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Some Changes

Hi lovely beautiful friends of the Tumblr-verse! We’ve made a few changes in our internet presence, so if you’re just finding this particular site, you will want to head over to @the-ensemblist instead for all your tumblr-y ensemblist-y needs, because this tumblr is being retired.

This site has been SO good to us over the past couple of years, but we’ve been growing like crazy and needed a little more control over our website, and so we carved out our very own little corner of the internet (theensemblist.com) and are living over there for the future.

There’s a lot over there - episode archives, new fancy q&as, some lovely photos, a proper news section, and, for those in school and teaching, some thoughts on how to incorporate The Ensemblist in your classroom!

We love you much and can’t wait to connect at the other site!

Team Ensemblist

You know how the #1 thing we're into is being a whole entire person and containing multitudes? You've heard us talk about that before. And how when we put out our Parallel Careers episode last year, we found out how many of you needed to hear from brilliant successful performers who maintain another career on the side? This one is sort of like that one, but with a twist.We gathered up three of our favorite people on the planet (Laura Marie Duncan, Christopher Gattelli, and Michelle Kittrell) and talked to them about their incredibly successful Broadway performing lives, how they decided to transition into a new career, the challenges they faced, and what it took to make it all work.

Our Guests:

#episodes #the ensemblist #containing multitudes #laura marie duncan #christopher gattelli #michelle kittrell #choreographers #photographers #talent managers #broadway #ensemblists #nyc

Q&A: Michelle Kittrell

Name: Michelle Kittrell

Where are you from? Atlanta, GA

Broadway credits: Grease!, Footloose, Seussical, Sweet Smell of Success, All Shook Up, Urban Cowboy, Hairspray, Legally Blonde

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was on the national tour of Grease! as the u/s for Sandy and was called by the general manager saying they were going to move me to the Broadway company.

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? Broadway Bares!

#q&a #the ensemblist #michelle kittrell #broadway #atlanta #grease #footloose #seussical #sweet smell of success #all shook up #urban cowboy #hairspray #legally blonde #national tour #broadway bares

Q&A: Laura Marie Duncan

Name: Laura Marie Duncan

Where are you from? Northampton, Massachusetts

Broadway credits: The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, South Pacific, Billy Elliot

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? We were doing our out-of-town regional run - and I had NO idea Full Monty was headed for Broadway. I think my agent was trying to protect me by not telling me that there was a possibility - she didn't want me to be disappointed if it didn't move! And one night I was talking to Annie Golden, and she said, "when we go to Broadway," and I almost fell over. Then I thought, well, if this goes to Broadway, they can't possibly take ME? :)

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? Broadway Barks! No, Gypsy Robe! I can't choose between those two.

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? I've never been able to explain the magic part to people who haven't done it. I mean, the gypsy run is like taking drugs. Not that I would know anything about that, kids.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? I'm inspired by a lot of photographers of course, but I was pretty inspired at a wedding ceremony recently. Broadway Inspirational Voices sang (I mean, UNBELIEVABLE) but it really made me think about how we celebrate love and commitment. We should sing to the universe about it more often.

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... Jacques Pepin. I love him, and I want to know how to makes eggs like that. How about Michelle Obama and Jacques Pepin together? We could discuss how to make healthy food taste better.

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... Meryl Streep. But only if I could come back remembering all the acting secrets. Because damn it, that woman can do anything.

To be successful in this business, it takes... seriously thick skin. And this is the cheesiest thing I've ever said, but happiness. Real, true joyful feelings that you can spread around.

Tell us a secret. I love Jujyfruits. Very scared of the dentist. Also my closets look like Monica Geller's (remember the locked one in the hallway?). Oh, and even though I was a headshot photographer I used only two headshots in my entire career as an actor, and one of them I took myself. Ridiculous.

