Season 2

Broadway is all abuzz with the latest shows and performances making all the headlines. But theater in New York is so much more than what happens on the great white way. There's important and significant work being done off-Broadway and by theater companies around the city.  One such company is Leviathan Lab, and today I'm talking to Ariel Estrada . . . an actor, singer, arts advocate, producer, and Founder of Leviathan Lab. They are an award-winning not-for-profit creative studio whose mission is the advancement of Asian and Asian American performing artists and their work. With Leviathan Lab (now celebrating its 10th year), Ariel has produced acting and writing salons, cabarets, fundraising events, staged readings, showcase productions, and short films, including the award-winning film Two Weeks.  But today's conversation is so much more than just shop talk about auditioning and producing and running a non-profit. Our conversation really digs into some weighty topics of race and opportunity for people of color and the struggles that go with that. Ariel is quite candid and open about his experiences and how they've shaped his career. This is an episode you don't wanna miss! Follow Ariel and Leviathan Lab on Twitter. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

Having already won the Best Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle. James Monroe Stevko and the entire FIDDLER cast and crew wait to see if their winning continues with the upcoming Drama Desk Award. But before becoming the rabbi's son, James was an instrumental musician and at the age of 18 decided to become a dancer. Transforming himself into a dancer through college, he landed his first job before graduation in Milwaukee Ballet II. And he's continued to become a successful storyteller through song and dance, telling stories through movement in America's top musical theater houses, including performing alongside the Rockettes in New York City's longest-standing theatre tradition - the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  FIDDLER IN YIDDISH marks James' off-Broadway acting debut, directed by Academy/Tony/Emmy Award winner Joel Grey. James shares stories of auditions, learning languages, becoming a dancer, and working with icons like Joel Grey. Earlier this year in The Ensemblist, he wrote about his experience with such a familiar work like FIDDLER in an unfamiliar language like Yiddish. FIDDLER was originally performed in the Museum of Jewish Heritage before moving to its current home at Stage 42 (formerly known as the Little Shubert Theatre). Follow James on Twitter and Instagram...and learn more about FIDDLER in Yiddish! L'chaim! ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

The job of a stage manager may be behind the scenes, but all that they do makes its way into each and every performance we actors give onstage. Matthew Stern joins me today to explain the very nature of their work, giving insight into the art and craft of stage management. He recounts of his time with LES MISÉRABLES, 700 SUNDAYS, SPIDER-MAN, and other shows in New York and on the road. This is a must-listen for any actor wanting to know more about what SMs do and all the grunt work they go through to make our shows happen. In addition to his time backstage, Matthew still finds time to share and give back to the next generation of stage managers, as he teaches at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Design and Technology.  His work in the classroom, sharing his Broadway experience and having his students observe his productions, has shown the incredible benefits students receive with access to Broadway.  By combining his love of teaching and experience on Broadway, Matthew has created the Broadway Stage Management Symposium. The Symposium is an incredible opportunity for those interested in stage management, considering a career in the theatre or anyone interested in how Broadway really works. There are a variety of registration options available to keep the Symposium affordable for students. See the website for more info.  Follow Matthew and the Symposium on Instagram and Twitter. ----- As you enjoy these guests and conversations each week, please consider buying me a coffee to support this podcast. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. Find out more about other episodes, go to winmipodcast.com.

The first Award Season Bonus episode of 2019! And it's a musical that's tied for the most Tony nominations with 12, including Best Musical. (A full list of those nominations can be found here.)  Joshua Morgan plays Shelly Berger, who was the real-life manager of the Temptations as well as The Supremes and Jackson 5. Josh is no stranger to Broadway as he was in the closing cast for the most recent revival of LES MISÉRABLES, which played at the same Imperial Theater.  I first met and worked with Josh at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston, Texas where we performed HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. And in this episode we talk a lot about succeeding in this business and how hard that can be. he give great insights into the mindset and discipline needed to withstand the rigors of rejection and persistent which are essential components of any actor's journey.  Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram and find out more on his business, Artist's Strategy. ------ Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

You're not likely to hear a more infectious laugh than on today's episode with Lothair Eaton. His joy of life and performing shine through in this engaging conversation about life on tour with STARLIGHT EXPRESS, the struggles of finding work here in NYC, and how we learn and grow as performers. Lothair was also seen in the ’95 UK Tour of 5 GUYS NAMED MOE. Throughout Germany and the UK Lothair has performed in many Musical Galas and events, as well as his own Cabaret shows to rave reviews! In New York, Lothair was seen in the original cast of NUNSENSE A-MEN as Sister Mary Hubert to wonderful reviews! Also in the York Theatre production of LOST IN THE STARS. And the Papermill Playhouse production of SHOW BOAT, which was also taped and shown on P.B.S. Great Performances. Enjoying time in Vegas, he went back to play the Master Of Laughter (no surprise there!) in EFX at the MGM Grand Hotel starring Tommy Tune! But before all that Lothair was born in Chicago, into a musical family. His father, Cleveland J. Eaton is a famous Jazz musician, playing Contra Bass with the incredible Ramsey Lewis Trio, as well as the World famous Count Basie Orchestra. (See this video of him with Count Basie.) Follow Lothair on Twitter and Instagram as well as his website.You can also find him teaching Eleanor England:https://singing-lessons-nyc.eleonorengland.com/NYC/ ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

After our great discussion of Broadway history, Tony Awards, and Dorothy Fields, Kristin was a sport enough to take on some trivia questions...and some of them were doozies. I didn't even know most of them before looking them up. So test your own Broadway knowledge and see how many you know in the first-ever WINMI Theater Trivia Challenge! Follow Kristin on Twitter and learn more about her at DrBroadway.com. ----- Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.   Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com