Episodes
We are so delighted to share Ann-Marie Sepe's story with everyone. She illustrates the fact that the skills acquired with musical theatre training can open so many doors and opportunities for performers. Ann-Marie gives a number of phenomenal tips for those preparing for professional auditions and discusses the pros and cons of having an equity card. Ann-Marie also talks about her love for choreography, which you can experience first-hand at Milton High School's upcoming production of...
Published 03/02/20
Published 03/02/20
This is part two of our New York Audition Adventure where we share what we learned about the Broadway audition on our trip for Jules's first professional audition. We interview Jules Turknett at the end to learn about her experience and how it compared to what she envisioned.  Resource Mentioned: Audition updates on Backstage: https://www.backstage.com/forums/ Connect with us on social media: Facebook (where we share LOTS of resources about training programs, camps, shows, etc.):...
Published 03/02/20
Part 1 of our New York City audition adventure!   Connect with us on social media: Facebook (where we share LOTS of resources about training programs, camps, shows, etc.): https://www.facebook.com/atlanta2broadway/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlanta2broadway/ ( @atlanta2broadway ) Get in touch! Do you have questions you’d like explored or guests to suggest for the podcast? Give us a shout at [email protected]
Published 02/26/20
What a treasure trove of riches we have in this interview with Paige Chambers! Paige began her incredible Broadway career just before graduating high school and performed in amazing shows including "Crazy for You," "42nd Street," "A Chorus Line," "Cats," "Anything Goes," and "The Producers." Paige also spent time as a Radio City Rockette, possibly holding the record as the tallest Rockette to date! Paige now heads The Resolute Artists Agency, a boutique agency representing talent in Atlanta,...
Published 02/24/20
This is an episode not to be missed! We have the pleasure of talking with Tim Evanicki, a Juilliard-trained voice teacher and singer who started and runs the popular program The College Audition. Tim shares insight into the college audition process, tips for vocal health, and trends in musical theatre training. We also explore Tim's article: "Parents: A Degree in Theatre IS Their Backup Plan." The back-up plan is a topic that we commonly discuss with our podcast guests and we were thrilled...
Published 02/16/20
In this episode, we were so excited to chat with Emily Whitley, who made the move to New York to pursue her Broadway dreams! Before her move, you may have seen her in local productions like “Head over Heels” at Actor’s Express. You’ll get to hear all the nitty-gritty details about finding a place to live, earning income while still saving time to audition and train, as well as embarking on the search for an agent. Emily’s determination, persistence, and resiliency during this process is...
Published 01/08/20
In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with performer Danny Crowe. Danny has appeared in many local and regional productions. He shares his own journey, as well as some really fantastic advice for Broadway hopefuls. In addition to being a performer, Danny serves as an audition coach and shares with us some of the same wisdom he shares with his students. He recommends students begin building their rep books as soon as possible and gives some insight into what that should include.  ...
Published 12/07/19
In this episode, Josh shares his expertise on using a holistic approach to theatre training that will help our triple threats maximize both their physical and cognitive performance. Josh is a neurologist and currently spends his time consulting with clients on these very topics. Musical theatre performers face the unique challenge of needing to preserve and support both their brains and bodies. Dr. Josh offers strategies for young performers to begin building habits that will strengthen and...
Published 11/20/19
In this episode, we are excited to speak with rising Atlanta talent, Claudio Pestana. We have seen him in several performances and he's a real standout in a range of roles. We dig into his journey on his way to Broadway and get his advice for Broadway hopefuls. He's got great advice for finding auditions and for developing the mindset of a successful performer. You can see him perform as Merlin in the Atlanta Lyric Theatre's upcoming production of "Camelot" running February 7-23. Find...
Published 11/10/19
In this episode, we get to share one of our very favorite summer theatre intensives for middle and high schoolers, the Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute (SSTI). We chat with Ben Wolfe, the founder and director of this incredible program. He tells us about the program he’s developed for Broadway hopefuls, as well as for students interested in theatre tech! Auditions for Summer 2020 open on October 1, so be sure check out the SSTI website for program and audition information:...
Published 09/28/19
In this episode, we are delighted to chat with performer Jeremy Benton. Jeremy has made a career for himself on Broadway and beyond as a “song and dance man.” You’ll most often find him playing roles in classic musicals like Billy Lawler in “42nd Street,” Don Lockwood in “Singin' in the Rain,” and Phil Davis in “White Christmas." Jeremy talks about his own career path, finding his niche as a performer, and offers great advice for Broadway hopefuls.  Find Jeremy on Facebook at Tap Therapy...
Published 08/26/19
This episode is a departure from our standard format. First, we start off with three big pieces of news. You’ll have to listen to find out what they are! But our links below may give you hints. After our news reveal, we are doing a rebroadcast of the “Musciality Now” podcast interview Josh did recently. It has practical advice and strategies for maximizing your musical growth through effective practice as Josh presents his neuroscience-based methods. Helpful links from this episode: Find...
