Why I‘ll Never Make It
The actor’s journey is one of occasional highs and frequent lows. It is a path riddled with self-doubt and frustration as we question our career choices, wondering if we’ll ever really ”make it.” But even still, those few moments of glory onstage or onscreen can sustain us through ALL the setbacks and challenges. On this award-winning podcast, New York actor Patrick Oliver Jones invites fellow creatives to share stories of failure and persistence in the performing arts. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creative life rarely seen in the glitz and glam of this industry and reminds us we’re n...
Emily Grace on Directing Ourselves and Our Own Careers
We read and hear a lot these days about how actors need to be their own producers and creating their own work. In my own career about the only thing I’m creating are self-tapes, which are truly productions in and of themselves for sure--based on all the requirements and props and lines and technical aspects that are required to just put together a one-minute audition. But actually writing producing directing starring in our own work is a daunting task, so …
Luke Yankee Highlights the Mishaps and Misadventures We All Endure as Actors
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of the acting world with today's guest, Luke Yankee, who is no stranger to the trials and triumphs of the industry. As a versatile artist sporting multiple hats, Luke draws inspiration from the incredible legacy of his mother, the legendary Eileen Heckart—a powerhouse who clinched the Oscar, Drama Desk, Golden Globe, and Emmy Awards with a special Tony Honor as well.In this engaging conversation, Luke unveils the behind-the-scenes tales …
Sharon Catherine Brown Live at BroadwayCon 2023!
In an enjoyable BroadwayCon encounter this past summer, I found myself in the heart of all things Broadway, rubbing shoulders with the stars and hosting live interviews for the Broadway Podcast Network. While my conversation with Jelani Alladin about Frozen and Hercules was already shared in a previous episode, today we delve into my interview with the talented Broadway actress Sharon Catherine Brown.I had the pleasure of working with her on a new musical last year, and we dive into …
Tjasa Ferme Engages Audiences by Blending Science and Theater
Tjasa Ferme is more than an actress; she's a dynamic creator who writes, produces, and stars in her own work. Her artistic vision revolves around transformation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and challenging traditional relationships between actors and audiences. Tjasa shares her journey from Europe as a rock star's daughter and early experiences on the Slovenia stage, to becoming a fearless actress and artistic director in the heart of New York City. We'll dive into three stories that …
John Rubinstein, a Man of Many Talents
John Rubinstein was born the son of renowned pianist Arthur Rubinstein, and his early exposure to theater in the 8th grade ignited a passion that would shape the trajectory of extraordinary career. He catapulted to Broadway stardom originating the title role in Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse, and won a Tony Award for his compelling performance in Children of a Lesser God.A true renaissance man, John's artistic pursuits extend beyond the stage into television and film as well, both as …
Richard Maltby Jr. and the Curious Case of Nick & Nora's Failure on Broadway
This summer marked the beginning of my new podcast venture, Closing Night, where I delve deep into the captivating world of Broadway history. Our journey takes us through the tales of shows that have graced the Marquis Theater in the heart of Times Square. Among the unforgettable productions is the notorious musical Nick & Nora, boasting a creative team brimming with legendary figures of musical theater: director Arthur Laurents, composer Charles Strouse, and lyricist Richard Maltby Jr.Several years back, during …
Jocelyn Panton Finds Freedom After Failure in the Pageant World and Being $50K in Debt
As a child, Jocelyn Panton attended a musical theater production that came to her hometown in Canada, and she just knew that’s what she wanted to do one day. Well, she stuck to that dream and has gone on to do television and film, including Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and the CW’s DC‘s Legends of Tomorrow, among others.But as any actor will tell you, money becomes an important part of our career, whether you actually have it or …
Dan Knechtges Goes from Broadway Director to Artistic Director
Regional theater is really the lifeblood of the performing arts in America. It’s the place where we get that first spark and inspiration to become lifelong theatergoers or decide to become actors ourselves. But in recent years regional theaters have been struggling to find audiences and to just stay open. The pandemic caused some to close their doors for good, and the ones that remain suffered through uncertain futures.Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas was one such theater that …
Jelani Alladin Brings Disney Characters to Life Onstage
In July of this summer, I did my very first BroadwayCon, which is an annual conference here in New York City about all things Broadway and theater, and while I was there, I got to be a part of events hosted by the Broadway Podcast Network. I conducted live interviews with two actors that I’ve had the pleasure of working with before: Jelani Alladin and Sharon Catherine Brown. Sharon’s interview will actually be featured in a few weeks on my …
Noah Crandell Finds a Silver Lining in the Struggles of Being an Actor
In the midst of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the arts, there's a unique perspective rarely explored--that of artists just entering the performing arts world when Covid struck. In this episode, Noah Crandell shares how he not only survived these challenges but also experienced a profound personal and artistic transformation.Noah's visionary approach to theater sets him apart, and we delve into how college programs prepare actors (or fall short) for the real world of acting. Interestingly, he turned …