Michael Kushner

Dear Multi-hyphenate

About the show

Are you a combination of actor, director, producer, designer, or anything else? Congratulations, you’re a multi-hyphenate! A multi-hyphenate is an artist who has multiple proficiencies that cross pollinate to help flourish professional capabilities. Dear Multi-hyphenate explores the full potential of artists in show business who have taken the paths less traveled. Are you unsure how to stay creative and garner income during the pandemic? Are you sitting on a project and you have no idea how to get started? What if others have cornered you into thinking that you are just an actor, or just a director, or just a producer? Let go of the rules and take agency of your full potential! Listen to me and my guests, the leaders of the multi-hyphenation station, as we dissect the mentality and possibilities about artistic agency.”Michael is the glue that holds the Broadway community together.” - Tony Award Winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal)

Newest episodes

S4; EP. 4 -- Paola Lázaro: Dog Day Afternoon

Jun 4, 2026 49 min

TW: This episode does contain conversations about suicide and self harm. Michael Kushner interviews Paola Lázaro about her role as Guadalupe in Broadway’s Dog Day Afternoon, her path from Puerto Rico through the Labyrinth Theater Company, and the mentorship and community that transformed her career and life. They discuss how the show creates conversations about love, LGBTQ+ representation, and mental health, Paola’s return to writing, practical advice for artists on courage and showing up. Paola Lázaro (Guadalupe) (she/her) is an actress and playwright from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is best known for her role as Princess on “The Walking Dead,” earning an Imagen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and is a Drama Desk Award nominee for To the Bone. She most recently stared in Netflix’s “Obliterated.” An award-winning playwright, she has received Drama League and Outer Critics Circle nominations, as well as the Steinberg Playwright Award. She was a Van Lier and Tow Foundation Playwright-in-Residence at The Public Theater and Atlantic Theater Company and a Sundance Institute Time Warner Storytelling Fellow. Additional film and television credits include “Lethal Weapon,” “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” “SMILF,” “Patty’s Auto,” Black Bear, and Shelter. For tickets, please visit: https://dogdayafternoon.com/

S4; EP. 3 -- Kayli Carter: The Balusters (Truth Over Applause)

May 12, 2026 59 min

This podcast episode features Michael Kushner's interview with actress Kayli Carter about her Broadway debut in David Lindsay-Abair's Tony Nominated new play "The Balusters" at Manhattan Theatre Club. The conversation opens with Kushner praising the play's successful handling of sensitive topics through humor without moralizing, while Carter explains how the playwright allows audiences to examine their own reactions rather than telling them what to think. Carter discusses her identity as a multi-hyphenate artist, sharing how writing makes her more vulnerable than acting. She explains the collaborative relationship between writers and actors, emphasizing how she brings line issues directly to playwrights when something doesn't feel authentic. Carter recounts working with Tom Hanks on a play at The Shed, where Hanks actively sought feedback from the cast, demonstrating the value of genuine artistic collaboration. The conversation explores Carter's acting philosophy, particularly her rejection of manufactured emotional responses. She refuses to "ask for the laugh" or control audience reactions, preferring authentic emotional honesty over predetermined cues. Carter shares that she values feedback from fellow actors like Margaret Collin and Mary Louise Burke far more than critics or audiences, describing specific compliments that have meant the most to her career. She also reveals how reading David Lindsay-Abair's plays during a lonely period in high school—after winning competitive theater awards that alienated her peers—ultimately led to this Broadway opportunity. Carter and Kushner discuss broader industry challenges, including the lack of meaningful feedback actors receive and the difficulty of maintaining confidence without external validation. They explore the importance of building authentic artistic communities, with Carter emphasizing how her SCAD students and NYU connections have sustained her career. The episode concludes with a passionate discussion about...

S4; EP. 2 -- Jonathan Tolins & Remy Germinario: Buyer & Cellar

Apr 21, 2026 53 min

Host Michael Kushner sits down with playwright and showrunner Jonathan Tolins and actor Remy Germinario to explore life as a multi‑hyphenate in the arts — writing, producing, directing, and performing. They discuss Tolins’ hit one‑person play Buyer & Cellar, its Barbara Streisand inspirations, and how saying “yes” to opportunities shapes a creative career. Listeners will hear practical advice on writing and producing, the differences between creating in the theater and television, how personal truth fuels work, and the enduring power of niche audiences and sharp references. Buyer & Cellar one of the 10 most produced plays in America in 2016, “Buyer & Cellar,” which won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Solo Show and was named “Best Unique Theatrical Experience” by the Off-Broadway Alliance during its record-breaking run at the Barrow Street Theatre. The show also enjoyed a London engagement at the Menier Chocolate Factory, a run at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and was shown on the WNET series “Theater Close-Up.” "How do we spend our time in a way that makes us feel like our life is worth living,” says Tolins on the themes of Buyer & Cellar, “And how much does that involve other people?" In this hilarious, fictionalized one-man show, Alex More has a story to tell. A struggling actor in L.A., he takes a job working in the Malibu basement of entertainment legend Barbra Streisand. One day, the Lady Herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs? Buyer & Cellar is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. The play is a tour de force for a comedic actor, guaranteed to delight any musical theatre lover. JONATHAN TOLINS is best known as the author of Buyer & Cellar, which won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Solo Show and was named “Best Unique Theatrical Experience” by the Off-Broadway Alliance during its record-breaking run at...

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All episodes

S4; EP. 4 -- Paola Lázaro: Dog Day Afternoon

Jun 4, 2026 49 min

S4; EP. 3 -- Kayli Carter: The Balusters (Truth Over Applause)

May 12, 2026 59 min

S4; EP. 2 -- Jonathan Tolins & Remy Germinario: Buyer & Cellar

Apr 21, 2026 53 min

S4; EP. 1 -- Liz Lerman: Critical Response Process®

Apr 1, 2026 1 hr 5 min

“It’s not a given that you will be applauded for what you are doing.” - Liz Lerman Welcome to the first episode of Dear Multi-Hyphenate, Season Four! Let's dive in with an amazing episode featuring the brilliant Liz Lerman! In this episode we discuss movement, creative tools, choreography and storytelling, Critical Response Process®, and Liz's upcoming new book Shape and Momentum: An Insomniac’s Guide to a World in Constant Motion. Lerman is a choreographer, writer, educator, and the recipient of numerous honors, including a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship, the 2014 Dance/USA Award, and the 2002 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Award. Beginning her choreographic career in 1974, she has spent the past five decades making her artistic research personal, funny, intellectually vivid, and up to the minute. A key aspect of her artistry is opening her process to various publics, from librarians to physicists, rabbis to bharatanatyam dancers, resulting in both research and outcomes that are participatory, relevant, urgent, and usable by others. Recently, Liz and her team of witches toured the dance theatre piece Wicked Bodies (2022) investigating the attempted erasure of embodied knowledge. Current projects include building the Atlas of Creative Tools®, an online resource and archive, and Legacy Unboxed™ that involves a series of site-specific research performance events called My Body is a Library™. Lerman’s upcoming book, Shape and Momentum: An Insomniac’s Guide to a World in Constant Motion, is a collection of personal essays set to be published by Wesleyan University Press in 2026. Liz continues to evolve the Critical Response Process® through the Certification program, Fundamentals cohorts, and Essentials online course. Liz founded and led the Dance Exchange from 1976 until 2011, where she cultivated the company’s unique multi-generational ensemble into a leading force in contemporary dance, including its residency at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Lerman’s community-based p...

S3; EP 9 -- Shaina Taub: Facing a Dying Nation

Feb 26, 2025 58 min

“I think one of the reasons I wanted to be a multi-hyphenate and wear all the hats in SUFFS was to hopefully, if I could, inspire others to show, specially young women,that’s an avenue available to us as well… and the multi-hyphenate male artist is sort of a moniker that goes unquestioned.” On this episode of Dear Multi-Hyphenate, we have one of Broadway’s hottest writers, Shaina Taub, writer and star of SUFFS on Broadway. A true multi-hyphenate, we discuss: The responsibility of starring in a musical you wrote. Any ghostly visits from Alice Paul? Sacrifice. The creation of SUFFS. Lessons learned. Establishing boundaries. Organizational tips. Facing a dying nation and the progress we’ve made. Shaina Taub is an American actress, singer, musician, and Tony Award-winning composer.Taub composed and starred in three adaptations of Shakespeare plays for The Public Theater's Public Works program: Twelfth Night in both 2016 and 2018 and As You Like It in 2017. Taub has appeared Off-Broadway in the revival of the revue show Old Hats in 2016, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 as Princess Mary (2013), and Hadestown as a Fate (2016). She played the role of Emma Goldman in the Ragtime on Ellis Island concert and performed at Joe's Pub in Manhattan monthly during a solo residency. In 2022, her original musical Suffs, based on suffragists and their American women's suffrage movement, premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater. Taub wrote the book, music, and lyrics, and also starred as Alice Paul. The show transferred to Broadway in April 2024 to positive reviews. Taub won Tony Awards in 2024 for Best Book and Best Score. Alongside Elton John on music, Taub penned the lyrics for the 2022 musical adaptation of the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, based on Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel of the same name. It enjoyed a limited run in Chicago in 2022, and a new production is opened in London's West End in October 2024. In November, she reprised the role of Emma...

S3; EP 8 -- J.W. Crump: Pitching a Project

Feb 5, 2025 1 hr 1 min

“You know – when you have multiple mini successes in a row, just how affirming that can be. And how for me, personally, it spills into the rest of my day, the rest of the week – there’s a part of me that wishes that career successes didn’t affect my mood that much, but it’s absolutely true that it does – and then I feel like it begets more success in just every other aspect of my life.” In this episode we discuss… Soda. Especially the ones from EPCOT. Jobs vs. Careers. How to pitch a project. Letting people know what you’re good at. Reality television. Process vs. Product The Writer’s Strike How other people perceive you. J. W. Crump is a Carolina-born, LGBTQ writer, game creator, and comedian represented by Authentic Talent and Literary Management. A seasoned game show producer and host, he developed a game show for Whoopi Goldberg’s production company in 2023 and has hosted over 250 live game shows. He served as Senior Producer and Head Writer for over 50 three-hour game shows for Microsoft's live streaming TV network. His expertise spans live and televised game content, from writing and producing all content for the ESPN Table Hockey international tournament to creating over 50 original segments for TBS’s Gods of the Game. He also worked on ViceTV’s Super Maximum Retro Show, designing all gaming segments and scripting an entire episode solo. Beyond game shows, Crump created the award-winning web series Kylie Jenner's Beauty Tips, which amassed over one million views. He produced Gas Station Horror, a Sony Pictures-sponsored B-horror comedy show, for seven years. His pilot, Ian Owes U, was an official selection at the New York Television Festival. Most recently, he wrapped six years with Pod Ledom, a comedic America’s Next Top Model retrospective podcast with over 2M listens and 700 five-star reviews. @themichaelkushner @dearmultihyphenate @jw_crump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3; EP 7 -- Spencer Liff: Why Can’t It Be Me?

