with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a special episode where someone I consider to be one of the best in podcasting joins the show to discuss what he's learned about this growing medium and how we as artists can use this as another outlet for our creativity. Dave Jackson has been podcasting since April of 2005. His School of Podcasting has been downloaded nearly 2 million times, and he has helped hundreds of people launch podcasts. He was also inducted into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame in 2018. And now he's here to help you! Here are some of the people and items discussed in this episode: The Audacity to Podcast - Another podcasting guru, Daniel J. Lewis, shares his findings on the state of this medium and the 800,000+ podcasts currently listed by Apple. Ultimate Guide to Hosting and Guesting Podcast Interviews - More than any episode I've ever listened to, this one by Dave gives a helpful overview of the the nuts and bolts of creating the best interview-style podcast. Building a Better Dave - The personal diary of Dave Jackson. Each short episode attempts to make you laugh, cry, think, groan, educate, or entertain. Here's a list of Dave's other podcasts: podcastreviewshow.com podcastersroundtable.com askthepodcastcoach.com podcastrodeoshow.com Connect with Dave: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube ---------- I want this podcast (and especially this episode) to 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 that follow. For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram and you can always reach out to me directly at [email protected] Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode with Megan Carver! After our in-depth discussion on finding our artistic niche and creating work for ourselves, we then chatted about others job and where inspiration comes from. These final five questions are posed to each guest on topics and insights not covered in our previous conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Megan Carver... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether in life or her profession, Megan lives by three simple mottos... Work Hard • Be Kind • Stay Classy • And it is these ideals that led her to turn a punch to the gut into another creative outlet for finding work and fulfilling her passion. She opens up about the tough road she faced coming to NYC from Oregon and what propelled her into a world on the page and behind the camera. She's got a lot of wisdom and insight to share today...this is a jam-packed episode! Here are links to what she talked about today: Blog Post - Megan first joined the WINMI community in April of 2019 with her own Why I'll Never Make It story. Adventuress Films - Art is important and has the power to make us realize, on a deep level, that we’re not alone in the world. And we need that now more than ever. Glasgow Lyman - her friend and former guest on the podcast, who spoke about the mental game of auditioning Anthony Meindl - an LA-based Writer, Director, Teacher, and Founder of AMAW studios Her social media - Twitter, Instagram, YouTube ---------- I want this podcast to 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 that follow. For insights and unreleased audio clips of today's interview, you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram (@winmipodcast) and you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for joining me and Remy for this week's FINAL FIVE! After our discussion of the rigors and challenges of stand-up comedy, we got down to the serious business of bucket lists and sage advice. (I even throw in a new Final Five questions just for Remy.) The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Mr. Germinario... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. What is a time in your life when you messed up and had to own up to it? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I first met Remy Germinario while taking improv classes at Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC. He’s an actor as well as a comedian, and he shares how he got into stand-up and how we as creatives wear many hats and have to showcase many talents. It was a few months ago that I was at an audition and ran into Remy. It had been awhile since our UCB classes together, and we started talking about all the stand-up he’s been doing and it absolutely fascinated and surprised me as to what all actually goes into being a comedian. And it’s that conversation that inspired this episode. Remy says there's no reason to pigeon-hole ourselves as just an actor or dancer or director. We can do many things, and for our well-being we should pursue as many avenues as we can to not only feed our bank accounts but also to feed our souls by finding creative outlets for the kind of art we want to make. In our conversation, Remy talked about... Freemics - a comprehensive listing of comedy open mics across the East and West Coast. Stand Up NY - opened its doors in 1986 and has since become one of New York City’s premiere comedy clubs. Comedy Mob - over 60 comics compete for the winning title in this annual festival, where New York City's up and coming talent try to win over our panel of judges and the audience vote. Social Media - Twitter & Instagram: @RemyGerminario ---------- I want this podcast to 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 that follow. For insights and motivations you can be a part of the WINMI community on Twitter and Instagram and you can always reach out to me on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com Lastly, this podcast is supported through kind donations of listeners like you by buying me a coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode of 2020! These are five questions I ask each guest on topics and insights not covered in our main conversation on Wednesday. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Miata Edoga... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ** To join Miata in her MASTERY LEVEL FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, go to abundance.winmipodcast.com and enter promo code WINMI for a your listener discount rate. ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miata Edoga is the President and Founder of Abundance Bound, the premiere financial education company for actors, artists, and creative entrepreneurs. She created The Artist’s Prosperity System, which has provided thousands of creatives with a specific, step-by-step process to significantly improve their financial situation – giving them more time, energy, and freedom to focus on their creative careers and artistic pursuits. ** To join Miata in her MASTERY LEVEL FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, go to abundance.winmipodcast.com and enter promo code WINMI for your listener discount rate. Miata serves as the National Financial Wellness Consultant for The Actors Fund – a national human services non-profit for everyone in the entertainment industry. (Listen to my previous episode with Rebecca Selkowe from the Actors Fund Financial Wellness Program.) She has also led workshops and seminars on financial empowerment for a wide range of organizations including: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Writers Guild of America, the Directors Guild, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Center for Cultural Innovation. With a strong belief that early financial education empowers young people to live their very best lives, Miata shares her signature seminars with students (and their parents) in schools around the country including: NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Columbia University, and the California Institute of the Arts. Abundance Bound was launched with the mission of reducing the feelings of intimidation, overwhelm, and stress that too often impede folks from having a healthy relationship with their money. Miata’s guidance continues to empower individuals of all backgrounds to establish a more compassionate, conscious, and prosperous financial life on their own terms. ---------- Please consider buying me a coffee to support the work and mission of this podcast. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the 2nd Anniversary episode of the podcast! And what a year it has been! We’ve had wonderful guests from actors and singers to stage managers and artistic directors. And this episode is a look back at some of the best moments from the past year as well as a look ahead to what’s in store for 2020. There’s a mix of previous released conversations and new clips never heard before now. I share clips from the popular Audition Stories episode, and then I highlight and critique the very first episode of the year, which was not my best to say the least. The guests featured during this anniversary: (click the name to go to their episode) Lothair Eaton • Tony Howell • Misha Osherovich • Caroline Bowman • Bret Shuford • Maggie Bera • Ilana Levine • Sherryl-Lee Secomb • Amy Marie Stewart • Caitlin Kinnunen • Ben Davis With a special appearance by Andre DeShields (on the Tony Awards). Check out these podcasts by… Maggie Bera - ACTOR AESTHETIC Ilana Levine - LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ASTEP was conceived by Broadway Musical Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Juilliard students. It’s goal was to transform the lives of youth using the most powerful tool they had: their art. Today, ASTEP connects performing and visual artists with youth from underserved communities in the U.S. and around the world to awaken their imaginations, foster critical thinking, and help them break the cycle of poverty. ASTEP is deeply committed to empowering individuals who suffer from an absence of choice, especially children. The right to choose is a fundamental human right, and we strive to end the poverty that robs us of that humanity. The performing and visual arts create a unique safe space to rediscover choice. To talk about that mission as well as the recruiting and training of volunteer teaching artists is ASTEP’s Manager of Programs, Samantha Manfredi. She shares how these programs currently serve youth affected by immigration status, homelessness, gun-violence, incarceration, the justice system, HIV/AIDS, systemic poverty, and the caste system. Yet despite all these challenges ASTEP finds a way to reach these young people and change their lives. The Teaching Artists are highly successful Broadway performers, professional artists, or students and faculty from schools such as Juilliard, offering a variety of disciplines such as dance, visual art, music, and drama. They become transformative role models by combining their passion for the arts and their ability to use artistic tools to teach important life skills to young people around the world. Learn how you can support ASTEP through a DONATION or as a TEACHING ARTIST. ---------- Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Jenny Stafford... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Click to learn more about other Artistic Directors who Mike mentioned in his answer to number 3 - Mark Hoebee at Papermill and Dan Knechtges at TUTS. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Isaacson has led the Muny for almost ten years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In this episode he shares not only the challenges of producing 7 musicals in 10 weeks each summer, but he also opens up about his Tony Award winning Broadway ventures, Fun Home and Thoroughly Modern Millie. These shows almost didn’t happen, yet their eventual success proved that listening to your heart and to an audience are ultimately more important that listening to critics. Follow Mike on social media as well as the Muny on Twitter and Instagram. --------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Jenny Stafford... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Click here to listen to the previous episode with Grace McLean. And to learn more about Taylor Mac and his work go to Playbill or the New York Times. ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the entertainment industry, we are all essentially storytellers. But there is one among us who is the spark and drive of those stories...the writer. Jenny Stafford is a prolific lyricist and book writer with her work featured on and off Broadway as well as regional and children's theaters across the country. She has a lot to share about her own journey and what led her back home to Denver, Colorado where she found herself at a crossroads, not only in her career but in her life as well. We talk about fate, being our true selves, relationships, and of course writing. Go to Jenny's website and follow her on Twitter and YouTube. --------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving! We’ve all been with our families and gone around the proverbial table to say what we are grateful for. Well, it’s my turn and this episode is dedicated to YOU, who listen and follow and support this podcast. I mention a few listeners by name for their extra dedication to the WINMI community. Also, I go through 5 reason each of us as artists should be thankful this holiday season…and all year round. There are many reasons that hold us back or get in the way of our dreams, but along the way we do find successes and support from others. This episode is all about recognizing those influences and resources in our lives that keep us going. ————— The time and expense needed to bring these episodes to you each week is at times challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into this podcast. Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Misha Osherovich... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misha Osherovich is a Russian-American actor, filmmaker, and mental health/LGBTQ+ activist. Misha's latest short film E.VERY D.AY is currently screening at festivals internationally. The film is autobiographical - written and produced by Misha - that gives the audience a look inside the minds of people affected by eating disorders and distorted body image. You can also catch Misha in AMC's new series NOS4A2. He can also be seen in theaters in Warner Bros' new film THE GOLDFINCH. Follow Misha on Instagram or Twitter. Misha aims to use his platform in TV/film and on social media (as well as this podcast) to speak frankly and openly about body image and eating disorder recovery from the perspective of the entertainment industry, as well as the intersection between queerness and mental health. For more info on recognizing and dealing with eating disorders: Six Common Types of Eating Disorders National Eating Disorders Helpline buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Also, you should join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, as they give concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Janine DiVita... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of my conversation with Janine DiVita. Last time was a Spotlight episode on her work with the USO Show Troupe. In this episode she and I dig into what drives her as an actor and singer, the choices she’s made in her career, and how she maintains a work/life balance since getting married. Janine opens up about going to therapy and how it’s helped her focus on what truly matters, especially in auditions. She also shares what is was like filling in for Idena Menzel in the Broadway musical IF/THEN. Janine is a poised and consummate professional, whose singing voice is as angelic as it is powerful. She co-founded Empowered Voices, a company that combines dynamic theatrical techniques with traditional prevention education tactics to combat and prevent Sexual Assault within the U.S. Military and beyond. Follow Janine on Twitter and Instagram as well as her website. You can also find out more about the USO Show Troupe. ----------- Reach out with your own questions or comments about the podcast at contact.winmipodcast.com. The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November is National Military Families Month, and in honor of that I have Janine DiVita joining me today to talk about her work with the USO Show Troupe in New York City. Now when most people think of the USO, the first thing that comes to mind, understandably, is the legendary entertainer Bob Hope, who first performed for U.S. troops in California in May 1941, just a few months before the Pearl Harbor. But the USO is certainly much more then any one celebrity. It’s mission is to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. For over 77 years, the USO has done just that. And the show troops play a vital role in that mission by entertaining service members and conveying the support of the nation through their uplifting shows. As an actor herself Janine knows firsthand what it takes to reach an audience, and she’ll be joining me next week to talk about work-life balance and how is she maintains her voice and acting chops. In fact, she and I did Bridges of Madison County together this past summer, but