#ensemblist essentials

[the-ensemblist]

Sean Martin Hingston, Anne L. Nathan & Vasthy Mompoint discuss the pros and cons of being hired “As Cast” in this week’s episode, now available in your podcasts feed!

[the-ensemblist]

How does one prepare to replace an ensemblist in a Broadway show? Polly Baird, Lauralyn McClelland & Andre Ward share in today's episode, now available in your podcasts feed!

[the-ensemblist]

Q&A: Polly Baird

Connect with Polly: instagram

Polly's Episode: Replacements (#70)

Where are you from? Originally from Los Angeles, but I moved to NYC when I was 8… I think that makes me a New Yorker by now.

Broadway credits: The Phantom of the Opera

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? The company manager called my mom… I was a minor when I joined Phantom!

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? Broadway Barks- I am a HUGE dog person!

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? The vast amount of talent- there are so many good actors out there. I am ALWAYS inspired and amazed by that.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? My mom- she always sees the glass half-full…even in the hardest of times.

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be… Woody Allen- I guess it’s the New Yorker in me… I love his movies and perspective on NY life.

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose… My dog- he spends his days sleeping on the couch or running in the park!

To be successful in this business, it takes… Perspective.

[the-ensemblist]

Q&A: Rommy Sandhu

Connect with Rommy

website | twitter | instagram | youtube

Rommy's Episode: Swings, Again! (#69)

Where are you from? San Jose, California 

Broadway credits: A Christmas Carol (Ockrent/Stroman/Ahrens/Menken), The Life, On The Town ('98 George C. Wolfe), Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma!, Bombay Dreams, Mary Poppins

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? Barry Moss (Hughes-Moss Casting) left a message on my answering machine!! I was in California doing an industrial when the offer came. 

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? That's tough. I love our community, and there are so many wonderful moments we share. It's a toss up between softball league (even though my wife Ellery likes to remind me that it's not my strongest suit) and Gypsy Of The Year/Easter Bonnet competitions. Everyone gets a moment to shine and show a side that doesn't always make it into the 8-show week schedule. 

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? I'm always taken with the randomness of it all. The absolute uncertainty of what becomes a hit and what disappears into the annals of theatrical lore. 

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? My youngest son is learning to read, and every time he discovers a new word I see a light in his eyes. A kind of self-awareness in his own personal power. Each time that one of my kids discovers something new about themselves or the world around them, I'm inspired. 

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... George Lucas or Hal Prince. Two gifted men who inspired the dreamer in me to never stop imagining what I could do. 

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... I'm not sure who I'd choose. I try to live my own life knowing that each day is a gift along my own path. But if I had to... an astronaut. Space travel has always fascinated me. 

To be successful in this business, it takes... Passion. Perseverance. Pride. 

[the-ensemblist]

Our new season kicks off this morning with a brand-new episode on Swings, now available in your podcasts feed! Listen to Leslie Donna Flesner, Rommy Sandhu, and Matt Wall share all about their fascinating swing experiences!

[the-ensemblist]

Q&A: Matt Wall

Matt's Episode: Swings (#69)

Where are you from? Poughkeepsie, NY

Broadway credits: Saturday Night Fever, Follies ('01 revival), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 110 in the Shade, The Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains, South Pacific, Promises, Promises, How to Succeed..., Evita, Annie, Something Rotten

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I had been to a big casting call for Saturday Night Fever where they were updating their files. Two months later, Telsey's office called to say that a spot was possibly opening up and they wanted to see if I was available. They weren't sure if I would need to come back in and audition again or not. A few days later. they called again to say that I was getting the offer. It was really exciting and surreal.

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? I love the Gypsy Robe presentation on opening night. 

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? When it's 5 minutes till curtain and you are doing a pre-show rehearsal for something you've never done... if the audience only knew. 

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? My vacation to Bora Bora was pretty incredible. The island vibe was very inspirational. 

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... Hillary Clinton.

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... an astronaut on a space mission.

To be successful in this business, it takes... hard work, determination, patience, and a very think skin.

Tell us a secret. My cousins call me 'Choochie.'

[the-ensemblist]

Q&A: Leslie Donna Flesner

Leslie's Episode: Swings (#69)

Where are you from? Originally from Miami, Florida

Broadway credits: An American in Paris, Honeymoon in Vegas, Cinderella, Chaplin, Follies, Finian's Rainbow

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was on my way to an audition actually when my agent called me. She told me that the show I had done at City Center Encores! (Finian's Rainbow) was transferring to Broadway, and I had been offered a track! I immediately decided to turn around, head home and celebrate. 

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? There are so many, but I would have to say the Tony Awards. It is the most exciting and anticipated night of the year.

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you?  Putting up a new musical. From the rehearsal room, to previews to opening, and the not knowing whether or not it will be successful, it all still fascinates me. The risk we all take creatively not knowing if it will be met with reward.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? I read a book a few weeks ago called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which is this Japanese organization manual. It requires that you go through every item in your home and ask if it 'sparks joy' and that determines whether or not you keep it. It has completely changed my home, and I recommend everyone read it!

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... Right now, probably Elizabeth Warren. She grew up a janitor's daughter, became a Harvard professor and U.S. Senator and is a huge advocate for women's rights. It's an election year, so I'm really tuned in to what is happening politically in our country.  

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... 100% Beyoncé. I mean, what is THAT like??

To be successful in this business, it takes.... Practice... Meaning taking class, auditioning, working on your craft, continuing to grow and evolve as a performer, making yourself better every day..... And kindness. Nobody wants to work with a jerk.  

Tell us a secret. It isn't really a secret to anyone who knows me well, but I love The Real Housewives on Bravo. All of them. I'm especially obsessed with The Real Housewives of New York City and have met several of them and was secretly fangirling.