Dec 21, 2024 59 min

“You have to say yes to everything. You have to put yourself in every room you can. It's not learning from one person, it’s going to learn from as many people as possible. Noone is going to hand it to you on a silver platter.” In this episode we discuss… Making his Broadway debut at 10 years old. Becoming Rob Ashford's assistant. A mortifying debut and successful second chance on So You Think You Can Dance. Stepping up and problem solving. Producing, directing, and choreographing. Drag the Musical Spencer's Broadway journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting at the age of 7 on the national tour of The Will Rogers Follies, he made his Broadway debut at age 11 and went on to perform in 5 Broadway shows. After transitioning to choreography, he worked on 4 more Broadway productions, including the Tony-winning Hedwig. His 10-year stint on "So You Think You Can Dance" led to multiple Emmy nominations and he's choreographed for top TV shows as well as the Oscars, Tonys, and Grammys. Recently, he has added directing to his resume with a successful production of the cult classic Reefer Madness in LA, with Hollywood stars like Kristen Bell, Matthew Morrison, and Rachel Bloom making weekly cameo appearances. The musical will hopefully make its way to NYC and the UK. https://www.spencer-liff.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3; EP 6 -- David Henry Hwang: Yellow Face

Nov 20, 2024 52 min

“The advice that I would give myself now is not that different than what I believed was true 30 or 40 years ago, which is the thing that makes you different… the thing that makes you unique, idiosyncratic, weird… that is your superpower as a writer. Maybe as a human being, but particularly as an artist or a writer.” – Tony Winner David Henry Hwang In David Henry Hwang’s play Yellow Face, he explores the Chinese concept of face, an idea that correlates directly to multi-hyphenating. Which is the face we are currently wearing? Which is the one we want the world to believe about us? Which one do we believe the most for ourselves? Hwang is a giant among us – his resume spans years from hits, to flops, to plays, to operas, to films to brilliant works penetrating the cultural zeitgeist. In this episode, we discuss multi-hyphenating, making choices in our plays, the weight of other people’s opinions, the concept of face, and the state of creating art today. This episode is wonderful for any episode, especially playwrights and soon-to-be playwrights as it is a masterclass of inspiration from one of our great living writers. David Henry Hwang’s stage work includes the plays M. Butterfly, Chinglish, Yellow Face, Golden Child, The Dance and the Railroad, and FOB, as well as the Broadway musicals Aida, Flower Drum Song, and Disney’s Tarzan. M. Butterfly was revived on Broadway in 2017. His newest musical, Soft Power, a collaboration with composer Jeanine Tesori, received four Outer Critics Honors, a 2020 Grammy nomination and was a Finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. Yellow Face was revived on Broadway in Fall of 2024, starring Daniel Dae Kim. Called America’s most-produced living opera librettist by Opera News, Hwang has written thirteen libretti, including five with composer Philip Glass. An American Soldier (with Huang Ruo) will receive its New York premiere at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in May 2024. Ainadamar (with Osvaldo Golijov) will be seen at t...

S3; EP 5 -- Lindsey Ferrentino: The Fear of 13

Oct 8, 2024 1 hr 6 min

Where does a playwright start from? Would a playwright identify as a multi-hyphenate if they span genre, style, and medium of writing? How does a playwright break into both Broadway and the West End? Lindsey Ferrentino is one of our contemporary prolific voices in playwriting and she’s full of inspiring nuggets that will get anyone to put their ideas on paper. In this episode we also discuss her upcoming play THE FEAR OF 13. Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris, Academy Award winner Adrien Brody makes his London theatre debut at the Donmar Warehouse in the world premiere of THE FEAR OF 13; a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone) directed by Justin Martin (Prima Facie). Lindsey Ferrentino is an American playwright with three world premieres in the 2024 season. In May, she opened The Artist in the UK (co-adapted with Drew McConie, Theatre Royal Plymouth,) and this August, she will premiere the new musical The Queen of Versailles (book by Lindsey Ferrentino, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, starring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, The Colonial Theater). Her other produced plays include Ugly Lies the Bone (The Lyttleton - National Theatre, UK, Roundabout Theatre Company, NY, over 100 productions worldwide), Amy and the Orphans (Roundabout Theatre Company), This Flat Earth (Playwrights Horizons), The Year to Come (La Jolla Playhouse) — among others. Her plays have been translated into Spanish, German, and Portuguese and have been produced across the US, in London, Germany, Spain, and Venezuela. This winter, Lindsey will direct her first feature film - an adaptation of her play Amy and the Orphans for Jason Bateman’s Aggregate Films. She has various film projects in development at Netflix and Sony Pictures — with producers including Higher Ground, 3 Dot Entertainment, Dylan Clark Productions, Defiant by Nature. Lindsey is the recipient of The Arc’s prize for Entertainment Industry Excellence for her writing centered on dis...

S3; EP 4 -- Cameron Monaghan & Natalie Rebenkoff: Great Work Survives

Oct 1, 2024 1 hr 6 min

Many people go to college for theatre so one can become an educated actor. Through technique and tools, this will help the actor sustain a healthy and rich career. But what are students getting in terms of theatre business? My NYU student, Natalie Rebenkoff, graduated and took off with flying colors by digging into her multi-hyphenate potential and producing her first piece of work, The Nursery, an unpublished Clifford Odets one-act. The production co-stars Cameron Monaghan from the ever popular television show, Shameless. So how does one graduate and produce their own work? What comes easy? What comes hard? What do we learn along the way? This episode is a great resource for actors who are deep in learning their technique but can also understand how to produce their own work – and not let each artform distract the other. Natalie Rebenkoff is a New York-based actor, writer, and producer from Hermosa Beach, California. Her recent theater credits include Smokeshow (Edinburgh Fringe), Hamlet (RADA), MotherBoard (Experimental Theatre Wing), and I’m Sorry for Your Troubles (Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute). Her film credits include Don’t Look Up opposite Leonardo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. She would like to thank Walt Odets, Robert Ellerman, her family, and friends for all the support in bringing The Nursery to life and is excited to finally share this story. Cameron Monaghan is an American actor, writer, director, and photographer. With a career of over 25 years, he is perhaps best known for his series regular roles as Ian on ‘Shameless’ and ‘The Joker’ on Gotham. In addition, he stars in the ‘Star Wars: Jedi’ game series. Supporting roles include ‘The Giver’ with Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, ‘Paradise Highway’ with Juliette Binoche and Morgan Freeman, and the lead role in ‘Jamie Marks is dead’ which premiered at Sundance, amongst countless other projects. He studied screenwriting at SNHU and has attended directing courses at the Australian Film and...

S3; EP 3 -- Hannah Solow: Oh, Mary!

Sep 16, 2024 1 hr 10 min

Hannah Solow is probably one of the funniest people on the planet. She creates hysterical characters on social media, is a stand up comic, and musical theatre performer. In this very funny episode, we dive into specific social media practices, grabbing control of your career, how getting cast in Broadway’s hit OH, MARY! came to be, and brilliant gems of stories from being in the industry – including what it was like to tour the country in Daniel Fish’s OKLAHOMA!, for instance. Hannah Solow is currently understudy to Mary Todd Lincoln and Mary’s Chaperone/Bill in Oh, Mary!, written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, at The Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. She received her BFA in drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and has performed everywhere from The Kennedy Center to a hostel in Chinatown. She traveled to over 20 cities across the country performing as “Gertie Cummings” in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” directed by Daniel Fish. She performed on Broadway at The Cort Theatre as the “understudy” to Mike Birbiglia in his show, The New One. For many years she performed weekly at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade with musical improv team, Rumpleteaser, and monthly with house sketch teams. She has performed her original standup, characters and songs at The Bell House, Caroline’s, Club Cumming, Littlefield, and many more places/basements. She has taught improvisation to students pre-K through fifth grade across both Manhattan and Brooklyn. They were way funnier than she is. @babymcgoo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3; EP 2 -- Michael Cyril Creighton: Only Multi-Hyphenates in the Building

Sep 16, 2024 56 min

Who is absolutely loving HULU’s Only Murders in the Building? I am! On this episode of Dear Multi-Hyphenate, we have the loveable Michael Cyril Creighton who plays Howard Morris on Only Murders in the Building on HULU. We discuss how Michael was compelled to create his own work and how it created a domino effect of constant work in the industry. It’s all about writing what you know, and Michael certainly proves that theory. How did he end up from working the box office to working on some of the most successful tv shows and films of all time? TELEVISION: Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” (Series Regular), Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (recurring) Showtime’s “Dexter: New Blood” (recurring), Netflix’s “Dash & Lily” (recurring), HBO's "High Maintenance" (recurring), EPIX's "Graves" (recurring), Amazon’s “A League of Their Own”, Netflix’s “AJ & the Queen”, FOX's "Bob's Burgers," Showtime's "Billions," "Horace and Pete," FOX’s “Bob’s Burgers,” CBS's "The Good Fight," Adult Swim's "Neon Joe Werewolf Hunter," Showtime's "Nurse Jackie," Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black,” NBC’s “30 Rock,” FX’s “Louie,” CBS's "2 Broke Girls," CBS’s “Person of Interest," FX's "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll," LOGO’s “Jeffery & Cole Casserole.” FILM: Cord Jeffereson’s “American Fiction,” Steven Spielberg's "The Post," "Game Night," "Spotlight," "Can You Ever Forgive Me?," “Seneca,” "Home Again," "Coin Heist," "Sleeping With Other People," "Fits and Starts," "3rd Street Blackout," “Towheads,” “How To Follow Strangers,” “Paper Spiders” and “The Outside Story.” THEATRE: Jordan Harrison's The Amateurs (Vineyard Theatre), Sarah Ruhl's Stage Kiss (Playwrights Horizons), Blood Play, Buddy Cop 2, You're Welcome and Cape Disappointment (all with The Debate Society), Joshua Conkel's MilkMilkLemonade and more. I was a founding member of the New York Neo-Futurists and performed weekly in “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind.” WEB: Michael created a web series called “Jack in a Box,” which he starred in...