#q&a #the ensemblist #laura marie duncan #broadway #photographer #wedding photography #billy elliot #south pacific #dirty rotten scoundrels #the full monty #broadway inspirational voices #annie golden #broadway barks #jacques pepin #michelle obama #meryl streep #jujyfruits #monica geller #gypsy run

We are SO excited to bring you this one, as it's been in the works for a long time. We're always trying to find different angles and experiences on ways we (as humans) tell stories, and how those stories make it to Broadway is another level we can't stop talking about. Making sure those stories are accessible to everyone who wants to experience them is yet another level on top of that level, and one way to accomplish that is with American Sign Language (or ASL) and interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing. How do Broadway actors interpret ASL for the stage? What are the cues like for the deaf and hard of hearing actors IN the shows? How do interpreters prepare for a show? What is it like to be speaking two languages at the same time, all while trying to remember everything else?? We answer all those questions and more in the episode. Enjoy!

For the deaf and hard of hearing community: we have already sent the episode off to the Transcript Divas (seriously. that's what the company is called.), and will make it available here for everyone as soon as we get it!

#episodes #the ensemblist #deaf theatre #deaf west #hands on #american sign language #asl on broadway #ASL #asl interpreter #spring awakening

Q&A: Joshua Castille

Name: Joshua Castille

Where are you from? Lafayette, Louisiana

Broadway credits: SPRING AWAKENING

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was at my best friend's house, and the Deaf West Company sent out an email to those who were offered their roles on Broadway.

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? I'm still learning about the Broadway community, so I am not sure yet.

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? THE GYPSY ROBE CEREMONY!!!!

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? The amount of people who are learning ASL because of the show!

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... Bette Midler. I love the type of humor she brings, and I think she is beautiful and she is amazing.

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... I think I would want to try being ALI STROKER... She is amazing and so positive!

To be successful in this business, it takes... Hard work, positive energy, and two things I believe you’re born with... TALENT AND PASSION!

Tell us a secret. I'm a Dr. Pepper-holic, and I have over 50 pairs of underwear...

#q&a #the ensemblist #joshua castille #spring awakening #broadway #ernst #deaf west #asl on broadway #american sign language #gypsy robe #bette midler #ali stroker #dr. pepper

Q&A: Cathy M. Markland

Name: Cathy M. Markland

Where are you from? I was born in Pasadena, California and raised in Southern California.

Broadway credits:

Broadway: Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, Rock of Ages, Frankie & Johnny in the Claire de Lune, Hairspray, Seussical, Major Barbara, Falsettos, Oklahoma, Grapes of Wrath, Naked Girl on the Appian Way, Sondheim on Sondheim, Pal Joey, Grease, and many more.

Paper Mill Playhouse: It’s A Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz, Singin' In the Rain, Deathtrap, Pippin, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Victor/Victoria, Big River, Mame, Hello Dolly, Cinderella, A Chorus Line, The Little Mermaid, Oliver, The Importance of Being Earnest, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Honeymoon in Vegas, 1776, Anne Frank,The Pirates of Penzance, and many more.

Shakespeare in the Park: Titus Andronicus, Henry IV, Cymbeline

The New Victory Theater: Shockheaded Peter, Gruffalo, Blue Eyes, Lucky Duck, Fluff

Madison Square Garden: A Christmas Carol and The Wizard of Oz

Off Broadway.. Y2K, Dirty Blonde, Lobby Hero, Brides of the Moon, Rain. Some Fish. No Elephants

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? Lisa Carling from TDF called me on a landline telephone to ask if I would be an interpreter for Beauty and the Beast.

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? Every time I go to a show on Broadway, I get excited. I love to walk through Times Square and look at all the lights advertising current shows. I do appreciate the Broadway shows that are offered to students at a discounted price. They are our future audience members.

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? I love what happens behind the scenes. The back of the house and the front of the house. My belief is that people do not realize how much the actors are supported on stage with all the people and personnel that are involved. Plus, I love watching the person in the back of the audience and how he cues all the songs on the computer monitor. Plus, the orchestra leader is really a show unto itself.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? Currently, I am a graduate student at Hunter College to earn my 2nd Masters Degree to teach Deaf and hard of hearing children. After 35 years of interpreting, I am adding to my skill set to help children to learn through direct instruction with someone who really knows American Sign Language and English fluently. I can't wait to bring my class to see a show on Broadway after we have read and understood the book or script of that show. So exciting. I feel butterflies in my stomach just talking about it.

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... Michelle Obama

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... This is a tough one. I think the answer is ME. I am very happy and blessed with my life and feel thankful to be alive and living in New York City with a great job, good health, supporting friends and a loving family.

To be successful in this business, it takes... Gumption, courage and manners. I think to be in business you have to be brave. You know what needs to be done, and I tend to take a deep breath and say to myself, "Have some courage..." and then just do it. Saying thank you to the people who hire you and the people who pay you goes a long way. A simple thank you note or flowers buys a lot of good will. It doesn't cost anything to be kind.

Tell us a secret. Being rich will not make you happy, but being happy will help you to feel very RICH.

#q&a #the ensemblist #cathy markland #asl interpreter #asl on broadway #broadway #american sign language #beauty and the beast #TDF #hunter college #michelle obama #kindness

Q&A: Kevin Massey

Name: Kevin Massey

Where are you from? Black Mountain, NC

Broadway credits: Gentleman’s Guide, Memphis, Tarzan, Big River revival

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I heard the message on my answering service when I had just arrived in Switzerland for a 5-week gig. I had to be back in a week!

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? Collecting for BC/EFA

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? What a small world it is and how everyone is so talented and creative!

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? One of our company mangers just ran the Chicago Marathon before our matinee today!

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be… Malala Yousafzai

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose… No one. I’m very happy being where I am in the world at the moment.

To be successful in this business, it takes… Talent, drive, and good ole fashioned luck.

Tell us a secret. I don’t have any secrets….or do I?….hmmmm

#q&a #the ensemblist #kevin massey #memphis #big river #a gentleman's guide to love and murder #tarzan #switzerland #black mountain #broadway cares #equity fights aids #BC/EFA #Chicago Marathon #malala yousafzai #asl on broadway #american sign language

Not the history OF Broadway, because that's too much for one episode! This is about history ON Broadway: fact and fiction, time periods, historical accuracy, and more! We talk to three Broadway vets about the different ways an ensemblist can play history in a show, how they approach a character based on a real person, the kind of research that might be different, and how design elements help ensemblists find their way to truth in storytelling. Enjoy!

#episodes #the ensemblist #hamilton #Les Miserables #jon rua #hands on a hardbody #briana carlson-goodman #brittney johnson #hair #historical fiction #based on a true story #broadway #beautiful: the carole king musical #motown #french revolution #russian revolution #summer of love #history is happening in manhattan

Q&A: Brittney Johnson

Name: Brittney Johnson

Where are you from? I'm originally from the Washington, D.C. area.

Broadway credits: Motown The Musical, Les Misérables, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was in Las Vegas packing up my apartment after Mamma Mia closed there. My agent called and said he had some bad news. He told me that I hadn't booked another show I had been in final callbacks for, but that it didn't matter because I booked Motown! He's quite the trickster! I don't remember the rest of the day, I just remember a lot of screaming and jumping up and down from me and then from my mom haha. She was the first person I called!

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? I love BC/EFA. It's such an amazing cause, and it really pulls us all together for a common goal. It's also fun because the shows get competitive about raising the most money. When I was in Les Mis, I would knit Eponine hats for us to sell. I should think of something to make for Beautiful!

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? You know, I'm always amazed by how many people it truly takes to run a show. After the show is over, and I've changed and hung around for a while, our incredible dressers are still working, and they're at the theatre long before the actors arrive. Pretty much every department except the orchestra is required to be at the theatre long before the actors. Putting on a successful show is truly a team effort.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? My mother. She is so strong. She inspires me daily and has always supported and encouraged me.

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... That's a tough one. I'm going to say Elizabeth Gilbert. I would love to have a conversation with her about literally anything: the transient nature of love, of life. And definitely discuss Eat, Pray, Love. Wait no! Spike Jonze! I want to dissect the movie Her!

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... hm...I don't think I would trade places with anyone. Nobody's life is perfect, and I'd rather spend a day working on myself than trying to figure out someone else's problems haha. I'll say this, if I was Oprah for a day, I would send myself so many gifts!

Tell us a secret. The secret to success in this business is remembering that everything is about relationships, timing, and truly knowing yourself. There is nothing more awkward than auditioning. You walk into a room full of strangers and then basically strip down to your most vulnerable self and bare your soul while they stare at you... It's weird and often terrifying. But if you accept that it's an uncomfortable experience and you walk into the room as yourself and not as the "thing" you think they want, you'll find that you're a lot happier with your performance. Most importantly, you have to remember that if you walk into an audition well-prepared, and you don't get the part, it is not a reflection on your talent. It's simply the timing.

Q&A: Briana Carlson-Goodman

Name: Briana Carlson-Goodman

Where are you from? Brooklyn, NY

Broadway credits: Hair, Les Misérables, Doctor Zhivago

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was on the F train riding to meet my boyfriend (now husband) and friend to see a show at Saint Ann's Warehouse. I was above ground for two stops and I got a call from the casting office at the Public Theater telling me that I was going to be making my Broadway debut in Hair! I didn't have an agent at the time (I had gone to an open call!), so they got to tell me directly. It was very hard to not scream with joy on the subway full of people. :)

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? I love the Gypsy Robe Ceremony. It has such a long history, and I love and appreciate the recognition of the ensemble members of our community as well as the all the people making their Broadway debuts. It's just one of the many ways that the Broadway community feels like a big extended family.

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? The amazing history and that it is such a communal event. In such a small section of Manhattan there are so many people performing in, working on, and watching Broadway shows every night all at the same time. It feels so good to be a small part of that.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? My husband. He works for a NY State Senator and every day works to make our city a better place for the people in it. He's using his incredible activism skills in government and I'm very proud. I'm also inspired by the Black Lives Matter and feminism movements. When people look outside their despair and discouragement and find hope in coming together to work towards making things better for ALL people, I am inspired.

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... Bill Irwin...He's an incredible artist. His career is endlessly fascinating to me, and I adore his work. I want to ask him so many questions!

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... He is sadly not alive anymore but I would have LOVED to be in Jim Henson's shoes for a day.

To be successful in this business, it takes... Good friends (community!), patience, compassion for yourself and others, hard work, determination, passion, and belief in YOU.

Tell us a secret. Somewhere on Youtube there is a video of me performing as a Cha Cha Coconut Tree with the cast of Go Diego, Go Live! on The Today Show.

Q&A: Jon Rua

Name: Jon Rua

Where are you from? New Jersey

Broadway credits: Hamilton, Hands on a Hardbody, In the Heights

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was in Colombia on a family trip. I got a voice mail on my cell phone. It was pretty wild, to get this sort of voice mail in the country you would have resided in had your parents not immigrated. I never visit either, it was the first time in 12 years. I didn't even know what I booked, in other words, they called me and told me I got the Broadway show and I was the new permanent swing. (I didn't know what a swing was.) I said great. Let's go. And many other things probably.

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? I think it is the Gypsy Robe Ceremony or Broadway Bares (as a choreographer).

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? How it truly cannot exist without everyone. For me, it is an incredibly respected art form, that remains to be throughout its existence. The level of rich energy needed is admirable and fascinating. Humanity and a true form of community. In order for the art and the show to exist, the community has to be strong and connected. It does not have to be spoken about, simply understood and respected. All in the name to inspire and and celebrate humanity.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? My little brother leaving for college. My older brother having a child.

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be... I will have to think this over, but one would be Claudio Sanchez, and probably Steven Spielberg's assistant of some sort.

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose... My parents.

To be successful in this business, it takes... Belief in yourself, Grit, Love

Tell us a secret. I never met my grandparents on my mom's side.

Hi! In case you missed it, we teamed up with Greg Young and Tom Meyers of The Bowery Boys to put on a really cool concert at 54 Below in September. We got in our time machines (yeah, we have time machines) and put the St. James Theatre in context throughout both Broadway and New York City's histories, from 1927 all the way to today.

Luckily, we didn't have to do it alone: we snagged some of our most fabulous ensemblist friends, all who have performed on the St. James stage, and had them sing music that premiered at the theatre- sometimes even music they premiered! Our amazing guests also told their favorite St. James stories, and we're here bringing those songs and stories to you. Plus, you may hear us do a little singing as well...enjoy!

The Bowery Boys - website | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube Piano/Arrangements/Additional History/General Brilliance: Jasper Grant

In our continuing series of figuring out how to answer the totally amazing (and hard!) questions you, our faithful/gorgeous/talented listeners have been sending in, we bring you this episode about Actors' Equity Association. We've gotten more than a few questions about this one, so we called upon three fabulous AEA Councillors to break down the modern history of our union, how membership in the union has helped them out when things have gotten rough, and what they see for the future of AEA.

Plus, we make contract negotiations and pension plans sound sexy. Don't believe us? Press play.

#episodes #actors' equity association #equity #AEA #askifitsequity #union #labor #paige price #jimmy ludwig #jason a. quinn #the happy hour guys

We're back to school (or not) with the second part of this episode! You'll meet a new crop of Broadway folks, hear about their journeys to the Great White Way, and the educational experiences that got them there, whether in college or not. We love it!

#episodes #the ensemblist #college #theatre #hayley podschun #marisha wallace #matthew steffens #jed resnick #brown university #eastern carolina #wicked #something rotten #avenue q

BDC Q&A: Charlie Sutton

We love Broadway Dance Center. They bring top quality instructors straight from the Broadway stage and into the studio, many of whom are former guests of The Ensemblist! We chatted with Charlie Sutton, currently shining in the ensemble of An American in Paris, about his experience at BDC.

What numbers have you taught or are you teaching at BDC in the upcoming months? This is really hard to say. It really just depends on my mood week to week. The past couple months I've been digging into Cyd Charisse and the old MGM Jack Cole style of dancing. But I do feel like the wind is changing. Lately I've been in the mood to do more Donna McKechnie layouts. I try not to just teach "numbers" in my class. I find a muse, a decade and try to create something that would exist within it. It's just as much a learning process for me as it is the students. We're both along for the same ride. No matter what...it's always fun!

Why do you like teaching at BDC? The level of respect we all have for each other. Staff to teachers. Teachers to teachers. Teachers to students. Everyone's there because they want to grow and they want to learn. And it's a fun safe environment to do so. Not to mention, the studios are some of the best in the city!

How different is what you teach in a BDC class from what you perform onstage each night? I try to keep them one in the same. The dynamics of dancing in class should relate to what a Broadway ensemble would do on a nightly basis. When to take focus while dancing and when to pull back. It's an important lesson to learn.

Charlie Sutton will be teaching Intermediate Theater Dance this Thursday at 1:30 and Advanced Theater Dance on Friday, October 30 at Broadway Dance Center. Be sure to check out his class and then listen to him share his stories on our Double Duty episode, available on iTunes, Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts!

#charlie sutton #the ensemblist #broadway dance center #dance #broadway #cyd charisse #jack cole #donna mckechnie #an american in paris #kinky boots #lysistrata jones #catch me if you can #how to succeed in business #women on the verge #the addams family #wicked #la cage aux folles

Q&A: Paige Price

Name: Paige Price

Where are you from? New Jersey, home of Sinatra and Bruuuuce.

Broadway credits: Beauty and the Beast, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Saturday Night Fever, and the closed-before-we-opened Busker Alley!

How did you hear you’d booked your first Broadway show? I was on tour with A Chorus Line, and Jay Binder’s office called my agent. This was before cellphones. Seriously. So I had been badgering my agents to see if I got the gig.

What is your favorite event in the Broadway community? Broadway Salutes in September. Used to be Broadway on Broadway, I hate that they stopped doing that.

What’s something about Broadway that fascinates you? The life cycle of performers and how different perspectives are from generation to generation.

What, other than theatre, has inspired you recently? The apprentices I know, who are just starting out…does that count?

If I could have coffee with any living person, it would be… Jon Stewart. Or the loftier answer, Hillary Clinton.

If I could trade places with anybody for a day, I would choose… Sheryl Sandberg.

To be successful in this business, it takes… energy, strength, support, and a secret love of chaos and uncertainty.

Tell us a secret. In another life I would have been a sportscaster. And I’m secretly in love with Paul Rudd.

#q&a #the ensemblist #paige price #beauty and the beast #Smokey Joe's Cafe #saturday night fever #busker alley #a chorus line #broadway salutes #broadway on broadway #jon stewart #hillary clinton #sheryl sandberg #paul rudd

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