Published 08/08/19
What a treat to get to talk with Broadway Performer and Musical Writer Brad Bass! His incredible journey took him from a tobacco farm in Ringgold, VA to Broadway's "Wicked," "Memphis," and "Jersey Boys." Now Brad's journey takes him to the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival where the show "The Collins Boy" that he co-wrote with Cari Joy will be one of four featured performances!Enjoy this episode where we explore these unique career paths have taken Brad and learn about the process of...
Published 07/23/19
Join us for a quick check in with Shuler Award winner and Jimmy FINALIST Jessi Kirtley of Roswell High School. As you may recall from our first episode with Jessi, she was on her way to New York to represent Georgia in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (a.k.a. the Jimmy Awards!).  In this episode, Jessi joins us once again to recap her experience at the Jimmy Awards and to talk about her incredible accomplishment of being one of four female finalists!   Stay tuned for Part 2...
Published 07/08/19
In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Adam J.Levy, who is currently on the National Tour of "Waitress" as an understudy for Dr. Pomatter, Ogie, and Earl. He details his own Broadway journey and gives us a look at life on a national tour. Adam also shares some behind-the-scenes "Waitress" tidbits. Your Broadway hopeful will also benefit from some great advice he shares! Find Adam on Instagram: @AdamJLevy Join the Troupe! Sign up for our mailing list to hear about local...
Published 06/29/19
In this episode (Part 2 in a two-part series), we have the opportunity to interview recent Milton High School graduate Harrison Lewis. Harrison won a 2019 Shuler Award for his role as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi in Milton's production of "Curtains" earlier this year. Harrison shares his own musical theater journey and breaks down his process for bringing a character to life from the script. We are cheering both Harrison and Jessi on as they compete at the Jimmy Awards in New York this week. ...
Published 06/20/19
In this episode (Part 1 of a two-part series), we have the opportunity to interview rising Senior Jessi Kirtley of Roswell High School. Jessi won the 2019 Shuler Award for playing the title role in Roswell High's production of Mary Poppins. Jessi is currently in New York competing at the Jimmy Awards, which is the National level competition for the high school musical theatre awards. We get a look at Jessi's musical theater training, an overview of the competition process at the Jimmy...
Published 06/19/19
In this episode, we sit down with Tony Galde, a seasoned Broadway performer who has appeared in multiple Broadway shows, including eight years in the much beloved show "Wicked." We get to dig into personal grit and determination, his training, Broadway auditions, and his favorite role. Tony also talks with us about the value of ensemble work, as well as the mindset needed to have a successful career. You'll also hear about his transition to a teaching role at Orbit Arts Academy, which he...
Published 06/13/19
In this episode, we sit down with Mary Nye Bennett, the Artistic Director for Atlanta Lyric Theatre. We explore her role as an artistic director, learn about the Lyric Theatre and how shows are selected, and we even get a little audition advice! Mary also opens up about her decision to take the stage again in the upcoming show "War Paint." Also find out her hopes for the future of Atlanta theater! You can learn more about the Atlanta Lyric Theatre and their 40th anniversary season...
Published 06/04/19
In this episode, we sit down with Susan Lee, founder of Camp Broadway based in New York. Susan shares her own distinct career path within the Broadway realm and gives us insight into the Camp Broadway mission and core philosophy. During the interview we explore topics including how Camp Broadway crafts authentic Broadway experiences for kids, finding a balance of training and performance opportunities, and how to identify a quality program. In a bonus segment, we also check in with local...
Published 05/24/19
In this episode, we sit down with the team from the ArtsBridge Foundation to learn about the Shuler Awards, which is Georgia's equivalent to the Tony Awards for High School Musical Theater programs.  We get an overview of the process and qualifications to enter, the adjudication process, and the massive undertaking that is the televised awards ceremony.  We also discuss other ArtsBridge programming including Broadway Master Classes with cast members from National Tours, a new college...
Published 05/16/19
In this episode, we are honored to speak with Michelle Evans, an experienced acting and college audition coach. She shares many pearls of wisdom on the following topics: Do you need an acting coach? Finding the right acting technique Preparing for the college process and when to start Evaluating a college program and how to find your fit Evaluating and selecting a summer training program Advice for parents supporting their kids' musical theater journey Find Michelle Evans: website:...
Published 05/16/19
Welcome to the From Atlanta to Broadway podcast, where parents of a Broadway hopeful delve into triple threat musical theater training, varied career paths in the Broadway realm, the college audition process, Broadway shows, and more. Also look for local training options, audition, and shows. In this introductory episode you’ll meet your hosts Jenny and Josh Turknett to learn about why the podcast was created and what you can expect from upcoming episodes! Sign up for our mailing list to...
Published 05/10/19