S3; EP 1 -- Lea Delaria: The Gay Agenda

Sep 16, 2024 1 hr 2 min

Welcome back to Dear Multi-Hyphenate! It is Season Two and let’s kick it off with superstar multi-hyphenate Lea Delaria. In this episode we discuss all about how and when to identify as a certain type of artist, unheard stories of working with Lea’s idols, hysterical and inspiring stories about projects like POTUS and Orange is the New Black, and of course Lea’s new brunch show at 54 Below… Brunch is Gay, currently running one Sunday a month at 54 Below. Lea was the first openly gay comic on television in America, and is an accomplished Jazz performer who has performed in concert venues all over the world. She is best known as ‘Big Boo’ from Orange is the New Black (3 SAG Awards). Lea can currently be seen in the indie feature film Potato Dreams of America, and in the Indigo Girls jukebox feature film, Glitter & Doom. Lea recently starred in the Off-Broadway Revival of Tennessee Williams' play, The Night of the Iguana, directed by Emily Mann. TV credits include Girls5Eva, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, East New York,The Blacklist, Physical, Reprisal, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, Shameless, and Broad City. Film credits include Cars 3, Support The Girls, and First Wives Club. Broadway credits, POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive (Bernadette), The Rocky Horror Show (Eddie/Dr. Scott) and On The Town (Hildy), Obie and Theatre World Awards. @realleadelaria www.leadelaria.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#103 - Adam DeCarlo: Post Pandemic Practices

Mar 11, 2024 1 hr 13 min

“I love self tapes in the post pandemic world.” Why? Why does Adam love self tapes when so many other actors don’t? How can we embrace them? In fact, how can we embrace and adapt post-pandemic practices into our lives? Let’s face it – the industry looks different. So, we have to shift. And Adam DeCarlo has done a great job at doing just that. Adam DeCarlo is an award-winning actor and filmmaker based in NYC. Adam was born and raised in Orange County, California; where he began studying acting at the Tony Award-Winning regional theatre, South Coast Repertory. After graduating High School, he studied as a Theatre major at Fullerton College, where he performed in many of their productions and served as a Theatre Arts Ambassador for the department for two years. He then transferred to the University of California, Riverside (UCR) where he continued to study theatre and graduated with a BA, as a double major in Theatre and Media/Cultural Studies. Upon graduating from UCR, Adam moved to New York City and studied at the renowned Circle in the Square Theatre School. While living in NYC, he has appeared on several hit TV shows on Netflix, FOX, HULU, HBO, and A&E. Adam is the writer & director of two award-winning short films, ‘Lost & Found’ & ‘Skeletons’. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#102 - Jodi Carter: Taxes and Financial Mentality

Feb 27, 2024 1 hr 22 min

“What ever jobs you have on your path to where you're trying to get to to your vision all matter. And the fact that we call these things a side hustle or we talk about ‘the unwanted jobs' and all of those types of descriptions… it's not empowering people.” -- Jodi Carter When it comes to being an artist, what is the first thing we have to know about money? According to Jodi Carter, it’s a new language. A wow, do we discover a new language in this episode. This episode is deeply, deeply personal and Michael and Jodi truly get into a vulnerable conversation about money. It might be something all artists can relate to. What is “ifcome” and how does it change our perspective of money managing? How do we work around the starving artist paradigm? The pressure to say yes and show up. Is it healthy? The myth of uncertainty and the myth of someday. Things we make up to ourselves when it comes to money. A big financial hug. Jodi Carter, CPA, has spent decades helping individuals, couples, and families – from all different financial levels and circumstances – make countless choices. This unique view sparked her desire to reach people how to live their best lives. Jodi founded Financial Insight Training to help people shift their lives from stress to freedom. As a lifelong supporter of the arts, Jodi knew she has to create a program specifically tailored to the unique needs of artists, who live with fluctuating income and need specialized guidance for managing their finances. The IfCome® Paradigm is the framework for creative people to live as thriving artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#101 - Scott Barnhardt: The Worth of a College Degree

Feb 14, 2024 1 hr 0 min

“If I were king of the mountain and I got to say how all arts education was – I would actually say the idea of being curiously creative is key; testing out all the ideas and options.” – Scott Barnhardt This is a wildly fun and informative podcast for artists of all ages – especially those looking into studying theatre in college. Here’s what you’ll find in this episode: The college audition mindset The falsehoods of being a “starving artist” What is true about being a “starving artist”? Lucrative ways of working in the theatre Leaning into the type of artist you want to be known as The worth of a college degree SCOTT BARNHARDT is a musical theatre actor, theatre maker, writer, educator and Independent Education Consultant (IEC). He is also the owner and creator of The Creative College Journey, a bespoke approach to college guidance working exclusively with creative applicants (writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers)—helping families handle both the academic and artistic aspects of a college application with the goal to lower stress and increase clarity and enjoyment throughout the process. As a teacher and administrator, he most recently served as Lead Faculty for the Contemporary Musical Theatre + Film BFA program at Hussian College Los Angeles, and before that as the Director of Musical Theatre at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). He is a graduate of Wagner College (BA, Theatre/Speech) and UCLA (MFA, Playwriting). His acting credits include the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon (Elder Harris/Elder Thomas, u/s Elder McKinley, Asst. Dance Captain) and the Deaf West Broadway Revival of Big River at Roundabout. Other NYC: Yank! (The Old Globe Workshop), Bye Bye Birdie (City Center Encores!). National tours: The Boy Friend directed by Julie Andrews, Deaf West's Big River, the Detroit company of White Christmas and the Japanese tour of Disney on Classic with the Tokyo Philharmonic. At OCSA, along with teaching audition prep and a class called...

#100B - Rob Madge: I Find the Industry Hysterical

Feb 6, 2024 56 min

“Collaboration is the most crucial thing you can do. Even if you are writing a solo show for yourself, for your family’s story, show it to somebody – share it with somebody.” - Rob Madge Rob Madge is about to open their solo play on Broadway – so how did it go from home videos to fringe to West End to Broadway? Listen to this amazing episode and learn all about the new play My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?). This is the second part to Dear Multi-Hyphenate's 100th Episode celebration! Transitioning from a child actor into an adult actor. How does a show go from Fringe to Broadway? Handling the weight of Broadway with humor. Sense of play. Rob Madge is a theatre maker, writer and actor. They began working professionally in theatre at the age of 9, having spent the majority of their childhood forcing their family to help them put on shows in the living room, most of which are now documented on Rob’s social media channels. Rob is best known for their show My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?) which was nominated for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play at the 2023 Olivier Awards. Following this ongoing success, Rob won Best Creative Debut at The Stage Debut Awards, 2023 and the Attitude Award for Best Theatre Production, 2023. Most recent credits as a performer: Peter Pan (London Palladium). Theatre credits as a performer include: My Son’s A Queer (Writer/Performer: Turbine Theatre, Edinburgh, West End); Jack and the Beanstalk (London Palladium); Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Macbeth (Gielgud Theatre), Oliver! (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Les Misérables (25th Anniversary International Tour and Concert), Matilda the Musical (Courtyard Theatre, RSC), Bedknobs & Broomsticks (UK Tour/World Premiere),Timpson the Musical, Held Momentarily, Leave A Light On, Roles We’ll Never Play. TV credits include: The Sarah Jane Adventures, That Mitchell and Webb Look, The Armstrong and Miller Show, Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire, Poirot: Appointment with De...

#100A - Busy Philipps: Point of View

Jan 22, 2024 1 hr 1 min

“The greatest success for actors comes … when they sort of let go of the idea that there's something that they need to be and they relax into the idea that who they are is the gift and they just need to bring that to the work.” - Busy Philipps Happy 100th episode of Dear Multi-Hyphenate! We are celebrating with two parts of a big 100th episode celebration. Let’s start with the amazing Busy Philipps as we discuss… An artist’s superpower Rise to stardom Knowing yourself Bad rep, good rep How Tina Fey supported Busy Mean Girls… and so much more. Busy Philipps has starred in numerous movies and television since her breakout role in “Freaks and Geeks” in 1999. In 2018, Philipps released a collection of humorous autobiographical essays in her book, “This Will Only Hurt a Little,” that was immediately a New York Times bestseller, offering unfiltered and candid stories about her life. Currently, Philipps stars in the hit comedy series “Girls5eva” opposite Sara Bareilles, which Netflix recently picked up for a third season. Produced by Tina Fey, the acclaimed series centers on a one-hit wonder girl group from the '90s who try for another chance at pop stardom. Philipps can also be seen in “Mean Girls” playing Regina George’s Mom — a fan favorite. Recently, she also appeared in a scene-stealing recurring turn in three episodes of Freeform’s hit comedy series “Single Drunk Female.” In 2020, Philipps launched her podcast “Busy Phillipps is Doing Her Best” with her creative partner, Caissie St. Onge, featuring conversations reflecting on when setbacks led to better opportunities. @busyphilipps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#99 - Jordan Kai Burnett: It’s Okay to Love It

Jan 2, 2024 1 hr 7 min

“If I had just focused on this one thing, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to experience the life that I’ve had, which has been pretty sick.” -- Jordan Kai Burnett In this episode we discuss… Agism in the industry Is there a French Woods and Stage Door competition? Humping dogs! Are we ever too young to do a show in youth theatre? Allowing yourself to be a theatre nerd! What happens to your personal life when you open yourself up to new artistic experiences. Paying your bills based on your art. Checking off boxes. Maintaining family expectations. How acting has taken a backseat in performances today. JKB just finished the sold-out run in the world premiere production of Gene & Gilda, playing their comedy idol – Gilda Radner. They just returned from their Las Vegas debut starring as the Emcee for Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live which played at both the Hard Rock and legendary Sahara Hotel & Casino. They were featured in the same role for Finding Magic Mike on HBOMAX. Favorite credits include: Romy & Michele: the Musical - Heather Mooney (5th Avenue Theater, Seattle - Gregory Award Nom, best supporting actress in a musical) Found - Denise (West Coast Premiere, IAMA Theater Company directed by Moritz Von Stuelpnagel.) Scissorhands: The Musical as Scissorhands, in Los Angeles. Was lucky enough to work side by side with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on their Romeo & Juliet Project as Benvolia. Co-creator of Daisy & Jordan's Sunday Brunch of Shame with comedy partner, Tony Award winner, Daisy Eagan. A graduate of Emerson College and a student of both The Groundlings and the Upright Citizens Brigade. @JkaiB jkaib.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#98 - Hope Boykin: We Can Be Grateful and Frustrated at the Same Time

Dec 4, 2023 59 min

“I don’t give you a trophy for showing up. I don’t applaud a bird for flying or a fish for swimming. You chose to be here and so you got to eat a little sand from the sandbox because it builds up your immunity.” In this episode we discuss… What do you do when you start to become a leader? What happens after you’re told no? What is good teaching? Hope Boykin, a two-time "Bessie Award" winner, is an acclaimed dancer, choreographer and artistic advisor known for her 20-year tenure with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and her choreography for various companies worldwide. With a passion for pushing artistic boundaries, she has co-directed Off-Broadway and regional theater productions, while her virtual works have earned acclaim from institutions like Carolina Performing Arts and theGuggenheim Works And Process Virtual Commissions initiative. As a motivating force, Hope has served as a keynote speaker for Lincoln Center Activate and received a grant for her Covid Safe residency #BoykinBubble. Hercreative endeavors extend to filmmaking, including the Emmy-nominated short film "Beauty Size & Color." Frompremiering "An Evening of Hope" at 92nd Street Y to directing performances like "The Other Side" for the KennedyCenter, Hope's artistry knows no limits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#97 - Frances Ruffelle & Norman Bowman: Frankie & Beausy Perfect the Cabaret

Nov 3, 2023 50 min

“It’s really, really important for them to see cabaret, go and see other people… go and see who’s good, go and see who’s bad, go and see what they want to portray because what I have noticed in the past, a lot of young people do a cabaret and you say, “What have you seen, what inspired you?” And a lot of them say, “Well, I haven’t been.” - Tony Winner Frances Ruffelle Frankie and Beausy are an adorable couple… and they work with each other professionally. So, what’s that like? How do you collaborate with your partner and not want to choke them!? In this episode, we discuss… Individuality in the theatre Successful and organic networking How to work with your romantic partner Frankie and Norman’s upcoming show at 54 Below Frances Ruffelle (Frankie) originated the role of Eponine in Les Misérables in London and on Broadway, winning the coveted Tony® Award. Frances has performed in many musicals and plays, including as Roxie in Chicago, Queenie in The Wild Party, and Piaf in Pam Gem’s Piaf. Frances is also a recording artist, composer, and writer. Norman Bowman (Beausy) is currently appearing as Sam in Mamma Mia! in the West End having just finished filming the role of Sir William Herbert in feature film Firebrand alongside Jude Law’s Henry VIII. Other leading roles include Marius in Les Misérables, Danny in Grease, Munkustrap in Cats, and Sky in Guys and Dolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#96 - Jai Rodriguez: A Thousand Sweet Kisses

Oct 11, 2023 1 hr 16 min

“Trail blazers very rarely get to reap the benefits of the very trail they helped blaze.” This conversation with Jai Rodriguez is a perfect conversation when it comes to being a multi-hyphenate. What happens if we get pigeon holed into one thing? Jai had a tough time breaking out of what people thought they knew about him or what he could do after Queer Eye. So how did he lean into the full rounded multi-hyphenate he is now? In this episode we discuss… How he landed the original cast of Queer Eye on Bravo. The multi-hyphenate life he was leading while being a TV star. How he broke out of what people thought they knew about him. Gatekeeping. Understanding the type of life and career you want to exist simulatenously. Avoiding bad professional relationships. Jai's upcoming 54 Below show, A Thousand Sweet Kisses Emmy Award winner and Broadway veteran Jai Rodriguez returns home to the NYC stage after 17 years, with his new cabaret show A Thousand Sweet Kisses, chronicling his hilarious journey through love, sex and relationships. Purchase tickets here. Best known as the “Culture Guy” in the groundbreaking original “Queer Eye,” theater audiences first met Jai at the age of 18 when he played Angel in RENT, making him the youngest person ever cast in a leading role in that show. While in NYC, Jai appeared at Lincoln Center in Spinning Into Butter, as Carmen Ghia in The Producers and as Zanna in the cult classic Zanna, Don’t! While performing eight shows a week, Jai became a fixture in nightlife with his popular post modern pop cabaret night at XL called Twisted Cabaret. Since then Jai has become a regular fixture in TV and film guest starring on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Rookie,” “The Magicians,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Fantasy Island,” and as the scene stealing Geoffrey in “Malibu Country” opposite Reba and Lily Tomlin to name a few. Most recently Jai was in the Judd Apatow film BROS and is in “Uncoupled,” which is about to shoot its second season....

#95 - Sarah Looper: Building A Wine Community

Sep 25, 2023 59 min

“It’s fascinating how other people, because they don’t feel comfortable with the changes you’re making, feel more comfortable if you are just one thing.” - Sarah Looper, Episode 95 of Dear Multi-Hyphenate If Sarah Looper is anything – she’s herself… but it took a second to get there. After questioning if she was too much because other people told her she was, she finally let that go and became the best artist she can be. She is finding her voice connecting with thousands of people on TikTok educating viewers on the wonders of food and wine through a hysterical and relatable approach. In this episode we discuss… Discovering your own confidence The wonders of wine! Being too this, being too that Overcoming negative experiences Building community through wine. Taking risks and being specific. What is success? Sarah has been in the wine and food world for over twenty-five years. She is a Master Sommelier candidate, a Certified Wine Educator, a Certified Specialist of Wine, and a graduate of the WSET Diploma program. Her passion for wine lies firmly in educating and sharing her knowledge in an open, friendly, and non-judgemental atmosphere. She has been a wine educator for 15 years. She was a lead wine educator at New York City's Murray's Cheese for 9 years and taught specialized Italian wine classes at Astor Center for 4 years. She is an advanced gelato maker and she cooks at home most nights seeking to put her own stamp on classic and regional fare ranging from French haute cuisine to Szechuan. Whenever possible she collects and drinks Champagne, Barolo and German Kabinett Riesling but is an equal opportunity drinker. Sarah is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.A. in History and a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America's Baking and Pastry program. She can be found on Instagram @loopersomm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#94 - Shivani Desai: Don’t Overpitch Yourself

Sep 11, 2023 1 hr 0 min

“At its core, fundamentally being a multi-hyphenate is, to me, about exploration and not limiting yourself to one particular thing just because your natural strengths lie in that one particular thing.” -- Shivani Desai In this episode, we discuss… The importance of keeping hobbies separate from our hyphens. Starting a new small business. How multi-hyphenating helped get Michael out of a depressive episode. The importance of workflow. The common traps of netweaving. Leaning out and not overpitching yourself. Small, yet important business tactics. When to appropriately accommodate for your clients. It feels like everyday we wake up to news that is painful to read. That is why Shivani believes that art is so crucial in reminding us of the beauty that also exists in this world. She feels so connected to her purpose when she brings people hope, and comfort, and a smile through her work. That is why she’s an actor. Shivani Desai is a 25 year old actor from India currently living in Singapore. Having grown up watching Bollywood cinema, her interest in the arts was sparked at a young age and she has relentlessly pursued the path of making art for a living ever since. Now a working actor, Shivani has starred in short films, TV shows, original plays, music videos, documentaries, and commercials while also working as a model for local magazines and making guest appearances on reality shows and podcasts. Apart from acting, Shivani also runs her own coaching business full-time. Born out of a desire to help actors who live in non-major markets who don’t have access to same business coaching that their fellow actors in LA, NYC, or London do, she transitions actors stuck in the weird limbo between new actor and working actor into kickass business-savvy actors who operate globally. Shivani’s latest venture as an event developer involves taking on the mammoth task of organising an actor’s conference in Las Vegas this November. With this, she feels like she has flouri...

#93 - Jamie Forshaw: Producing with Passion at Madison Wells Live

Aug 22, 2023 1 hr 4 min

“The minute we think we know everything, or do everything… we become irrelevant.” – Jamie Forshaw What happens when we stop learning? What happens when we stop exploring? That’s what makes Jamie Forshaw’s artistry as a producer with Madison Wells Live extremely personal and special – he doesn’t stop exploring. We as artists always have to keep exploring… and sometimes that exploration heals us from a nervous breakdown or have massive commercial hits on Broadway. In this episode we discuss… Why we do what we do Exploration What happens when you meet an idol respectfully? Art healing a nervous breakdown Do coincidences exist? How does a piece speak to Jamie when he is producing a project? Developing The Thing About Jellyfish and Jenkins Show doctors! Not every show needs to go to Broadway Finding the right theatre for a show Jamie Forshaw (Producer) leads Madison Wells Live as their Executive Producer. Under his oversight, Madison Wells Live has developed a robust-but-curated slate of stage productions focused on essential, artist-driven storytelling. Broadway credits include Shucked, The Old Man and the Pool, Company (Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical''), Hadestown (Tony Award for “Best Musical''), Pass Over and The Inheritance (Tony Award for “Best Play”). West End: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Olivier nomination for “Best New Play”). Off-Broadway: Seven Deadly Sins (Drama Desk Award for “Best Unique Theatrical Experience”). Regional: Swept Away. Over the course of his 20+ year career working with an array of internationally recognized producers, including Cameron Mackintosh, Thomas Schumacher, and Michael Cohl, Forshaw has become a sought-after specialist in managing high profile, multi-million dollar budgeted global theater productions. He most recently served as V.P. of Production at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, where he oversaw its full global roster of First-Class productions. Mr. Forshaw holds an M.F.A. from Columbia Un...

#92 - BroadwayCon 2023 LIVE!

Jul 24, 2023 1 hr 3 min

“For anybody that’s struggling or does not believe in themselves, you just have to keep going because one day it will happen and it will be the most glorious thing of your whole lives. So, never stop. Never stop.” – Marla Mindelle It’s BroadwayCon 2023! This special episode is filmed live in front of a BroadwayCon audience. We had such an amazing turn out and I already cannot wait until next year. This panel was loaded with incredible insight so let’s get into it. In this episode we discuss… Why it’s so important being a multi-hyphenate today. Creating Titanique Off Broadway Having a better relationship with money Bonding two seemingly contrasting hyphens but understand they meld perfectly Failure Workflow & more Rachel Wright Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT (she/her) is a distinguished psychotherapist and renowned speaker with expertise in modern relationships, mental health, and sex. Master’s Degree in clinical psychology. Podcast: The Wright Conversations - A Podcast About Sex, Relationships, & Mental Health. Rachel created the virtual workshop series What You Wish You Learned in School: Sex Ed and co-produced and hosted a show at Green Room 42 in NYC called “One Night Stand: A Night for Sexier & Healthier Broadway.” Previously SHAPE Magazine’s Sex + Relationships Coach and is currently one of mindbodygreen’s article review experts. Featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, PIX 11 (NYC), Women’s Health (online and print), Cosmopolitan (online and print) and NBC News Radio, among others. Al Silber Al Silber is an actress, singer, writer and educator. She has performed roles on Broadway, in London's West End, on television and film, and concert stages. In London, she created the role of Laura Fairlie in The Woman in White, played Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof and Julie Jordan in Carousel. In New York, she appeared in Hello Again, Master Class, created the role of Sara Jane in Arlington and as Tzeitel in the Broadway revival of Fiddler on...

#91 - Alex Donnelly: A Numbers Guy

Jul 17, 2023 1 hr 15 min

“Be as specific as humanly possible. Don’t tell someone that you want to be a trader. Tell them that you want to be the oil and gas exploration, large cap, single name, U.S. equity derivatives trader because then, the one time a year that position comes up, people remember…” In this episode we discuss… Being there for your inner child Creating positive work experiences Being specific with your work How to start producing Fortress Productions and Production Resource Group Alex joined Production Resource Group (PRG) in early 2018 to help expand PRG’s international presence in TV and Film before transitioning to PRG’s Broadway division in 2020, where he manages the lighting, audio, and video teams from Secaucus, NY. Under Alex’s lead, PRG’s brilliant team of creative visionaries and technologists are truly the masterminds behind the immersive visual experiences that transport Broadway’s audiences to new worlds. Their technological developments have also helped to revolutionize theatrical productions, continuing to create an even more engaging experience at each show, including shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Some Like it Hot, Lion King, & Juliet, Take Me Out, and many more. Alex also owns and manages Fortress Productions, a live events and theatrical production company, and was Founding Executive Director of the Corkscrew Theater Festival, a multi-venue theatrical non-profit in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#90 - Lydia-Renee Darling: Breaking Out of the Scarcity Mindset

Jun 27, 2023 1 hr 9 min

“If you’re branching into the U.K. market post Brexit, it’s going to be a nightmare and I don’t say that to dissuade you, just to remind you that what I did was very specific.” - Lydia-Renee Darling In this episode we discuss: Pandemic panic! Grad panic! What are the main differences and similarities for multi-hyphenates in the NYC and West End markets? How do you plant your feet when branching into new markets? What happens when you girl-boss too hard? Breaking out of the scarcity mindset. How does multi-hyphenating contribute to cultural preservation? The American Dream The concept of Ann Bogart’s Satz Lydia-Renee Darling is an actor-producer and founder with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts and an MA in Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. As a biracial, second-generation Ghanaian-American, Lydia aims to explore identity, belonging and mental health within heightened worlds and uses live immersive theatre with digital interactive elements to enhance audience impact. #rememberadam, a Zoom short produced, written and acted by Lydia in response to the Kenosha shootings in her home state, was chosen for the Lift Off Sessions festival, First Time Filmmaker Festival and Andromeda Film Festival. A portion of her play, The Thin Gray Line, has been seen at Bob Carter's Actors' Rep and she performed in her short play, Twenty-Five and Other Things, at The Pleasance in the Dear Black People Festival in July 2021. Lydia is the Founder of Oh! (My Gosh) Creative Co., an international DEI audience development and co production company. A systemic lack of access to visibility and guidance in the entertainment industry has resulted in fewer BIPOC professionals, making fewer and fewer BIPOC want to enter the industry… and so the cycle repeats. OMG breaks this vicious cycle of underrepresentation. At Oh! (My Gosh) Creative Co., Lydia produces entertainment featuring marginalized crea...

#89 - Renrick Palmer: Way Your Way to Success

Jun 12, 2023 56 min

“It’s the people who hang in there the longest who get to reap the benefits.” Sometimes multi-hyphenating in the theatre includes hyphens we didn’t know could affect each other. This amazing episode includes insight from actor – Veteran – writer Renrick Palmer. In this episode, we also discuss… Accepting love Establishing relationships and a network Where to start in the industry Hanging around long enough Relationships with educators Knowing about yourself but being on a journey How being in the military has affected his journey in showbusiness Renrick Palmer was born in Kingston, Jamaica. After turning thirteen, his family decided it was time for a change and headed north to New York City where Renrick would eventually finish school. Despite being drawn to the arts, Renrick felt another calling. He soon found himself swearing in as an airman in the United States Air Force. His time in uniform took him around the world, including a tour of duty in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, exposing him to numerous cultures and experiences most of us seldom have. Not only did this help Renrick develop as a person, it provided him with the foundation for all that soon followed. After leaving service, Renrick enrolled in Long Island University. He obtained a degree in Exercise Science and used it to launch his career. Renrick also graduated from the New York Film Academy and is active with the Public Theater (Military Resilience Foundation). His passion traces back to Shakespeare, fueling his drive to perform. Renrick has numerous accolades and accomplishments to his name, not the least of which being honored to play baseball great Jackie Robinson on the History Channel. He is best known for playing the part of Nelson Green in the off-Broadway Critic’s Pick Play Wedding Band. Never one to rest on his past achievements, Renrick won the Best Actor award at the Ignite Film Festival in 2022 for his portrayal of Hassim in the short film Hold Up....

#88 - Giles Terera: Hamilton & Me

May 22, 2023 1 hr 13 min

“The only thing you can control is what you take into [the audition], I always like to think, like the work that you’ve done – and as you say – who you are. You can control that, you can work on that. Often we put that to the side and go, what do they want to see? What do they want to hear? What do I need to do in order to be able to impress them enough to get this job? And if you don’t get things, you then go, ‘Oh is it because I’m not X, Y, Z?’ And then the danger is that you can start to change without even really clocking it, and overtime you can drift away from what you originally were.” -- Giles Terera, Episode 88 of Dear Multi-Hyphenate The industry is not just New York or LA. It’s Chicago, it’s D.C. It's Miami. But it’s also across the pond in London. Not only did we have the British Invasion of the 1980’s with Phantom, Les Mis, and more… we continue to have a U.S. and U.K. by way in terms of artist exchanges. Giles Terera, Oliver Award Winner for Hamilton in the West End, gives us incredible information about the West End. And even though we are divided by the Atlantic Ocean, so many constants bring us together, but also there are quite a few things we can learn from each other. In this episode, we discuss: Truthfully staying true to who you are and how it leads to a Broadway / West End debut Fearlessness How being a reader behind the table helps auditioning Moving to a big city and what you need to know Agent outreach Giles’ new book Hamilton & Me Giles Terera MBE is award-winning actor, musician, and writer. He trained at Mountview Theatre School and has worked consistently at venues such as the National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe. He is best known for originating the role of Aaron Burr in the London production of the award-winning musical Hamilton, for which he won the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. His other theatre credits include Rosmersholm, The Tempest, Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon, 125...

#87 - Jonathan Estabrooks: Creating a Production Business

May 11, 2023 58 min

“I am living my best life. Honestly, the multi-hyphenate life, for me, is the best life. I can wake up and I am never bored. I am engaged and driven to work on different things.” Jonathan Estabrooks went to Juilliard for opera, but just like many of us, turned his other interests into professional capabilities. And multi-hyphenates… we know how to pivot. During the pandemic, just like millions of others, spun the situation into something positive and became Vice President and head of recording for Emitha, a company which focuses on production, design, and production for artists, by artists. What goes into starting a new company? How do you balance the different responsibilities? What is spatial audio and how is Jonathan embracing it in his work? As an active producer, mixing engineer, director and performer, Jonathan Estabrooks has amassed over 15 years of experience, 3+ Million views with a wide variety of content from short-form documentary, music videos and commercial content, to full album and single production. As a graduate of The Juilliard School he has been hailed by the New York Times as ‘a robust baritone’ his experience in front of and behind-the-scenes has given him a unique understanding of the industry and how to craft the most compelling stories through music and film. As producer and mixing engineer he has worked on over 25 titles many of which have charted on Billboard. Notable credits include Black and Blue (NYFOS Records/#3 Billboard Classical Crossover), LAMENT (Lexicon Classics/#3 Billboard Classical) and Anna Christie (Broadway Records/#6 on the Billboard Classical) with libretto by the late Joe Masteroff and 12-time legendary producer Thomas Z. Shepard (Bernstein, Sondheim). He co-produced his debut album These Miles with 4-time Grammy-winning mixer Dave Reitzas (Streisand, Groban). He has collaborated with Grammy and Tony-winning producer Michael J. Moritz Jr. and his work has been featured in major National and international media inclu...

#86 - Billy Porter: Leaning into Your Authenticity

Apr 24, 2023 48 min

“Well, I’m first generation post Civil Rights movement. I came out in 1985, right in the middle of the AIDS crisis. And we went straight to the front lines to fight for our lives. It was Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS and The Actor’s Fund that taught an entire generation how to activate. I was always activated, I have no other choice, I don’t know anything else.” - Billy Porter Billy Porter. Need I say anything else? An icon, mother, a trailblazer, an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy winner… and here’s what we talk about in this incredible episode: Incredible and inspiring stories of rejection in auditions Facing racism in the industry Saying ‘No’ and seeing what that did to his career Creating Lola in Kinky Boots Not working for 12 years and coming back Prepping for his new tour The Black Mona Lisa Tour: Volume One This episode is chock full of deeply personal insight, first hand stories, unabashed truth regarding the industry and Billy’s life. It doesn’t matter if you are an artist or not – this conversation is full of life lessons that will just make you an overall better human. Billy Porter is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner. Porter began his music career in 1997 with the release of his self-titled (aka Untitled) debut album which spawned the Top 10 "Bubbling Under" single, "Show Me," and the monster ballad, "Love Is On The Way," which also appeared at the pivotal moment in the film, "First Wives Club." He went on to release "At the Corner of Broadway + Soul" (2005), "Billy's Back on Broadway" (2014), and "The Soul of Richard Rodgers" (2017) featuring Pentatonix, India.Arie, Leslie Odom Jr. and Cynthia Erivo, among others. Porter scored his first #1 with "Love Yourself" in 2019 on the US Dance Club Songs Chart. He followed that up with his 2020 reimagining of the legendary Buffalo Springfield anthem, "For What It's Worth," and a fierce collab with The Shapeshifters on "Finally Ready." 2021 saw Porter covering Juliet Roberts club classic "Caught in The...

#85 - Judy Gold: Yes, I Can Say That!

Apr 9, 2023 50 min

“In this business, in this show-f*****g-business, you have to reinvent yourself so many times. The attention span is zero and you have to also realize that most people who hire actors or any kind of performer or artist, will remember you from the first time they saw you. That will stick in their head, so reinventing oneself is a necessary evil. But you have to branch out as you grow as a person. Let your art grow. Multi-hyphenates do not sit on their laurels.” - Judy Gold on Multi-Hyphenating Judy Gold knows the value of a good joke – and the steep price of silencing comedians. Unnerved and infuriated, Judy shares her reverence for the intimacy of collective laughter and her passion for the vital work comedians do to bring us together, make us think, and speak truth to power. Based on her book “Yes, I Can Say That: When They Come for the Comedians, We Are All in Trouble,” the comedy veteran is taking the stage to tell the fascists and crybabies to shove their hate and political correctness up their respective asses. This wickedly funny new one-woman show is a big-mouthed and big-hearted call for truth, kindness, common sense, and most of all, laughter. The show runs through April 16th, 2023 at 59E59 Theatres. You can buy tickets at https://www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/yes-i-can-say-that/ In this episode we discuss… What it means to be Jewish Judy’s Off Broadway show Yes, I Can Say That! currently at 59E59 Theatres Why you have to take certain jobs Stupid politicians Food Empathy Why comedy is important JUDY GOLD (Playwright & Performer) has had stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central, and LOGO. She was a part of Netflix's Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. She is the author of Yes, I Can Say That: When They Come For The Comedians, We Are All In Trouble, a critically acclaimed book about free speech and cancel culture which debuted as the number one comedy release on Amazon and was featured in the New York Times Book Review. Judy is also host of the h...

#84 - Derek McLane & Eila Mell: Designing Broadway

Mar 28, 2023 1 hr 1 min

Tony and Emmy Winning Production Designer Derek McLane and Eila Mell have come together to create the new hit book Designing Broadway, available wherever books are sold! This episode is incredible for all artists – especially theatre designers who are beginning to explore their multi-hyphenate identities. Together with other leading set design and theatre talents, McLane invites us into the immersive and exhilarating experience of building the striking visual worlds that have brought so many of our favorite stories to life. Discover how designers generate innovative ideas, research period and place, solve staging challenges, and collaborate with directors, projectionists, costume designers, and other artists to capture the essence of a show in powerful scenic design. With co-writer Eila Mell, McLane and contributors discuss Moulin Rouge!, Hamilton, Hadestown, Beautiful, and many more of the most iconic productions of our generation. Among the Broadway luminaries who contribute are John Lee Beatty, Danny Burstein, Cameron Crowe, Ethan Hawke, Moisés Kaufman, Carole King, Kenny Leon, Santo Loquasto, Kathleen Marshall, Lynn Nottage, David Rabe, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Wallace Shawn, John Leguizamo, and Robin Wagner. Filled with personal sketches and photographs from the artists’ archives, this stunningly designed book is truly a behind-the-scenes journey that theatre fans will love. Derek McLane is an Emmy and Tony Award winning production designer for Broadway and television, who’s nearly 350 designs include: Broadway credits such as MJ, The Michael Jackson Musical, Moulin Rouge! (Tony Award), A Soldier’s Play (Tony Nomination), American Son, Parisian Woman, The Price, Beautiful, Fully Committed, Noises Off, Gigi, 33 Variations (with Jane Fonda) (Tony Award), China Doll (with Al Pacino), How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying (with Daniel Radcliffe), Follies, Anything Goes, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (with Robin Williams), Ragtime, The Pajama Game, I...

#83 - Michael Minarik: Cheap Happiness or Lofty Suffering?

Mar 13, 2023 1 hr 5 min

What if training to be on Broadway didn’t cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars? What if it didn’t come with some of the toxic environments students often experience when studying for their BFA? What if students can train intensively in a safer and more equitable space? That’s where Michael Minarik of IAMT comes in. What’s in this episode? Treating yourself after auditions or small wins Rejection is not about your soul Finding joy from within Not being debt after college Why the current model for the BFA Showcase is archaic The ability to choose in the industry Audition accessibility Becoming someone’s favorite Michael Minarik is the director, acting head and cofounder of the institute for American Musical theatre located in Washington Heights, NYC – where alum is performing on Broadway, National Tours, regional theaters, film tv, cruise ships and other various performance venues. Michael has been a performer on Broadway in Les Miserables (Grantaire u/s Javert and Thenardier) Rock of Ages (u/s Lonny, Stacee Jaxx, Dennis Dupree, Hertz Kleinman) and Matilda (Escape Artist u/s Trunchbull). He was also in the Broadway first national tours of Urinetown (Bobby Strong) and Little Women (John Booke) as well as numerous regional theatre productions including Jekyll and Hyde (Jekyll) The Happy Time (with John Kander as a consultant) Jacques, The Rink with Leslie Uggams, Phantom (Phantom), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Titanic (Barrett), Wedding Singer (Glen Gulia) and many more. He is also a 12x singer for the New York Yankees singing God Bless America as well as the National Anthem. Michael is also an accomplished theatrical producer, with a Tony nomination for producing Rock of Ages on Broadway, the national tour, and the Toronto production. Michael was also the lead producer on the award winning musical Fat Camp as well as producing the off Broadway show, The Scene starring Tony Shalhoub and Patricia Heaton at second stage. Michael is also a successful...

#82 - Ilana Levine: My Jewish Goddess

Feb 21, 2023 1 hr 10 min

Ilana Levine has got a lot of stories. I mean, a lot of stories. From Mel Brooks to Edie Falco to Michael Mayer, Ilana’s career path is a testament to who she is: an incredible talent and a brilliant human being. This incredible informative episode tackles so much about networking, identity, and creativity. What’s in a Jewish name? How Ilana’s 9 year old crush helped establish her career. When it’s necessary to burn a bridge. How her first musical she ever did was on Broadway. How Ilana joined Naked Angels Theatre Company. Saying No is just as important as saying Yes. What kind of lifestyle do you want to have? Ilana Levine is an actress best known for her role as Lucy Van Pelt in the Broadway revival of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". She also starred on Broadway in “Jake’s Women”, "Wrong Mountain" and "The Last Night of Ballyhoo" and performed at the Tony Awards. Ilana has appeared in many television shows and movies, including the infamous Seinfeld episode, "The Contest", "Law & Order", "Tanner '88", "Damages", "Tanner and Tanner", "Failure to Launch", "Friends with Kids", "The Nanny Diaries", and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" among others. In 2016, she started hosting the podcast, “Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine” -along with "LKF" she also hosts the podcasts “And the Award Goes To... Hosted by Ilana Levine” and “How To Be More Chill”. She is the host of the Bryant Park author series " Live From The Reading Room" and hosts a celebrity interview series at The Atlantic Theater Company in NYC guests include Ben Stiller, Ted Danson, Isabelle Huppert , Duncan Sheik, Mary Steenburgen and more. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Dominic Fumusa, and their 2 children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#81 - LaQuet Sharnell Pringle: Geared Up: Awake and Aware

Feb 6, 2023 1 hr 16 min

Broadway’s LaQuet Sharnell Pringle (they/them/she/her) is an absolute powerhouse. Here’s some of the incredible topics we cover: Making friends in our 30s Preparing for relationships to close after the closing of a show. Craving ensemble and family. What is the purpose of a multi-hyphenate? Why LaQuet started her new clothing brand Geared Up. Who wants to listen and not listen. Existing is trailblazing. How swinging made LaQuet a better business owner. LaQuet Sharnell Pringle (They/Them/She/Her) began their dance training at 14 in Dallas, Texas. To make up for lost time, they attended the acclaimed Booker T. Washington HSPVA. They also received additional training at The Dallas Powerhouse of Dance under the direction of Kim McSwain. While in HS, they won numerous awards from NYCDA (National Outstanding Dancer Finalist), Co.Dance (National Teaching Assistant), Jacob’s Pillow (Scholarship Recipient), Broadway Theatre Project (Scholarship Recipient and Showcase Soloist), NYU Summer Intensive (Scholarship recipient) and the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (Honorable Mention Modern Dance, Merit Award Jazz Dance). Upon graduating from Booker T, they trained at the University of NC School of the Arts as Contemporary Dance major. There they studied José Limón, Merce Cunningham, and Alwin Nikolais dance techniques and Improvisation. They are a proud graduate of the William Esper Studios. At William Esper Studios, they trained with Master Meisner Acting teacher William Esper. Professionally, they've been seen on Broadway/National Tour: Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical (U/S Wanda Sellner), Beautiful The Carole King Musical, Lysistrata Jones (Myhrinne), Memphis The Musical (Ethel), The Lion King, Sweet Charity (Helene U/S perf), Off-Broadway: Make Mine Manhattan, Ave Q (Gary Coleman U/S), Regional: Candide (NYC Opera), The Wiz (Dorothy), Aint Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), Princess-A New Musical, Chicago (Cell Block Tango Girl), Footloose (Wendy Jo, U/S Rusty...

#80 - Stephen Adly Guirgis: Sometimes You Don’t Find a Way Through

Jan 23, 2023 1 hr 2 min

“I’m aspiring, even at 57 now, to try to be more free.” What’s in this episode? What is a multi-hyphenate to Mr. Guirgis? How writing made him respect other writer’s writing. Why do people think multi-hyphenates aren’t a thing? Scene work with Daphne Rubin-Vega “I can’t believe in myself 100%, but if I believe in myself 51% – it’s enough to keep going.” Work that isn’t as dangerous as it used to be. Being okay with being hurt. Loving acting, but not loving writing. LAByrinth Theatre Company Stephen Adly Guirgis is a Pulitzer Prize Winning American playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor. He is a member and a former co-artistic director of New York City's LAByrinth Theater Company. His plays have been produced both Off-Broadway and on Broadway as well as in the UK. His play Between Riverside and Crazy won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and is currently on Broadway, playing at the Helen Hayes Theatre through February 12th. Guirgis was most recently in the film Funny Pages and you can now purchase Guirgis’ newest play Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven, published by TCG Books. Stephen Adly Guirgis brings his prodigious gifts for exploring the lives of social outcasts to new heights in this play about the inner workings of a women’s halfway house in New York City, where the unmoored residents struggle with addiction, abuse, and mental illness. Between daily therapy sessions, they clash with the staff and each other, form alliances, and fall in love. Harrowing, humorous, and heartbreaking, Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven roaringly brings to life the experiences of women who society has tried to shuffle out of sight and out of mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#79 - Douglas Lyons: Making Money in the Theatre

Jan 9, 2023 1 hr 6 min

“Broadway is like going to the NBA. But do you really want to play basketball everyday? That’s different – waking up and wanting to play ball is different than waking up and wanting to go Broadway. I’ve met regional actors in Seattle and Minneapolis who have full lives and they work year round and they are great actors – and they are not on Broadway. So are you chasing a dream for a status or are you chasing the craft?” What’s in this episode? Stories from Parade at Encores How an Instagram message sent Chicken and Biscuits to Broadway Longevity in the theatre Making money in the theatre Multi-hyphenating Changing the infrastructure Making an impact Douglas Lyons is a multi-hyphenate artist originally from New Haven, CT. He wrote the 2021 Broadway comedy Chicken and Biscuits, which earned him a GLAAD nomination. As an actor, Broadway/NYC: Beautiful (Original Cast), Book of Mormon and Parade (NY City Center). Tours: Dreamgirls, Rent and Mormon 1st Nat’l. Regionally: Yale Rep, Hartford Stage Company, Huntington Theatre Company, 5th Ave Theatre, The Muny and more. As a writer: Apple TV's Fraggle Rock, Five Points (Theater Latte Da world premiere) now in development with Papermill Playhouse, Beau (ATF) and the 2018 Off-Broadway Alliance Award-winning musical, Polkadots. Douglas is currently developing television with Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and Sky Dance. Douglaslyons.net. @Chocolatehipster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#78 - Carson Kressley: ’Saying Yes’

Dec 26, 2022 53 min

“I think that multi-hyphenates, and I’m flattered to be included in that bracket, they’re just creatives. It’s like you have a drivers license but some days you drive a truck, and some days you drive a car, and some days you drive a forklift, or whatever – the vehicle changes but I think they artist’s heart is always the same. We love to create things, we love to express who we are, we love to maybe entertain, we love to connect with people in that way. So I don’t really think it’s a matter of what your skill set is, it’s just if you have that artist perspective and way of thinking and moving through the world, it translates to different things.” What’s in this episode? Queer eye and the original intent behind the show Carson’s love for drag His philosophy on saying ‘yes’ How Carson joined RuPaul’s Drag Race How opportunities are based on relationships The fulfilling yet terrifying experience of being in a musical Supernatural experiences involving Princess Grace! Michael’s Titanic past life story. Carson’s Joan Rivers’ connection. Emmy Award winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer, interior designer and New York Times best-selling author are some of the credits of the multi-talented and unforgettable Carson Kressley. Carson started his career as an independent stylist and became invaluable to major designers such as Ralph Lauren. He took a leap into television & became a breakout star on Bravo’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which won a primetime Emmy and gained a worldwide following for Carson. In collaborations with Oprah Winfrey, Carson revolutionized America’s personal fashion sense of style. He’s hosted multiple TV shows including Lifetime’s How to Look Good Naked, & ABC’s True Beauty, appeared as a fashion critic & commentator on shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show & Good Morning America. Carson has competed on several reality shows including NBC’s hit show Celebrity Apprentice, Food Network’s Celebrity Cupcake Wars, ABC’s C...

#77 - Ken Davenport: Producing 101

Dec 13, 2022 56 min

“I believe the world is a better place if there is more theatre in it. There is only more theatre in it if there are more people making it. So, I do everything I can to help inspire, educate people to make more theatre. Does that mean I can produce every show? Unfortunately not.” What’s in this episode? Get a sneek peak into the brand new musical The Griswold’s Family Vacation! What exactly is producing? How do you pick a city to do an out of town tryout? How does the industry treat multi-hyphenates? How are multi-hyphenates like small businesses? How does Ken commit to being an accessible producer? How Hal Prince inspired Ken by saying one simple thing. What is successful producing? Joy the Musical! “In the business world, if you invent a product – you are the creator of that thing. You are an artist. You just designed the thing – you made it out of nothing. And then you have to raise the money for it. So, you’re producing it yourself. All those people that go on Shark Tank, they are raising the money, they are doing the things. No one says, “Ugh, how dare you!” No, that’s what they do. That’s what Sara Blakely had to do for Spanx, that’s what Mark Zuckerberg had to do for Facebook – all of it. They create something and then they raise it – but in our industry people roll their eyes.” Ken Davenport (Producer) is a two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer whose credits include A Beautiful Noise, Once On This Island (Tony Award), The Play that Goes Wrong, Groundhog Day (Tony nomination), Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening (Tony nomination), It’s Only a Play starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, Macbeth starring Alan Cumming, Godspell, Kinky Boots (Tony Award), The Visit (Tony nomination) as well the Off-Broadway productions of Altar Boyz, The Awesome 80s Prom and many more. Davenport’s productions have been produced internationally in over 25 countries around the world. He was the Executive Producer for North America for Andrew Lloyd Webb...

#76 - Sarah Jones: Sell/Buy/Date

Nov 28, 2022 51 min

Tony-winning writer and performer, Sarah Jones, is making her directorial debut when her new film Sell/Buy/Date which Cinedigm will be releasing in theaters in LA on October 14th, NYC on October 21st, and streaming in November on Amazon Prime. The wide release announcement exclusive is out with Variety here. The deeply personal film is a witty documentary / narrative hybrid following Jones and her multicultural characters (she plays 5 characters in the film!) on a journey exploring our relationship to the sex industry via Sarah’s hilarious comedy and social justice lens. Sell/Buy/Date is written, and directed by Sarah Jones, and is executive produced by Meryl Streep with appearances by Ilana Glazer and Bryan Cranston. “I want the whole world to know about Sarah Jones. I think she's an extraordinary artist--a once in a lifetime artist,” said Meryl Streep. Sell/Buy/Date has seen various iterations over the past six years, first starting as Sarah's off-Broadway one-woman show in 2016, which she then remounted in Los Angeles in 2018. At the start of the pandemic lockdown in 2020, she brought some of her stage characters to life on social media for her #yesimsarahjones IG Live Show to ignite conversation around the black lives matter movement. And now, Jones is ready to debut her Sell/Buy/Date feature film. In the past Sarah and the live version of the show received feature coverage in Vogue and Vogue.com, The Economist, The New York Times, Town & Country, WMag.com and much more. About Sarah Jones: Called “a master of the genre” by The New York Times, Sarah Jones is a Tony® Award-winning solo performer, writer, comedian and activist. She recently made her debut as a film director with the hybrid documentary Sell/Buy/Date, in which she also stars. The film, which is executive produced by Oscar-winner Meryl Streep, world premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and will be distributed (theatrical and streaming) by Cinedigm this fall. Jones is mainly known for her multi-...

#75 - é boylan: The Catalyst for Gathering

Nov 14, 2022 58 min

“There is something that I think gets in my way, or has gotten in my way in the past when thinking about the multi-hyphenate,” says é boylan. “And I think it’s the hyphen. It’s the idea why I like I’m a non binary human that doesn’t like to hyphenate the non and the binary because that’s another binary! It’s like the barrier in the middle. It feels sometimes like it’s divisive within myself.” Topics of conversation: individual approaches to the multi-hyphenate the pros and cons of branding capitalism in multi-hyphenating bragging about callbacks on social media misinformation on social media é’s new project The Doctor is Dead. é is the creator of The Doctor is Dead, a new audio musical released by Musical Theatre Factory. This podcast series is a contemporary fantasy for queer imaginations following a secret society of trans outcasts living underground. Using their unique abilities to investigate a mysterious empty coffin, the outcasts sing a song of leaving, of grief that becomes giving, of what begins in the end. The production can be heard on all podcast platforms beginning September 2nd, with new episodes released weekly. You can listen to the trailer now, HERE. é boylan (they/them) is a NYC based director, creator, and composer developing new work towards trans liberation. Selected Honors Include: New Writer in Residence at Lincoln Center Theater, 2019 Trans Lab Fellow, 2019-20 Manhattan Theatre Club Directing Fellow, 2021 Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriter, 2021 Prospect Theater Co. MT Lab, 2022 MTFxR Garage Artist, 2020-22 Roundabout Theatre Co. Directors Group, and currently Musical Theatre Factory's Makers Cohort. www.eboylan.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#74 - Ari Axelrod: Jewish Identities in Show Business

Oct 31, 2022 1 hr 17 min

This episode is special. I mean… really special. Ari Axelrod is an artist and I’ve seen him in action, growing throughout the years. The episode is sort of broken down into three parts. What crafts a great cabaret? Our views on the multi-hyphenate. And Jewish identities in showbusiness, which is a huge topic of conversation right now. When it comes to cabaret, according to Axelrod, cabaret should be perfectly imperfect. It is the art of being yourself on purpose. So what are the pitfalls an artist creating a concert or cabaret can run into? What is the purpose for which you’re doing one? How can you best prepare? And what does it really mean when you choose not to memorize your lyrics… “I want to hear the lyrics as you. I don’t want to hear it as the song because I’ll tune out. It’s the difference between being a tour guide and a travel agent. A tour guide says, “Let me show you all of the things. Let me facilitate your journey. The travel agent says, ‘Where do you want to go? I will help you go to wherever you need to go.’” When it comes to the multi-hyphenate, it’s simple to Ari. “It reminds me of what you said before. Straight, cis, white men – they have the keys to the door,” says Axelrod. “People who come from marginalized communities, and whatever marginalization that is, they have to find other ways into the building. And sometimes it means having multiple ways in because the front door is locked for them. So we have to climb through the window, or go through the chimney, or building another building. It’s exactly what you’re saying, that’s what being a multi-hyphenate is. It’s telling our stories in all of the ways, flexing all of our artistic muscles and integrity, to be able to reflect the full capacity of our world.” And the most important topic of this episode – what it means and feels like to be Jewish today. And how does that relate to our work in the industry? Anti-semitism, unfortunately, is rearing its ugly head once again. So, how do respond to...

#73 - Carl Moellenberg: The Path to Survival

Oct 18, 2022 57 min

“All of a sudden,” says Moellenberg. “While I was sitting there, I literally heard for about 15 - 20 minutes a deep, male voice, which I assumed was a higher being, telling me that I had a long life to live. It was going to be very productive and my purpose was to help create beauty in the world. And the suggestion was made that that beauty might be through helping to create theatre.” According to Carl, he came out at the absolutely worst time. And after being diagnosed with HIV in the 1980’s, he found himself undergoing a transition. A transition of spirit, a transition of healing, and a transition from investment banker into a producer. He became many things – a Reiki master, a counselor, an ordained minister – all things focusing on what multi-hyphenating is all about. Regardless, Moellenberg couldn’t have started in a better place. The first project he invested in was Wicked and the first project he co-produced was Spring Awakening. Two very big hits. So what is a producer? What’s their responsibilities? How does one become a producer? Check out this episode to learn more about what goes into producing on Broadway. Plus, in this episode check out why a ‘Why’ Statement is incredibly important to have, how everyone can come together to make theatre more accessible, and learn about Carl’s new book, Carl Moellenberg's Story: Broadway and Spirituality as a Path to Survival — available wherever you purchase books now. Carl began his career in banking, and after debilitating illnesses threatened his life, he took a new approach to spirituality and healing, and re-found his love and passion for Broadway. He has since gone on to be on the producing teams for some of Broadway's most successful shows: Spring Awakening, War Horse, Hair, Death of a Salesman, Pippin, All the Way, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Dear Evan Hansen, Angels in America, The Band’s Visit, Oklahoma, Hadestown and Company. His aim has always been to tell compelling stories or...

#72 - Carol Burnett & Eila Mell: The Majestic is Fit for a Prince

Sep 29, 2022 56 min

#themajesticisfitforaprince When Carol Burnett wants something done, it's gotta get done. That's why fashion writer and producer Eila Mell joined forces with Burnett to start the campaign The Majestic is Fit for a Prince, getting the Broadway, television, and film industries to rally behind the renaming of this legendary theatre. Yes, the very same theatre which has held The Phantom of the Opera for 35 years. In this episode we discuss how the campaign started, what Hal Prince means to the three of us, untold stories of how Hal helped Carol during the loss of her daughter, why The Carol Burnett Show is timeless, and, keeping it in theme of the podcast, how the multi-hyphenate has grown and adapted over time as well as how the principles of the multi-hyphenate is helping getting the campaign done. Make sure you get your voice across by posting a video on social media saying, "The Majestic is fit for a Prince" and use the hashtag #themajesticisfitforaprince when you post! Carol Burnett is an American actress, comedian, singer, and writer. She is best known for her groundbreaking comedy variety show The Carol Burnett Show, which originally aired on CBS. It was one of the first of its kind to be hosted by a woman. She has achieved success on stage, television and film in varying genres including dramatic and comedic roles. She has received numerous accolades including six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and seven Golden Globe Awards. Burnett was awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2013 and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2015. Eila Mell is the author of the official guide to the hit television series Project Runway, titled Project Runway: The Show That Changed Fashion. Among her other books are Designing Broadway, New York Fashion Week and, with Ty Hunter, Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery. Mell has been featured in the New York Times,...

#71 - Greg Carruthers of EveryBODY On Stage: Fatphobia in the Theatre Industry

Sep 6, 2022 55 min

“People are dying from your fatphobia and that’s wild. We are so hung up on the way theatre has looked forever that we can’t change our perspective enough to literally save people’s lives.” TW: Discussion of eating disorders. I found Greg on TikTok. Greg is the founder of EveryBODY on Stage, which aims to break down stigma and fat-phobia in the arts. There is such multi-layered dialogue when it comes to each person’s experience. Being a CoVid long hauler changed my body by gaining weight – and even when I find the positives and self love when it comes to myself, my body, and the industry, it’s rooted in privilege. And when it comes to weight and age – why is it that a bigger body in educational theatre equals playing someone older or someone not worthy of love? How does that affect someone in their formative years? Why is it we are praised for losing weight, even when it’s done in an unhealthy way? Greg and I breakdown how fatphobia dominates the theatre industry, while shedding light on the people who are doing their best to fix this. Plus, we also get into how Funny Girl on Broadway battled responses based in fatphobia and anti-semitism and how as an industry, we need to move forward by communicating with kindness. Please note – the group I talk about in the episode who’s name slips my mind is The Industry Standard Group (TISG) who are innovating Broadway by finding new pathways toward equitable representation in commercial theatre. Also, use the code “MULTI” at the EveryBODY on Stage store for a discount at https://www.everybodyonstage.com/ “There is this narrative that a fat body is bad and ugly and gross. I’m done with that. I don’t care if other people find me attractive because I don’t need that anymore. I am happy in my body and I deserve to take up space in this body. So, like, I don’t know… get into it society.” Greg Carruthers (he/him, she/her) is a Toronto-based choreographer, actor and body-positive activist (@EveryBODYonStage). Hailing from...

#70 - Charles Busch: Too Gay for the Industry

Aug 15, 2022 1 hr 1 min

“I’ve been blessed with a somewhat pragmatic view, and I had a good sense of who I was and what I had to offer.” Charles Busch has been around a while… and in the meantime. He is one of the first self-producers and self-advocates in the industry. Since he was eleven, he was writing three act places and found out very early at Northwestern that he would not find success in mainstream showbusiness. “Too gay” for the industry in the 70’s he says… so maybe the things that made him uncastable and unemployable could actually be what brings him success. Even after going to an incredible acting program, Busch still didn’t feel he was able to find himself in the industry. He sold numerous pilots to networks, but still found himself back to putting on a show with people he loves. And sometimes even finding himself in places at the top of the food chain (like writing a book for a new musical) and saying to himself, “I really hate this!” And yes, we talk about Taboo, one of Broadway’s biggest flops. We also talk about his huge success on Broadway, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Charles also takes us down discovery lane as he found his love of drag, cabaret, a symbiotic relationship with his beloved manager, taking the road less traveled, and the upcoming 54 Below show, Backstage Babble, which he’ll be appearing in on September 6th at 7pm. Charles Busch has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including The Divine Sister, The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset, The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dare and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwrighting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway...

#69 - Robbie Rozelle: Broadway Adjacent: Sopranos Need Jokes

Jul 27, 2022 56 min

“You have to choose yourself and other people will choose you.” – Robbie Rozelle on what he learned from the late Jan Maxwell. There’s a lot of musical theatre references in this episode, folks. Proceed with caution! Robbie Rozelle is a beloved performer, director, writer, graphic designer, and record producer who is responsible for some of the funniest and touching moments in the cabaret space of recent. Rozelle does shows all over the city… even across the pond in London. So how does he dominate the cabaret and concert scene? “For me, I am very much a self starter. If I want to do something, I sort of will it into existence. A lot of that is a lot of cold emails. There are so many cold emails that I’ll send out, 'Hi, I am beloved, fully ignored, cabaret sensation, Robbie Rozelle.’ I’ll send the album and I’ll say, here’s the pitch. 9 times out of 10, I’ll never get an email back.” But don’t worry, Robbie’s concerts sell out in 26 minutes. That isn’t an exaggeration. How does he do it? How does he sell his shows? If you’re interested in producing your own cabaret and concert, this episode is loaded with goodies to help you. We also chat about social media helping or hindering the industry, pushing through performances even during a crumbling political environment, understanding that what we bring to the table in the industry is allowed to be specific, and the difference between a Renaissance person and the multi-hyphenate. Robbie infiltrates the industry in such an interesting way, He has also directed and written or co-written sold-out cabaret shows for Tony Award nominee Melissa Errico (Amour), Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Finian's Rainbow), Elena Shaddow (The Visit), Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), Mauricio Martínez (On Your Feet), Nathan Salstone (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Mrs. Kasha Davis, and frequent collaborator Jessica Vosk (15th Anniversary Elphaba in Wicked). In 2017, he so...

#68 - LIVE @ BroadwayCon 2022: John Cariani, Kaisha Huguley, Michael Kushner, Jennifer Ashley Tepper, and Jen Waldman

Jul 13, 2022 59 min

This amazing episode features an incredible live panel from BroadwayCon 2022, featuring some of the leading multi-hyphenates in the Broadway, television, and film communities. Topics include process and product, boundaries, and so much more. John Cariani – Broadway: Caroline, or Change; The Band’s Visit; Something Rotten! (Outer Critics Circle Award nom.); Fiddler on the Roof (Tony Award nom.; Outer Critics Circle Award). Off-Broadway: The Atlantic, The Public, Transport Group. Regional: Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe, Center Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Several films. Television includes The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Blacklist, The Good Wife, Homeland; recurring roles on Law & Order (CSU Tech Beck), Numb3rs, and The Onion News Network. Playwright: Almost, Maine; Last Gas; LOVE/SICK; cul-de-sac. Jen Waldman has been working in the Broadway community for over two decades, first as an actor (Wicked and Titanic) and now as a coach to some of Broadway's brightest stars. She is the founder and artistic director of Jen Waldman Studio (JWS), and her clients have appeared in nearly every single Broadway musical for the last 15 years. In addition to her work at JWS, her hypens include: director, choreographer, artistic director, keynote speaker, leadership coach, speaking coach, podcaster, actor, teacher, and mentor. Jen co-hosts the podcast The Long and the Short of It, with listeners in over 100 countries. JenWaldman.com Kaisha S. Huguley is a New York based actor, singer, entrepreneur, creative, & educator originally born and raised in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Kaisha performed in solo cabaret, @kaishacreates, A One Woman Showcial making her Green Room 42 Debut. When Kaisha is not on the stage, she’s creating content for her online fanbase on her TikTok, Podcast: A Kaisha Story, YouTube Channel, and Blog. Additionally, Kaisha is the Director of Diversity & Cultural Creative Initiatives as well as a Facul...

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Created by: Michael Kushner
Status: Inactive
Latest episode: Jun 4, 2026
Episodes: 100
Release period: Monthly
Avg. episode length: 57 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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