during that run she continued to do work for the USO both as an administrator and as a producer. She said down with me recently in the USO offices in New York City to discuss the importance of this organization and what it means to her as well as military service members and their families. She co-founded Empowered Voices, a company that combines dynamic theatrical techniques with traditional prevention education tactics to combat and prevent Sexual Assault within the U.S. Military and beyond, which was an important step in her becoming director of the USO Show Troupe. See how you can support the efforts of the USO. And if you would like to be a part of the show troupe, click here. ---------- At the end of this month I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving with your stories of gratitude and appreciation. Go to contact.winmipodcast.com and send me a text or voice message. I’d love to share your stories of thankfulness with all of us in the WINMI community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As I’ve mentioned since the beginning of the season, I’m currently in a production of FOOTLOOSE on Norwegian Cruise lines. And so on today’s episode I’m talk about the show and the process of putting it together now that we’ve opened here on the ship, Also, joining me is fellow actor Megan Hoxie who plays the role of Ariel in the show. After that conversation I answer a listener question about cruise ships and resumes. Reach out with your own questions or comments at contact.winmipodcast.com. You can find Megan on Instagram: @foxieehoxiee ————— The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Terri Dollar. In the previous episode we focused on STAR, her program working with special needs theater artists in Raleigh. Normally this would be another Final Five episode. However, after our initial conversation about her work with special needs actors I had a lot more questions about the other work that she does. So today in this bite-sized episode we chat about her talent agency and what she looks for in actors she represents as well as how she works to open up casting opportunities to all of her clients, including a couple of the STAR actors who are on her roster. We then discuss her work with Artsplosure, a huge arts festival she runs every year in Raleigh that is completely free and open to the public. All in all Terry is one busy lady. I know that when I grow up I want to be more like Terri Dollar, and I’m sure after listening to the rest of our conversation you’re probably going to feel the same way too. ---------- To learn more about Terri and Artsplosure check out kutalentagency.com and artsplosure.org. For more info on Why I'll Never Make It go to winmipodcast.com where you can also support and donate to this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you ever feel like you can’t do something or or get down about hard this business is, then this episode it for you (and me). Terri Dollar shares her own story of working with special needs actors in Raleigh, NC. She talks about the commitment and dedication they put into each class and performance and how hard she pushes them to do their very best at all times. You’re bound to walk away from this episode with a greater appreciation of the work we do as artists and how it can truly change lives. ————— The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Also, reach out to me via email with your questions and comments about this episode or any other topic you want to discuss. I love getting your feedback and will answer your questions at the end of each month: contact.winmipodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions each guest will be asked all season long, giving concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Lauren Kennedy... If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having worked with Lauren Kennedy at Theatre Raleigh on BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, she joins the podcast today to talk about her transition from Broadway back to doing theater in her hometown of Raleigh. From her time growing up and studying theater in college to landing her first Broadway show and ultimately deciding to direct, Lauren shares her own experiences in auditions and what she now looks for on the other side of the table. It's a great conversation about the business and how she found fulfillment in what can often be a trying and frustrating profession. ----- Contact me with your own "why I'll never make it" story or ask me a question you'd like to have answered on this podcast. Email me at [email protected] or leave a voicemail message at contact.winmipodcast.com. As the WINMI community continues to grow there are two ways you can help: 1) Please consider subscribing or donating to support the work that goes into each episode. 2) Share this podcast with those who you think would benefit from the stories and conversations featured on each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, giving concise and focused insights not covered in our conversations on Wednesday. If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be? What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day? Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you. Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day? What’s the best advice you’ve received? Today, Bret talks more about dream roles, his autistic brother, and the most important life lesson he's learned. Reach out to me directly with your own questions or comments via email ([email protected]) or on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com ---------- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices