The Performers Podcast
Keith Tomasek
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A theater arts and performing arts podcast featuring interviews that inspire and empower performers, while encouraging the benefits of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Interviews with acclaimed actors, writers, directors and musicians sharing the secrets behind their success.
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Dec 18, 2020
Actor Dan Chameroy on musical theatre and keeping well
Dan Chameroy has performed across North America, including the tour of 'Matilda the Musical.'
He made his Toronto stage debut in 1991 as part of the Canadian cast of 'Les Miserables' at The Royal Alexandra Theatre and performed in the legendary pre-Broadway production of 'The Drowsy Chaperone.'
We discuss his work with Gary Griffin and Donna Feore at the Stratford Festival.
Dan also opens up about his work's physical demands and the time he hurt his back so badly he wasn't sure he'd ever perform again.
Don't miss Dan's performance on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 in Ross Petty's virtual production 'There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays.'
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May 19, 2020
Kahlil Ashanti, actor and ticketing innovator
Kahlil Ashanti served in the United States Air Force and had a hit Fringe Festival show that went to the Edinburgh Fringe and Off-Broadway.
As well as being a talented performer, my guest Kahlil Ashanti created an online ticketing system, unlike any other. Although it was used in theatres around the world before the pandemic, it's even more useful now, when everyone is creating content online.
weshowup.io is an innovative, digital pay-what-you-want solution.
Follow Kahlil on:
https://www.kahlilashanti.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kahlilashanti/
Visit https://weshowup.io/
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Apr 30, 2020
Rodrigo Beilfuss, actor and artistic director
Rodrigo Beilfuss is a Brazilian-born Canadian actor-director with a German last name, who trained in England and now calls Winnipeg, Manitoba his home. He is the artistic director of Shakespeare in the Ruins.
Growing up in Brazil, Beilfuss envisioned a career as a diplomat. He was well on his way after being accepted to law school, but he faced a fork in the road when he was also accepted to a cultural exchange program in Winnipeg. He chose Winnipeg thinking he'd return to Brazil, and a career in the foreign service after the cultural exchange was completed.
As part of his cultural exchange program, Beilfuss was introduced to the works of Shakespeare; he fell in love with the Bard's words and soon traded his pursuit of a diplomatic career for a one in theatre.
Beilfuss admits that when he was first introduced to Shakespeare, he didn't understand much of the language. However, his realization that he was not alone in his struggle to comprehend Shakespeare's work ultimately gave him the confidence to work through it. "Ironically, Shakespeare gave me a sense of belonging - everyone was confused; everyone was terrified," says Beilfuss.
From Winnipeg Beilfuss traveled to Stratford, Ontario and England where he studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. His master's thesis research at LAMDA examined the process, and cultural impact, of performing Shakespeare in different languages - a natural topic for Beilfuss, whose first language was not English.
SHOW NOTES:
Website: http://www.rodrigobeilfuss.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RBeilfuss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbeilfuss/?hl=en
Cyrus Lane podcast
Lisa-Repo-Martell Podcast
Joseph-Ziegler Podcast
Stream Macbeth from Stratford as part of the Shakespeare Film Festival
Hamlet at the Rose Theatre Brampton with Pakistani-Canadian star Ahad Raza, directed by Haysam Kadri a graduate of the Birmingham Conservatory at the Stratford Festival.
Shakespeare In The Ruins website
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Mar 29, 2020
Actor, columnist Tony Nappo
Tony Nappo is a Canadian actor who graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and has appeared in critically acclaimed television, film and stage productions.
As well as discussing parenting and acting, Tony shares the story of how he managed to kick his drug habit after a 5-day bender that almost killed him.
He also publishes the weekly column Nappoholics on https://www.intermissionmagazine.ca/
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Mar 20, 2020
Actor Bruce Dow, Broadway shuts down
Bruce Dow is an award-winning performer who has played featured rolls on Broadway five times.
When Broadway was shut down, Dow was in previews with the show "Diana." Dow who resides in Canada, was one of the thousands of people who work on Broadway that had to figure out their next steps.
In our podcast you'll hear how the cast and crew working on "Diana" learned about the show closing down after Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, has declared that all theaters close temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dec 27, 2019
Escapologist, daredevil Jonathan Goodwin
Jonathan Goodwin is appearing in the show The Illusionists, which is at the Meridian Hall in Toronto from January 1st through January 5th.
As well as performing in The Illusionists, Jonathan has appeared on many TV shows and has created theatrical magic for many performers, including Derrin Brown, who is currently on Broadway with his show Secret.
Follow Jonathan:
On Instagram
On Twitter
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Dec 20, 2019
Comedian, actor Gavin Crawford
Gavin Crawford is one of Canada's most creative and exciting comedic performers.
From his days at The Comedy Network to his years as a cast member of "This Hour Has Twenty Two Minutes," to his recent work as host of CBC Radio's "Because News" Crawford's unique sense of humour always shines brightly.
In January, Crawford stars in the one-person show "Fully Committed" at the Grand Theatre in London.
In the podcast, you'll learn about how he prepares for his performance in which de is 40 different characters.
And you won't believe what he said to Andrew Lloyd Webber when he was hosting the Canadian version of the reality show "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?," which aired on CBC in the summer of 2008.
We also discuss his path from graduating with a BFA Acting from the University of British Columbia to joining Toronto's improvisation comedy troupe The Second City.
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Nov 27, 2019
Tracey Flye and AJ Bridel
Tracey is a director and choreographer whose international credits include productions in the West End, South Africa and Asia.
She also directed the U.S. National Tour of Queen's "We Will Rock You."
AJ Bridel is a genuine triple threat.
Her performance in the Toronto production of "Kinky Boots" received rave reviews. For two years, she starred in the title role in "Anne of Green Gables" at the Charlottetown Festival.
Currently, AJ's starring in the new Ross Petty's family musical "Lil Red Robin Hood" which is directed and choreograph
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Nov 13, 2019
Comedian: Steve Patterson
Best known to hundreds of thousands of comedy fans as the host of CBC Radio's "The Debaters" there is no debate that Steve Patterson is North America's funniest and least moderate debate moderator.
As a solo comedian Steve spent two decades touring around the world.
Twice named Canada's Best Male Stand-Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards, Steve has also taken his award-winning humour to the literary world with "The Book of Letters I Didn't Know Where to Send."
In our interview, you'll discover how growing up in a single-parent family influenced his ability to make people laugh. Steve also shares a story about a high school music teacher in London, Ontario, that influenced his path to making a living as a performer.
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Oct 17, 2019
Writer, actor: Michael Healey
Michael Healey has gone from writing a play that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival to having his work appear at the Stratford Festival. It's an impressive trajectory that includes writing "The Drawer Boy," one of the most-produced plays in North America.
Healey discusses everything from how he writes scenes to his process in the rehearsal room. Healey, who has suffered from depression, opens up about his path from the days he could barely get out of bed to his most productive and happy days.
I enjoy Healey's political comedy and his sense of humor truly shines in our chat.
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Oct 1, 2019
Actor: Donny Most
Donny Most, is best known for his role as Ralph Malph on the hit TV show "Happy Days."
Most explains how Henry Winkler went against his director's wishes to create a defining moment in the development of his character Fonzie.
He shares stories about working with "Happy Days" creator Garry Marshall who went on to develop other popular shows such as "Mork and Mindy" and more recently "Pretty Woman" and "The Princess Diaries."
Most is currently performing in "ART" at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. The production runs until October 20.
"Art," which won the Tony for Best Play, delves into male bonding in a hilarious yet touching way.
More info about "Art":
Click Drayton Entertainment
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Aug 30, 2019
Actor: Liisa Repo-Martell
Liisa Repo-Martell is an intense actor. She has performed Shakespeare with Keanu Reeves, co-created innovative theatrical hybrids exploring documentary, academic and artistic work.
In April 2020 you can see Liisa at the Globe Theatre in Regina, Saskatchewan in The Boy in the Moon is the true story of a family’s journey raising their son Walker, who suffers from an extremely rare genetic disorder.
Thanks to Stratford Tea Leaves for sponsoring The Performers Podcast.
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Jul 27, 2019
Actor: Keith Dinicol
Keith Dinicol is a Canadian actor currently appearing in Drayton Entertainment’s stellar production of “Twelve Angry Men.” As Keith mentions in our podcast director Marti Maraden has assembled a cast of top actors including Neil Barclay, Skye Brandon, Benedict Campbell and Cyrus Lane just to name a few.
As an actor with decades as a company member with the largest repertory company in North America, The Stratford Festival, Keith has worked on everything from Shakespeare to Strindberg and Stoppard.
Dinicol traces his roots back to the early days of the Stratford Festival, where other than Tyrone Guthrie he's worked with every artistic director, either as an actor or director.
He also shares memories of working with his father-in-law John Neville at Edmonton's Citadel Theatre and Stratford.
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May 24, 2019
Actor, writer, choreographer: Tracey Power
Tracey Power is the writer and choreographer behind “Glory” a play that the Globe and Mail called a “bittersweet, entertaining and uplifting sports drama.”
I saw Glory and loved it.
Tracey shares her process behind uncovering the true story of a group of scrappy women who defy the stereotypes of their time and become national hockey legends - in the 1930s.
The play that debuted at the Western Canada Theatre Company in British Columbia is on stage now, and runs until July 20th, in Southwestern Ontario thanks to the folks at Drayton Entertainment.
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May 17, 2019
Actor: Ma-Anne Dionisio
Ma-Anne Dionisio is best known for originating the role of Kim in the Canadian production of "Miss Saigon" and subsequently performing around the world. She currently plays Diana Goodman in the Musical Stage Company's production of "Next to Normal" in Toronto.
Ma-Anne shares how she went from being a 17-year-old nerd to an international musical theatre sensation.
Ma-Anne reminds us that actors who portray mental illness on stage need self-care practices off stage to help them cope with the stress.
She is also very candid about her experience as a single mother working in theatre.
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May 7, 2019
Tony Award-winning writer and actor: Bob Martin
For over three decades, Tony Award-winner Bob Martin has worked as an actor and writer. Early in his career, Martin was directing for Second City in Toronto. He's also written for TV, with the Chicago Tribune calling Slings and Arrows "one of the most loving satires to have ever graced television." He 's best known for writing and starring in the hilarious The Drowsy Chaperone, for which Martin won the 2006 Tony Award for "Best Book of a Musical."
His most recent Broadway show, The Prom, received 7 Tony Award nominations.
We talk about how the revision process is crucial to a great script
Martin updates us on the Broadway adaptations of The Princess Bride, NIght at the Museum and Slings and Arrows.
And Martin explains why it can be emotionally challenging to watch a performance of The Drowsy Chaperone.
Follow Bob Martin on Twitter.
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Apr 24, 2019
Poet: David Stones
David Stones is a poet based in Stratford Ontario. His poems have been published internationally and won awards.
Recently he’s been performing a stage adaptation of his book poems titled “Infinite Sequels.” On stage Stones is accompanied by a violinist which ads an imaginative aspect to his words.
The London Free Press’ Joe Belanger noted that “‘Infinite Sequels’ is a brilliant, beautiful piece of theatre. Stone recites his poignant poetry with mostly subtle gesture, movement and animated face, asking us to face moments and questions about our lives we may not have even recognized.”
In our conversation Stones admits his love of poetry goes back to his youth confessing that it was only later in life after his career and kids were no longer a pressing concern that he found the freedom to truly hone his work and share it publically.
He talks about his creative process, his inspiration Dylan Thomas and Leonard Cohen to name a few, and the intersection of poetry and soci…
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Mar 17, 2019
Comedian: Dave Merheje
Dave Merheje won the Juno award for best comedy album with his 2018 release “Good Friend Bad Grammar.”
I've been hoping to interview Merheje since I first saw him perform a killer set at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. His rhythmic comedic style celebrates family and personal frustrations that truly spoke to me, not only as a fan of comedy but more significantly as a father and a son.
He's on the Netflix special "Comedians of the World."
Watch for his upcoming regular appearance in the Hulu show “Ramy,” with Ramy Youssef, which starts streaming April 19.
Follow Dave on Twitter.
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Dec 27, 2018
Casting Director: Kate Lumpkin
Kate Lumpkin is the founder and lead casting director of Kate Lumpkin Casting, CSA.
We discuss the importance of making a good self-tape for auditions, the growing demand for actors who can handle experiential theatre, why knowing who you are as a human is the most important thing that informs you as an artist, and lots more!
Kate has collectively worked on over 40 film/TV productions, and 80 theatrical productions in New York City and across the USA including shows at The Kennedy Center and many others.
She’s also the Head of Education for the Broadway Collective - a training academy for young performers looking to break into the industry.
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Dec 17, 2018
Actor, singer: Alexis Gordon
Alexis Gordon is one of the young stars of Canadian theatre. Her work at the Stratford Festival (Carousel, the Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Coriolanus, The Tempest...) has been getting great reviews.
In the upcoming summer theatre season she’ll be at the Shaw Festival - one of several Stratford Festival Company members making the move to Shaw in 2019.
We discuss that change along with her work under the renowned directors Robert Lepage and Donna Feore.
Follow Alexis Gordon on Twitter.
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Nov 30, 2018
Actor: Colm Feore
Colm Feore is one of North America’s top classically trained actors who has appeared on stages around the world, on the big screen and on television.
We discuss his stage work on Broadway with Denzel Washington, his film work with Judi Dench & Vin Diesel, his work at the Stratford Festival, and more.
Colm is married to the very busy director / choreographer Donna Feore so I asked him how they manage to have a successful marriage and raise their children while working around the world.
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Nov 23, 2018
Plant Based Nutrition for Performers with Ray Cronise and Julieanna Hever
As a performer, your lifestyle is not the same as the average person's daily 9-to-5 routine. You're up late, you have busy rehearsal schedules, you eat when you can because despite whatever is happening in your life the show must go on!
So when I had the chance to speak with Julieanna Hever and Ray Cronise i was thanking my lucky stars. Their approach to nutrition is saving lives - just ask Penn Jillette or Kevin Smith.
Julieanna and Ray wrote "The Idiot's Guide to Plant Based Nutrition." The book goes deep into the science of nutrition but also has super-handy summaries at the end of each chapter with a list of "The Least you need to know."
The book has everything from how to equip your kitchen, ( I loved the bit about handy utensils) to a chapter on the plant-based pregnancy.
Julieanna Hever completed her bachelors of arts degree in Theatre from UCLA and then went on to do a masters of science degree in Nutrition from Cal State Northridge, thus bridging her three biggest passion…
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Oct 30, 2018
Actor, songwriter Barry Anderson
Barry Anderson is an actor and songwriter based in New York City.
On Broadway, Barry has appeared in 'Legally Blonde The Musical' and 'Jersey Boys.'
However, it’s Barry’s international performances with the touring company of 'Jersey Boys' that interested me most. He performed over 2,000 times with the tour! How do you keep healthy and happy while on the road for over six years?
Barry managed that, and he shares the secrets of his success in our conversations.
Barry grew up in the tiny rural town of Osseo, Wisconsin and our conversation begins with Barry sharing the story of his first visit to Manhattan.
Follow Barry on Twitter.
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Oct 19, 2018
Actor, playwright Phil Rickaby
Phil Rickaby is an actor, playwright and founding member of keystone Theatre. Phil is also the host of the Toronto theatre podcast “Stageworthy.”
We also compare notes on religion, our theatre training and Phil’s family life, before we move into his writing process.
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Sep 15, 2018
Actor, Director: Charlotte Gowdy
Charlotte Gowdy is a graduate of the National Theatre School in Montreal and Ecole Philipe Gaulier in Paris. As an actor, she’s played lead roles at the Shaw Festival and theatres across Canada.
These days she’s making a career transition as she follows her heart’s desire to direct!
As well as a career transition, Charlotte has gone through some personal transformations including quitting alcohol and becoming a vegan.
This episode is packed with great tips for actors and directors. Charlotte shares what she's learned working with the critically acclaimed artistic directors Chris Abraham, Tim Carroll and Jillian Keiley.
Charlotte, who is also a competitive athlete, shares some of the secrets to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working under the precarious conditions of freelance life.
She also discusses her work directing Anna Chatterton's "Within the Glass" with Troubadour Theatre Collective.
Books Mentioned:
Healthier Leaner Energetic You by Leslie Beck.
Smoothie…
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Aug 30, 2018
Magician: Johnny Thompson
Johnny Thompson is one of the most respected minds in magic. These days he works with Penn & Teller on both their TV show "Fool Us" and their show at the Rio in Las Vegas.
His passion for show business began at a young age, and he was drawn to carny sideshow. Thompson shares the story of the evolution of his career from a pitchman to sewer worker, jazz musician, orchestrator and magician.
Along the way, Thompson refined both his comedy and magical skills which led to the creation of his nightclub act The Great Tomsoni & Co.
When was the last time you had the chance to spend fifty minutes with a living legend reflecting on his life? It was an honour for me, and I hope you find the time for this intimate interview.
Thompson's secrets have been collected in a two-volume publication: "The Magic of Johnny Thompson."
It includes contributions from Teller and Lance Burton both of whom learned significantly from Thompson and both of whom we discuss in the interview. Other magicians who co…
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Aug 23, 2018
Principal at The Ticketing Institute: Andrew Thomas
The ticketing institute helps you drive more audience development and that means more new people, attending more shows, more often.
Andrew is also the force behind the Ticketing Professionals Conference and a board member of the International Ticketing Association.
If you produce plays or any kind of show, you'll enjoy this episode.
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Aug 14, 2018
Playwright, Actor: Mark Crawford
Mark Crawford is a playwright and actor.
His play "The Birds and the Bees," which premiered in 2016 at the Blyth Festival and quickly became one of the most-produced Canadian plays of the decade, is runs at the Huron Country Playhouse II until Sept. 1.
His most recent play, "The New Canadian Curling Club," premiered at the Blyth Festival in 2018.
We discuss his writing process and the impact of production budgets on his artistic process.
He shares one of the best ever audition stories that changed his life but not in the way you'd think.
Follow Mark on Twitter: @markjdcrawford
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Jun 22, 2018
Actor: Mike Shara
Mike Shara is one of Canada’s most accomplished actors with multiple seasons at the Stratford Festival and the Shaw Festival. He covers a wide range of topics from his time at Theatre School to the limitations of acting in Canadian television. Mike's worst audition story is a classic and, even better, he has some great thoughts on how to avoid blowing the audition before you even open your mouth.
We discuss working with director Chris Abram on The Matchmaker and Othello.
Mike opens up about the struggles he faced learning Shakespeare and how participating in team sports impacts his work.
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Jun 12, 2018
Author, comedian: Wayne Turmel
For 20 years Wayne Turmel worked as a stand-up comedian touring throughout North America, headlining clubs and concerts. He appeared on the TV show “Evening at the Improv” and opened for bands such as Chicago and Hall and Oates.
In his mid-life, Wayne began a second career in business development and training. He now helps clients around the world learn to present, sell, and lead people and projects when they’re not all in the same place.
Wayne has also written novels, in the podcast, we discuss his newest work of historical fiction, Acre’s Bastard, whose central character is a half Syrian, half French child caught up in the madness of a holy war.
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Jun 7, 2018
Tony Award-winning producer, blogger, and podcaster: Ken Davenport
Ken Davenport is a Broadway producer whose credits include Once On This Island, The Play That Goes Wrong, Groundhog Day, Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening, Macbeth starring Alan Cumming, Godspell, and Kinky Boots just to name a few.
You'll find out how he financed his first few shows and the marketing strategy he used to promote them with limited resources.
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May 25, 2018
Nora McLellan, actor
Nora McLellan is one of Canada's most celebrated and respected actors.
In this episode we begin by discussing her early days in Vancouver and move forward to the Shaw Festival and her recent performance in the Annie Baker play "John."
McClellan is candid about the ups and downs of life and the arts as well as some of the lessons she's learned to improve her acting skills working under the direction of some of North America's finest directors.
Currently, you can see McClellan in "Shirley Valentine," at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia.
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May 18, 2018
Author Philip Roy
My son Cole began reading Philip Roy’s “Submarine Outlaw” series at age 7 and he’s rediscovering them again now. It’s perfect summer reading for the kids.
Roy's book “Me and Mr. Bell” has been translated into Japanese and selected as one of the books for a Japanese book review contest sponsored by the School Library Association in Japan and Mainichi Newspaper chain.
He only began writing professionally at age 31.
Here in Canada Philip is a nominee for the Red Maple Award and the Silver Birch Award.
Philip has sat on provincial literary juries, Canada Council juries, and he sat across from me for an to discuss his life and creative process.
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Philip Roy's book Submarine Outlaw
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May 10, 2018
Actress, singer Steffi DiDomenicantonio
Steffi DiDomenicantonio is currently performing in the Toronto production of "Come From Away."
At the age of 29, she's achieved great things, and I know her career is just beginning.
Although Steffi rose to national prominence as a finalist in the 2006 season of "Canadian Idol," she's been a musical theatre performer for most of her life.
In our conversation, Steffi explains the secret to her success and how a vision board helped her focus on a dream gig performing in the first Broadway national tour of "Spring Awakening."
We also talk about her television work on "Crawford" with Mike Clattenburg, best known as a creator, writer and director of the comedy series "Trailer Park Boys."
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Steffi on Twitter | Instagram
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May 1, 2018
Musician, songwriter Murray Foster
Murray is best known for his work as bassist in the Canadian bands Moxy Früvous and Great Big Sea. In 2014, he directed the Independent Film, "The Cocksure Lads Movie" which is now being developed into a musical "Chelsea Sunrise" with the Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College.
You'll hear how he wrote the songs for the play and why he never received the investment he was offered when he appeared on the TV show "Dragon's Den."
Murray's Website: http://www.murrayfoster.ca/
The Secret Life of The American Musical on Amazon
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Feb 24, 2018
Chris Boyce,Executive Producer at Pacific Content
Chris Boyce is the Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Pacific Content, who produce podcasts for big brands including Shopify’s “TGIM” and Slack’s the “Slack Variety Pack” which Fast Company described as “‘This American Life,’ meets ‘The Office,’ meets ‘Monty Python.'”
I spoke with Chris at Podcamp Toronto, in 2016.
Chris' background includes his term as Executive Director, Radio/Audio, and Director of Program Development for CBC Radio, overseeing the development and launch of the broadcaster’s new generation of programming including "Q," "Under the Influence," "The Debaters," and "Spark."
In our podcast, Chris discusses the value of figuring out "what is the story I'm trying to tell" before you begin your interview.
The value of eliciting emotions and drama from your guests because the host or narrator can provide the fact.
We play a podcast clip that demonstrate how to create the audio illusion you are recording on location with your guest when you a…
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Dec 19, 2017
David Merry, Magician, comedian, writer
Are you a risk taker? Have you managed to find a balance between the creative process and earning a good living?
As a writer, David Merry has written jokes for legendary comedians including Joan Rivers and Rodney Dangerfield.
As a magician, he’s invented some spectacular tricks
And as a comedian, he’s one the most “in-demand” performers I’ve worked with doing hundreds of shows each year.
Through all of this David's taken risks and he opens up about the ups and downs of his many ventures.
David's a lifelong learner who's in the process of meeting the requirements to become a member of the Director's Guild of Canada, but most impressive is that through all the ups and downs and transitions in his entertainment career he's been a great husband and father.
SHOW NOTES
David's Website DavidMerry.com
David Merry on YouTube
David's New Year's Eve show in Ottawa with Ben Miner and Jessica Holmes! Info and tickets
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Dec 14, 2017
Bethany Joy Lenz, actress, singer-songwriter and filmmaker
Bethany Joy Lenz stars in the new movie “Snowed Inn Christmas” premiering on Lifetime, Saturday, December 16 at 8 pm. Canadian readers can see it on W Network Sunday, December 17 at 6 pm.
The Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press picked “Snowed Inn Christmas” as a TV highlight of the week with the latter adding it’s a “feel-good movie… about a woman (Bethany Joy Lenz) and man (Andrew Walker), who have nothing in common – until they’re called upon to help save the historic town inn located in Santa Claus, Indiana.”
Lenz plays a button-down journalist who, like her character in “One Tree Hill,” is smart and knows who she is – at least until she gets trapped on assignment with a colleague she’s competing with to save her job.
The setting, a gorgeous turn of the century Victorian home in Santa Claus, Indiana (a real town), provides a romantic and mysterious backdrop where the journalists discover the stories of their lives.
As well as appearing in “…
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Dec 8, 2017
Ilana Levine, actress, producer, podcaster
As well as playing lead roles on Broadway, Ilana Levine has worked with iconic film directors including Sydney Lumet and Robert Altmann.
We talk about her experiences working with, and learning from actors who have won Tony Awards and Academy Awards.
She has appeared in many television shows including Law and Order and Seinfeld.
As you'll hear, Ilana is married to an actor and they have two kids.
Ilana is very candid about the struggles they faced as they worked to create a stable, loving environment for the kids to grow up in while pursuing the mercurial success of careers in show business.
Click here for her podcast "Little Known Facts."
Follow on Instagram.
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Nov 28, 2017
Dennis Garnhum, Artistic Director The Grand Theatre
How do you raise 1 million dollars for your theatre?
Dennis Garnhum is the Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre, in London, Ontario. Within a few months of taking on the new job he, along with development team, raised 1 million dollars for the theatre.
Garnhum Grew up in London, and he was 13 years old when he first appeared on stage at the Grand.
Later he was an usher, stage manager and eventually, in 2004, he and his husband, Bruce Sellery (also from London) married in the balcony at The Grand.
Before arriving at the Grand, Dennis was the Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary since 2005 where, as well as developing new plays, he built some impressive partnerships with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, the Shaw Festival and Bard on the Beach.
So our conversation leans towards the business of running a theatre and finding a life balance.
Show Notes
The Grand Theatre's website
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Nov 21, 2017
Singer, Songwriter, Emm Gryner
Emm Gryner has found the sweet spot between being an independent artist and raising a family.
In her early 20s Gryner had a hit song on the radio, toured with David Bowie and then transitioned to a successful career as an independent artist.
Her songwriting has been praised by the likes of Bono and we discuss how a songwriting contest led to her radio hit. We discuss the difference between writing a hit for radio and writing to explore her own feelings.
Gryner was also the driving force behind the recording of Bowie's "Space Oddity," by Chris Hadfield, in outer space while he was the commander of the International Space Station.
As well as touring to support her own work Gryner is also the founder of the popular folk act "Trent Severn."
Watch for Gryner's upcoming project "Only of Earth," an 80's synth-pop and 70's classic rock-infused album.
Show Notes.
Emm Gryner's website
Video: Emm Gryner and Joe Sumner celebrate David Bowie at Terminal 5 in New York
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Nov 13, 2017
Cyrus Lane
Cyrus Lane has appeared in many productions with the Stratford Festival, Outside the March, and CBC TV’s Murdoch Mysteries. He's currently rehearsing for his role as Ebenezer Scrooge in Ross Petty's “A Christmas Carol the Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose!” at the Elgin theatre in Toronto.
At this year's Stratford Festival he appeared in “Timon of Athens,” “The Changeling” and “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” all of which received consistently glowing reviews.
But it was his work in last year’s “Macbeth” that bodes well for his role as Scrooge in Petty’s perennially popular pantomime. Scroll down for your chance to win a family pack of 4 tickets to see “A Christmas Carol the Family Musical with a Scrooge Loose!”
Lane, is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
In our podcast Lane discusses his work as an understudy to Ian Lake's Macbeth. Lane was given very short notice before he took on the role at Stratford's legendary festival stage…
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Nov 6, 2017
Randy Lennox, President Bell Media, Producer Bat Out of Hell
Randy Lennox is the President of Bell Media, Canada's leading content creation company with assets in television, radio, out-of-home advertising, and digital media.
Previously Lennox was the CEO of Universal Music Canada the country's largest music record label, where he signed and championed internationally renowned Canadian artists.
In our podcast we discuss how Lennox, along with David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl and Tony Smith, produced Jim Steinman's Bat Out of Hell for the stage.
Steinman's anthemic rock songs form the foundation of a magical stage experience that transports audiences to another world courtesy director, and multimedia-theater pioneer, Jay Scheib's use of musical theatre and opera traditions layered with alluring, multi-camera video projections.
Bat Out of Hell is unlike anything that has come before it and Lennox addresses the risks, and rewards, associated with producing such an extravaganza.
For more details on the show visit http://batoutofhellmusical.com/
F…
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Nov 1, 2017
Donna Feore, Director Choreographer
Donna Feore has choreographed performances at the Opéra National de Lyon France and the Canadian Opera Company but she's best known for her work directing at the Stratford Festival, North America's largest classical repertory theatre company.
Her work at the festival includes critically acclaimed productions, all with new choreography of "Guys and Dolls," "The Sound of Music," and "Fiddler on the Roof," just to name a few.
In 2016 she gained notoriety for directing the first ever professional production of "A Chorus Line" with all new, original choreography which Feore created.
I spoke with Feore about her work directing and choreographing the world premiere of "The Hockey Sweater," a new musical is based on the beloved short story by Roch Carrier.
The animated short film adaptation of Carrier's story received the Best Animated Film award at the 1981 British Academy Film Awards.
We talk about the creative process behind adapting the story to a stage musical.
Feore, who is known…
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Oct 17, 2017
Raoul Bhaneja, actor, musician, producer
Raoul Bhaneja is producing and starring in the upcoming production of "Disgraced."
The Pulitzer Prize winning play returns to the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto on November 11 after a critically acclaimed run in 2016.
The play deals with faith, politics and the notion of "tolerance."
The powerful subject matter draws in audiences that, as Bhaneja mentions in the podcast, stay in their seats after the show for heated exchanges during the post-performance "talk backs."
We also discuss how actors of colour face struggles in landing leading roles, despite the movement towards "colourblind casting."
Those struggles were, in part, the impetus behind Bhaneja's drive to produce and appear in a solo version of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" that played in New York and London to critical acclaim.
Show Notes
Follow Raoul on Facebook
Follow Raoul on Twitter
Get a $92 ticket for $35 with the promo code Raoul35
Use the promo code at: https://www.mirvish.com/shows/disgraced
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Oct 3, 2017
Arts Journalist, filmmaker: Brian D. Johnson
For almost 30 years Brian D. Johnson was the film critic and Arts writer for Macleans, Canada's top current affairs magazine.
His work as a critic explored art with the insight of not only a passionate observer but also an accomplished artist with a fascination of the human condition.
Brian's directorial debut, the documentary “Al Purdy Was Here,” is a beautiful piece of work on many levels, I think you’ll really enjoy our chat.
It spans everything from Brian’s working relationship with Leonard Cohen to his working relationship with his son.
Incidentally we recorded last year prior to Leonard Cohen’s passing. Our conversation begins with the fact that more films than ever are being made in Canada but there are less “Canadian” films.
Follow @briandjohnson on Twitter
Al Purdy Was Here on iTunes
Advertisers This Week:
Stratford Tea Leaves
SpringWorks Indie Arts Festival
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Sep 24, 2017
Best-selling author: Jeff Goins
Best-selling author Jeff Goins’s most recent book is "Real Artists Don’t Starve."
You'll learn how Goins dismantled the myths about starving artists by painstakingly researching successful artists.
We cover the basics like why working alone can be a barrier to success and how thriving artists aren't reluctant to
borrow (steal, really) from their influencers.
It's a great chat that will help you figure out what might be holding back your career, or provide you with some
actionable tactics to help artists around you.
Real Artists Don’t Starve at Amazon.
For more about Jeff Goins visit https://goinswriter.com/
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Sep 16, 2017
Actor, E.B. Smith
E.B. Smith grew up with a father who, as baseball player with Chicago Cubs, understood what it meant to dream. The Chicago Cubs hold Major League Baseball’s longest championships drought going from 1908 to 2016 without winning a world series.
Smith’s father understood the value of hard work and practice in pursuit of a dream.
So when Smith’s dream of performing on the Festival stage at The Stratford Festival finally came true he took his father on a tour of the theatre to share his joy and excitement of performing in the legendary theatre.
Together they snuck onto the thrust stage and Smith’s father had the opportunity to stand where legendary actors from Brian Bedford and Len Cariou to Maggie Smith and Jessica Tandy have performed.
Looking around the theatre from centre stage Smith’s father said “This is the big leagues. This is your Wrigley Field,” comparing the Festival stage to Chicago’s legendary baseball park.
Smith’s mother was an academic, in our conversa…
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Sep 3, 2017
Shakespeare webcomic creator: Mya Gosling
Mya Gosling is the creator of the popular webcomic Good Tickle Brain, the world’s foremost and possibly only stick-figure Shakespeare webcomic.
I love Mya’s work, she makes Shakespeare super fun. Based on our conversation it’s clear to me that her primary goal is to share her love of Shakespeare with others, and that’s a good thing.
So naturally I spent a bit of time in our podcast talking with My about how she makes money from her Good Tickle Brain webcomic. Of course we also talk about Shakespeare and her favourite shows on the playbill at the Stratford Festival.
No spoilers here, you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out.
Show Notes
Good Tickle Brain
Lady Macbeth’s relationship advice
Utah Shakespeare Festival
@bardfilm
The University of Iowa’s film studies page about “Omkara,” composer/director Vishal Bhardwaj’s transposition of the story of “Othello” to the landscape and culture of contemporary eastern Uttar Pradesh
Mya at the Stratford Fes…
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Jun 20, 2017
Writer, Comedian: Joanne O'Sullivan
Joanne has performed stand-up comedy across the country, she’s also done storytelling at the Stratford Festival’s “Late Night with Lucy Peacock cabarets,” and improvisation for four seasons of “Sin City,” Toronto’s popular live, improvised soap opera.
She's been a writer on the hit TV shows "This Hour has Twenty Two Minutes" and the "Baroness Von Sketch Show."
Plus she’s had a hit Fringe Festival show and is about to debut her new show “She Grew Funny” at the Toronto Fringe.
We talk about a course Joanne took to help her write her second Fringe Festival show and the impact of having a daughter on her career.
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May 24, 2017
Director, playwright, artistic director Gil Garratt
Gil Garratt is the artistic director at the Blyth Festival, which focuses on new play development and work with rural themes.
Plays developed at Blyth have been produced around the world, which is impressive especially considering Blyth is a rural town of 1,000 people.
In our conversation Garratt shares his progressive thoughts on the Canadian dramaturgical and development process, adding that working on comedies can be the most divisive of all genres. I have witnessed, in the rehearsal of comedy, more relationships destroyed, friendships obliterated over the course of the comedy, than I have working in tragedy.
Garratt graduated from the National Theatre School’s Playwriting Program and holds an Honours BA from the University of Waterloo, and an MA from the University of Guelph.
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May 8, 2017
Theatre Producer Michael Rubinoff
Michael Rubinoff is the Associate Dean of Sheridan College’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
He’s also the creator and a producer of the Broadway hit musical "Come From Away." If you have ever wondered how an idea becomes a Broadway show you’ll love this episode.
We start out by talking about Michael’s time studying law at the University of Western Ontario and then move into the process behind developing his idea for a musical into a Broadway hit.
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Apr 24, 2017
Screenwriter Ken Cuperus
Ken Cuperus is an award winning screenwriter and producer.
We met decades ago when Ken approached me after a performance at the Winnipeg Fringe festival, asking if I'd help his comedy troupe.
A few years later Ken and his pals, known as the Brave New Weasels, were performing to sold out crowds at Fringe Festivals.
We talk about the gutsy move to leave the comfort of being a big finish in a small pond, Winnipeg, to start with nothing more than one month's rent in Toronto.
We also touch on working with Gene Simmons and Ken's worst pitch meeting.
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Apr 9, 2017
Playwright, Robert Chafe
Robert Chafe is an award winning playwright whose work has been seen across Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Two of his plays ("Tempting Providence" and "Butler’s Marsh"), were shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award for Drama. His play "Afterimage" won the award in 2010.
Robert is Artistic Director and playwright for Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, where he frequently collaborates with NAC English Theatre Artistic Director Jillian Keiley.
In the podcast we discuss his transition from playwriting to writing a collection of short stories.
Robert shares his experience seeing his plays on stage and watching the audiences’ reaction to them.
He mentions that observing audiences has lead him to understand that "how I feel about my work actually has nothing to do with how an audience is going to experience it."
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Mar 29, 2017
Writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein: Come From Away
Irene Sankoff and David Hein are the co-writers of the hit Broadway show "Come From Away."
We talk about how Irene and David interviewed people to create the foundation for the musical.
They explain the development process, with theatre students at The Canadian Music Theatre Project, which is part of the Sheridan College Music Theatre Performance Program. They also worked with Goodspeed Musicals, a non-profit organization dedicated to musical theater based in Connecticut.
Come From Away is a perfect intersection of David's love of folk music and Irene's love of Broadway musicals.
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Feb 18, 2017
Broadway triple threat: Stephanie Rothenberg
Stephanie Rothenberg is currently an ensemble member in "Sunset Boulevard," with Glenn Close, on Broadway.
Prior to appearing in "Sunset Boulevard," Rothenberg was a part of the original Broadway ensemble of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" starring Daniel Radcliffe and understudied the role of Rosemary, performing it many times opposite Radcliffe
She then assumed the role full time when Nick Jonas replaced Radcliffe.
Between Broadway appearances Stephanie starred as Maria in "The Sound of Music" at the Stratford Festival, she appeared in Aziz Ansari’s popular Netflix show "Master of None" and acted in an award winning short film that might be on its way to an Oscar nod in 2018.
I spoke with Stephanie, between performances in New York, about the high and lows of life on stage as well as the difference between the ensemble in "How to Succeed" vs. "Sunset Boulevard."
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Feb 1, 2017
Performer, writer, impresario: Sandra Shamas
Sandra's career began in Toronto on the stages of The Second City and the legendary night club The Rivoli where she shared the highs and lows of a struggling young performer with fellow entertainers including The Kids in the Hall.
But it was at the Edmonton Fringe Festival where Sandra finally broke out, with her hit show "My Boyfriend’s Back and There’s Going to be Laundry."
A few years later, she started a new life, moving to a farm where, she took a break from creating and traversed her internal landscape, surveying her life, and how it intersected with those around her.
And soon the former urban dweller let herself fall into the rhythms the surrounding nature.
She's performed at top theatres in Canada and is recognized for not only her writing and performing, but her work as an impresario.
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Jan 29, 2017
Actor, director Joseph Ziegler
Joseph was born in Minneapolis and studied theatre at the University of Minnesota. He was accepted into the National Theatre School of Canada and graduated in 1979.
From 1980-82 he was a member of Christopher Newton's first acting ensemble at The Shaw Festival. In the podcast he talks about performing with Nora McLellan in Brecht's "A Respectable Wedding."
As well as being part of the Stratford Festival company from 1984-87, Ziegler appeared in many TV shows including "Street Legal," "North of 60" and "ENG."
In 1990 Robin Phillips invited him to play Clarence opposite Denzel Washington in a New York production of "Richard III" in Central Park. Ziegler's work with Philips, as well as other influential directors comes up in the podcast.
In 2010 he played Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" at Soulpepper opposite Nancy Palk his wife. He mentions that despite his love of Shakespeare it was his favourite role.
Ziegler is currently appearing as Henry VIII in the Soulpepper product…
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Dec 6, 2016
Actor, improviser and writer: Seán Cullen
Seán Cullen was regular on the Tonight Show and he's appeared on stages in Chicago, Toronto and at the Stratford Festival. He writes books for young readers, his "Hamish X and The Cheese Pirates," won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Book.
Plus he has a podcast, the Seanpod, and with all that going on he still finds time to play hockey three times a week.
Seán Cullen and I talk about his improvisation and writing, as well as his path to success in comedy.
He also talks about his work on stage and why he describes his time performing 8 shows a week in "The Producers" as "just trying not to get sick."
Seán mentions his time as a CBC Radio host and says "I was rambling completely and this drove the CBC Mad." But his rambling got the attention of a book publisher that led to the opportunity to his write books for young readers.
Seán's Books:
Hamish X and the Cheese Pirates
Hamish X and the Hollow Mountain
The Prince of Neither Here Nor There
The Prince of T…
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Nov 10, 2016
Actor, producer: Ross Petty
Ross Petty is one of Canada's most successful and enduring theatrical impresarios.
For the past 20 years he’s been producing family musicals at Toronto’s historic Elgin theatre.
The shows are in the tradition of the British holiday Pantomime, where actors ad lib and the audience interacts with the antics on stage.
If you’ve ever produced a show you’ll want to listen because Ross talks about how he went from being an actor in the show to taking over as producer, getting sponsors, hiring writers, actors, being the driving force behind one of Canada’s most successful, ongoing theatrical events and how he recovered when he lost money.
I forgot to mention as well as doing all that Ross also stars in the shows, wearing a dress.
Ross has performed at Le Lido in Paris and appeared with Betty Grable in the London West End musical Belle Starr.
He made his Broadway debut in Arthur Kopit's Wings, created the role of Eddie Dorrance on All My Children, and co-starred with Ginge…
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Nov 10, 2016
Improviser, actress: Naomi Snieckus
Naomi went from dreaming about doing the works of Shakespeare and Shaw to abandoning the theatre classics for The Second City.
These days you might recognize Naomi from her role in the hit comedy TV show “Mr.D” where she plays Bobbi the gym teacher.
And in the theatre and comedy community she’s well respected as a founding member, and performer, in the National Theatre of the World.
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Oct 25, 2016
Singer, actress: Susan Gilmour
Susan is best know for playing Fantine in "Les Miserables" on Broadway and with the first international tour.
Susan shares some of the techniques she used to play one of the most celebrated parts in musical theatre.
We also discuss the time, early in her career, Susan lost a job as a cruise ship entertainer. as well as her critically acclaimed work at The Stratford Festival with director Peter Hinton.
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Oct 10, 2016
Writer, actor: Ins Choi remastered
"Kim's Convenience," a play by Ins Choi, debuted at the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival where Ins both directed and acted.
Today it's one of Canada's most successful theatrical works, with productions across Canada and in New York.
The CBC TV show, based on the play, launched in 2016 and has been renewed for a third season. It's launched the careers of several actors and writers.
"Kim’s Convenience" follows in the footsteps of Fringe shows including "Life After," "Da Kink in My Hair," "Machomer," "The Drowsy Chaperone" and others that have gone onto great things.
We talk about the time in his life when Ins gave up a job with security, benefits and a housing allowance, everything that would have set him up for a traditional life, but it wasn’t a job in the Arts which Ins knew he needed to truly enjoy life.
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Oct 7, 2016
Dancer, actress: Bethany Kovarik
Bethany has been dancing for most of her life. She's danced in New York and at some of the best theatres in Canada.
She also gives back to the dance community by sharing her skills with younger dancers. She loves educating and mentoring young dancers to be the strongest performer; mentally, emotionally, and physically. She's particularly enjoys working with dancers in their late teens.
She's a proud graduate of the Sheridan Institute’s Musical Theatre Performance Program.
We talk about her work in A Chorus Line at The Stratford Festival as well as the carer decisions dancers have to make.
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Jul 14, 2016
Improviser, actor, director Rebecca Northan
Rebecca is an innovative artists and a creative entrepreneur.
I Interviewed Rebecca after a performance of her show "Blind Date," an improvisational show unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Rebecca is truly a theatre innovator.
Rebecca recently won a Dora Mavor Moore award for her performance in "Blind Date" and her other show, "Legend Has It," just got nominated for a Betty Mitchell Award in Calgary in the category of Best Ensemble.
We talk about how a 10 minute theatre experiment turned into a full-length show that played off-Broadway and London's West End.
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Jun 24, 2016
Actor, director, writer, Bruce Dow
Bruce is best known for his four featured roles on Broadway, his 12 seasons in leading roles at the Stratford Festival and his Dora Mavor Moore Award-winning performances at Buddies in Bad Times, the world's largest and longest running LGBTQ theatre.
His career at the Stratford Festival began as an ensemble member in HMS Pinafore and he went on to receive rave reviews as a leading man.
We talk about that professional transformation and how Bruce transcended personal struggles to achieve a life changing transformation too.
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May 13, 2016
Actor, playwright: Nicky Guadagni
Nicky Guadagni has been nominated for five Gemini awards and won two for her roles in "Major Crime" and "Blue Murder."
Her one woman show "Hooked" started as private performance in people's home and eventually made it's way to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh.
In the podcast we talk about acting, producing at festivals, her training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and of course our lives as parents.
I don’t know what part of our conversation I enjoyed most: Learning about her youth in Montreal, the creative process behind her hit show "Hooked," or how she and her husband dealt with their teen aged son who spent way too much time playing video games, and online poker, but then turned that into a career.
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Apr 26, 2016
Brooke Johnson: Trudeau Stories
Brooke is an award winning actor who, when she was in her teens, launched her career by working as a production assistant at the Shaw Festival, often driving actors to and from Toronto.
She has an expansive career but I decided to focus our chat on her solo performance "Trudeau Stories."
She met Trudeau at the National Theatre School of Canada where she was studying acting.
They shared a dance at the school and their cheek to cheek moment sparked a relationship that lasted years. Brooke documented the relationship with Trudeau in a journal and in 2007 created the solo performance, "Trudeau Stories" based on her time with Trudeau.
We talk about her time with Trudeau and how she developed the solo show.
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Apr 13, 2016
Live From the Winnipeg Comedy Festival
This episode was recorded at before a live audience at The Winnipeg Comedy Festival.
My Guests:
Ashley Moffatt comedian, writer, and father figure to two small dogs.
Adam Schwartz comedian, Fringe Festival performer and author of I've got Aspergers, so I’m better than you.
Dan Taylor comedian and Pastor.
Meghan Riley theatre geek and comedy nerd who In her spare time, works full-time as a litigator and raises two delightful little goofballs.
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Mar 25, 2016
Dayna Manning, singer, songwriter
Dayna Manning is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer songwriters. When she was in her teens she had a hit song on the radio and soon after that found herself, in the words of Joni Mitchell, "Stoking the star maker machinery behind the popular song."
At times the chat you are about to listen to unfolds like an episode of the popular TV show Nashville, except it’s not a TV show.
This is the story of a real person, trying to make a difference in her community and the world through music.
We discuss how Tom Petty was an influence, and her work with Grammy award winning music producer and engineer Jim Scott.
As well as having a successful solo career, these days Dayna is playing sold out concerts with Emm Gryner and Lindsay Schindler as part of the popular trio Trent Severn.
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Mar 13, 2016
Chilina Kennedy: Actress, singer, songwriter
Stratford Festival favourite, and Sheridan College musical theatre program grad Chillina Kennedy stars in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical."
Previously she starred in "Jesus Christ Superstar."
We talk about how Chilina’s previous Broadway roles had an impact on her creative process for playing Carole King in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical."
Chilina has a young son and we discussed what it’s like to be backstage with a baby.
Chilina is also a singer and songwriter, her most recent CD is "What You Find in a Bottle."
It’s a compilation of intimate songs she wrote during, and after, a relationship breaking up.
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Jan 18, 2016
Director, actor: Krista Jackson
At the age of 12 Krista knew she was destined for a life in the theatre.
She left her Winnipeg home in her teens to study acting in Toronto, but after she found herself auditioning, with a dozen other young actresses, for a "Tide" laundry detergent commercial, she quit that scene and returned the theatre community in Winnipeg.
Today she’s one of the busiest people in the business.
In this episode we trace her path from actress to director and artistic director.
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Dec 21, 2015
Comedian, writer: Jeff Rothpan
Comedian, writer, Jeff Rothpan is originally from Montreal.
His comedy career began when he was just 16 years old.
Soon after an appearance at The Just For Laughs Comedy Festival he moved to L.A., but despite his success at the Festival he struggled in L.A.
But by the time he hit age 23 he hit his stride and he appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
We talk about his path to success.
These days Jeff is one of the busiest comedy writers in LA, working on TV shows, films and providing material for Jeff Dunham, whom Forbes magazine consistently ranks as one of the top grossing comedians in the United States.
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Dec 7, 2015
Lawyer, musician, songwriter: Dan Mailer
In his youth Dan Mailer was in band that performed widely and recorded an album in Nashville. He was on his way to a career in music, but decided instead to pursue a career in law.
These days Dan is a trial lawyer in London, Ontario. I met him at his home to talk about how he uses his love of music and lyrics to help charitable organizations here in town.
Dan has inspired lawyers and judges to record music and perform live concerts that have helped raise over $300,000 for charitable organizations here in London.
He's a progressive thinker who uses his creative skills to give back to the community.
We talk about his law practice, his love of creativity and how he gives back to the community.
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Nov 24, 2015
Magician, Author: David Ben
David Ben is a Canadian stage magician, sleight of hand artist, author, magic historian, creative consultant and former tax lawyer.
David was educated at the University of Toronto (BA), the University of Western Ontario (LLB), and the London School of Economics (LLM).
We talk about his decision to leave his law practice to practice magic.
David is the rare magician who, like Ricky Jay or Teller, of the duo "Penn and Teller," has an innovative, approach to magic that at once respects the historic traditions of magic but pushes the art form forward.
David's stage show "The Conjuror," had its world premiere at the Shaw Festival in 1996. The show had outstanding box office and critical reviews and has been mounted several time since then.
His path to success was never easy, and he talks candidly about the time he seriously considered quitting the Arts because of the financial strain it put on his young family.
If you saw "Possible Worlds" during the 2015 Stratford Festival seas…
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Nov 1, 2015
Comedian: Ron James
Ron James is one of the most successful comedians in Canada.
With a comedian’s eye for satire and a poet’s ear for language, Ron cuts a wide swath through contemporary culture making him a stand out amongst stand-ups.
His path to success includes improvising with Second City, a stint on a TV show in the U.S., and his own shows "Blackfly" and "The Ron James Show" in Canada. His annual New Year's Eve special on CBC is a comedy tradition with over a million viewers from coast to coast.
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Oct 25, 2015
Actor, director, drama teacher: Kate Rubin
Kate has almost three decades of experience in theatre.
She’s just directed a play in a prison with the William Head on Stage Prison Theatre Company and the Prison Arts Collective.
It's the only inmate-run prison theatre company in Canada and they invite the public into the prison to experience their shows.
Kate also works as a dramaturge, most recently with Karen Lee Pickett on on "Slick" which was presented at Intrepid Theatre’s "Uno Fest" which has the distinction of being North America’s longest-running festival of one-person shows.
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Oct 19, 2015
Director: Richard Greenblatt
Greenblatt co-wrote, and starred in, "Two Pianos Four Hands" one of Canada’s most successful theatre productions ever. It’s played in over 175 different theatres around the world.
He talks about the creative process behind the show as well as the business behind such a successful play, which is celebrating it's 20th anniversary with productions in London, Kingston and Halifax.
As well as discussing "Two Pianos Four Hands" we talked about his work developing Sarah Farb’s critically acclaimed one-woman show.
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Aug 7, 2015
Actress Stephanie Rothenberg
While Stephanie was studying at New York University’s Tisch school of Arts’ she auditioned for the ensemble of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" on Broadway starring Daniel Radcliffe.
She discusses the lucky break that led to her moving from the ensemble to the leading role of Rosemary who falls in love with Finch, played by Daniel Radcliffe.
Today Stephanie is receiving rave reviews as Maria in the Stratford Festival's production of "The Sound of Music." We talk about how she got the role and the challenges of the production.
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Jul 21, 2015
Artistic Producer: John Miller
John Miller is the Artistic Producer of The Stratford Summer Music Festival.
John is one of Canada's most respected cultural administrators. His background includes being the National Director of The Canadian Music Centre and Executive Director of the Glenn Gould Foundation.
2015 marks the fifteenth season of Stratford Summer Music.
The respected British music journal, Gramophone, named Stratford Summer Music one of the top festivals on the continent and the only Canadian festival to make the distinguished designation of being in its top twelve summer music sites.
We discuss John's background with the Salvation Army, his career as a cultural administrator and the upcoming season at The Stratford Summer Music Festival.
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Jul 6, 2015
Rock singer-songwriter: Carole Pope
Singer, songwriter Carole Pope is known for pushing the boundaries of sexuality, sexual politics and the status quo.
Pope co-wrote the hit song “High School Confidential” for her band Rough Trade in 1980. It was one of the most sexually explicit songs in pop music.
We talk about her songwriting process, her most recent recording "Music for Lesbians" and her book "Anti-Diva" a no-holds-barred look at her adventures in the music scene – on the concert stage, in the recording studio, and in the bedroom.
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Jun 14, 2015
Director: Jillian Keiley
Director Jillian Keiley is originally from Newfoundland, currently she is the Artistic Director at The National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
We met at The Stratford Festival where Jillian directed Wendy Kesselman's adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank."
We talk about how tough it is to direct a powerful script, that has touched so many people’s lives.
We also discuss how Jillian approached the playwright with her own alterations to the script.
In the past few years Jillian has auditioned over 800 actors, so she shares her audition process…and a few awkward audition moments.
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Jun 10, 2015
Comedian, Activist & Playwright: Martha Chaves
Comedian Martha Chaves has been headlining comedy clubs for almost 20 years,
She is also a keynote speaker using her poignant sense of humor to raise awareness about serious issues, including sexuality and oppression.
More recently Martha has been writing plays.
She discusses all of this and more.
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May 25, 2015
Satirist and publisher of Frank magazine Michael Bate
Michael and I discuss his long, and legal history with suspended Canadian senator Mike Duffy.
Duffy went from suing Bate to acting as an informant for him.
We also talk about National Lampoon editor Tony Hendra's motto "nothing is sacred."
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Apr 5, 2015
Comedian, television writer and Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival Al Rae
Al and I discuss writing and performing comedy for the stage and TV.
Al worked on a TV show with David Steinberg and does a great impersonation of Steinberg, on the set, calling for a lunch break.
He also mentions comedians who influenced him including Ronnie Corbett, Dave Alan, Tommy Smothers and Bob Newhart.
Al is a recovering alcoholic, who came out of the closet a few years ago and we discuss how that has influenced his comedy. Finally, he mentions how the careers of Burroughs and Bukowski inspire him.
Don't miss this podcast with one of the most successful guys on the Canadian comedy scene.
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Mar 23, 2015
Writer, Comedian: Ophira Eisenberg
Her writing has been featured in an anthology of great comedy, alongside that of Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Dennis Miller and Joan Rivers.
She's the host of NPR's trivia show "Ask Me Another" and a regular contributor to the popular storytelling event, podcast and radio program The Moth.
We talk about Ophira's life changing decision to leave the acting and comedy scene in Toronto and start from scratch in New York City, her writing routines and more.
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Mar 2, 2015
Writer, Comedian Laurie Elliott
Laurie's had recurring roles on "The Red Green Show," "Video on Trial" and more.
She's a 3-time winner at the Canadian Comedy Awards and has performed at the Just For Laughs comedy festival.
Laurie also writes, and does voice work for animated TV series.
These days her comedy often revolves around relationships and we discuss how her husband feels about being the target of her jokes.
She says her parents don’t mind the fact that she gets into sexual material, but she admits she tells them the naughty bits are "just made up jokes."
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Feb 28, 2015
Podcamp Toronto - with Jesse Brown
Investigative journalist Jesse Brown, the founder of the website and podcast Canadaland.
I interviewed Jesse Brown at Podcamp Toronto, an unconference about podcasting, digital marketing, design, social media and more.
The episode begins with a brief overview of Podcamp and moves into a discussion about how Jesse built Canada's most listened to podcast: Canadaland.
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Feb 11, 2015
Actress, singer, dancer A.J. Bridel
A.J. is starring in "The Wizard of Oz" with Drayton Entertainment.
In 2012 Bridel competed on the CBC TV reality talent competition "Over The Rainbow." She finished in third place and we discuss the behind the scenes process of reality TV where nothing is as it appears.
We talk about meeting Andrew Lloyd Weber, vocal exercises and how her support network helped her through a tough period when she was kicked out of a production.
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Jan 30, 2015
Mike Bullard
I was a producer on Mike's late night talk show. Mike is renown for his sharp wit and ability to engage in unscripted banter with his audience.
As well as discussing the lack of opportunities for Canadian comics on TV today, we talk about how Mike dealt with the heartbreaking death of his father.
He also shares the story of how, after his TV show was canceled, he avoided going out in public for 3 years.
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Jan 19, 2015
Playwright, actor Rick Miller
Entertainment Weekly has called him one of the 100 most creative people alive today.
Best known for his international hit show "MacHomer," Rick has performed in five languages on five continents.
We discuss his latest multi-media show "Boom" and the Stratford Festival’s role in launching the project and what Rick did when they decided to abandon it.
Rick also shares the story of how he met & collaborated with Robert Lepage one of Canada's most honoured theatre artists
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Dec 24, 2014
Comedian: Dave Martin
I first met Dave Martin in 1997 when he was doing a character named "Glue Guy." It was an edgy bit that helped propel him into the ranks of a comedian's comedian.
These days he performs across Canada and hosts the "Guilty Pleasures" podcast. Prior to that he co-hosted "Anything Goes" with Daren Frost on SiriusXM.
Dave has performed at the Just For Laughs festival and on CBC Radio's The Debaters.
We discuss, among other things, preparing for a dream gig at Massey Hall, the comedians who helped him hone his act and finding love online.
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Dec 15, 2014
Cole's Christmas Show Reviews
Christmas is for kids so each year at this time we go see some holiday theatre. This year we saw "Shrek The Musical" at the Grand Theatre in London and "The Little Mermaid" at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge.
Young Cole hosts this special, holiday theatre podcast.
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Dec 8, 2014
Writer, Mark A. Rayner
Mark A. Rayner is an award-winning writer of satirical and speculative fiction. Mark shares his experiences with publishers and self-publishing. In the past Mark struggled with his weight and he candidly discuss confronting such a personal issue in his writing.
Win one of Mark's books here.
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Nov 10, 2014
Actor Neil Barclay
Neil Barclay has been acting at The Shaw Festival for over 20 years. In the interview Neil and I discuss John Abbott College and the National Theatre School
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Oct 29, 2014
Writer, comedian: Johanna Stein
Johanna's YouTube, GoPro video "Momhead" was an overnight sensation, receiving 2,400,000 views in a few days. We discuss the steps that led to its success. The YouTube, GoPro video was featured on BuzzFeed, and subsequently Johanna was interviewed by major international news organizations.
Shortly after the video went viral Stein landed a deal to write a sitcom pilot for CBS.
The pilot is being produced with Will Arnett, and will be based on Stein's book "How Not to Calm a Child on a Plane."
I first met Johanna Stein when we were both performing at the Winnipeg Fringe Fetsival. We talk about how the Fringe was a launch pad for her career.
We also discuss the creative process that led her from doing stand up comedy to motherhood and then writing a book which served as the foundation for the viral video.
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Oct 14, 2014
Author, Elyse Friedman
Elyse's fiction has won a Gold National Magazine Award and has been short-listed for the Trillium Book Award and the Toronto Book Award. She's also written two feature films that were produced and has two more in development.
Among other things we discuss why Elyse dropped out of high school at a time in her life when she was, in her words, "a crazy, hormonal, freaked out teenager."
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Oct 11, 2014
Singer, songwriter Kat Edmonson
Kat uses a variety of techniques including singing voicemails to herself, writing on receipts and endlessly researching the origin of words. She also told me that she finds it tough to write in a quiet room, preferring to be around busy people & sounds, which help her focus. Naturally Kat was a charming and willing participant in the interview, immediately putting me at ease. Kat's grace and calmness belie the complex path to her achievements, and in speaking with her it became clear that she's destined to do even greater things
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Oct 6, 2014
Actor, Steve Ross
Steve performed at a variety of theatres including Chicago Shakespeare theatre, The Canadian Stage and the Neptune Theatre. But Steve began acting later in life, after dropping out of Western University, and Sheridan College's sports medicine programs. He would study at Brock University and the National Theatre School of Canada before finally choosing a life on the stage.
Steve was an actor on the verbatim theatre piece “London Road” at the Canadian Stage. We discuss how it felt rehearsing with an ear piece….listening to the real voice of the character he played, in his ear.
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Jul 14, 2014
Playwright, Peter Colley
Peter wrote the play "I'll Be Back Before Midnight" Canada's most widely produced play that has grossed over 40 million world wide. We discuss Peter's journey from the U.K. to London, Ontario, his first box office hit "The Donnellys" and his other work in theatre and film.
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Jun 23, 2014
Dancer, Bethany Kovarik
Bethany began dancing at the age of three. By the age of twelve she was travelling to New York City, and later Los Angeles, on dance scholarships. Currently Bethany is the ensemble swing in the Stratford Festival production of Crazy For You. As a swing, Bethany fills in anytime an ensemble member can’t perform. We discuss what it feels like to be backstage prepared to perform, but rarely getting the chance. Bethany also opens up about her teenage years and the rigorous world of dance competitions.
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Jun 9, 2014
Actor, director Jim Mezon
Jim is in his 30th season at the Shaw Festival, one of North America’s most celebrated theatre festivals.
We discuss his journey: from his job as a theatre janitor in Winnipeg to becoming a star at the Shaw Festival
We also discuss starting a family late in life.
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May 26, 2014
Actor, singer, dancer Natalie Daradich
Natalie is a Canadian actor who received great reviews for her performance as Glinda in the U.S. touring company of "Wicked." Natalie is currently appearing at The Stratford Festival in "Crazy For You" and "Man of La Mancha."
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May 19, 2014
Writer, comedian, Tinder blogger: Christina Walkinshaw
Writer, comedian and craft beer nerd Christina Walkinshaw discusses her journey from journalism school to becoming a professional comedian and publishing a blog detailing her exploits on Tinder.
She explains how a vacation fling in New York made her realize she’d relish similar experiences at home in Toronto.
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Apr 23, 2014
Singer, songwriter, Melanie Doane
Melanie Doane has released seven albums and written and performed many chart topping singles. She's performed on Broadway.Melanie discusses her decision to leave a Broadway show, her contract with Sony Music and the joy of introducing children to music with the ukulele.
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Jan 9, 2014
Winter break, back in Spring
I'm taking a short break, but I'll be back in Spring with many more interviews. Here's my pre-Christmas chat with my young son.Take care and stay warm!
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Nov 18, 2013
Actor, Director Nicholas Campbell
Actor, director Nicholas Campbell's interest in theatre began at Queens University, soon after that he moved to England and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. We discusses how he switched from studying law to theatre, his love or horse racing, his hopes to do more stage work and the greatly exaggerated rumors about his drug use.
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Nov 4, 2013
Actor, Writer, Improviser Sandy Jobin-Bevans
Sandy tells the story of his journey to success - everything from his early days at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival to his invitation to audition for TV's "Saturday Night Live" and more. Sandy's won multiple awards at The Canadian Comedy Awards. He trained and performed at Toronto's Second City and was a founding member of the improv group Slap Happy, the first Canadian ensemble ever invited to perform at an international improv festival in Amsterdam.
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Oct 21, 2013
Actor Jay Brazeau
Jay's appeared in numerous TV shows but fantasy-action fans recognize him from his appearances on "Stargate Atlantis." He's also an accomplished film actor, with a long list of credits. Mordecai Richler cast Brazeau in "Duddy," a musical based on Richler's "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz." He's won a Pittsburgh Press Critic’s Award for his performance as Cyrano and critical acclaim for his portrayal of Edna Turnblad in the Toronto and Vancouver productions of "Hairspray." We talk about all of the above but I was particularly interested in Jay's work with the Winnipeg office of The National Film Board. Jay was the male voice in animated short film "The Big Snit," which was nominated for an Oscar award and voted number 25 of the 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time by animation professionals.
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Oct 7, 2013
Director Chris Abraham
Chris is an award winning theatre and film director, dramaturg and teacher who has worked with Canada’s foremost artists and theatres. In the podcast we discuss some of his directorial choices, including his work on “Seeds” a documentary about the legal battle between a Saskatchewan farmer and Monsanto “coming soon to a theatre near you” if you live near Montreal, Calgary or Ottawa. I’m a big fan of his work at The Stratford Festival. His work there has been consistently solid. We discuss his plans for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2014 at The Stratford Festival.
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Sep 23, 2013
From The Arrogant Worms, Chris Patterson
Chris Patterson plays bass with Canada's most popular musical comedy trio The Arrogant Worms, who have sold over 150,000 CDs
We talk about how the band managed to survive 20 years together, longer than most marriages in America.
After 20 years on the road The 'Worms aren't touring as much as they once did, and we discuss how Chris is using his musical and performance skills in his job as a high school English teacher.
Finally we also talk about our failed attempt at creating a game show we pitched to the Comedy Network with the line "What if Michael Moore had a game show?"
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Sep 9, 2013
Actress, Louise Pitre
Louise has been nominated for a Tony Award and is the winner of four Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Louise talks about growing up as the daughter of an accountant, the highschool music teacher that changed her life, being discovered by Don Fleckser at Western University Canada and what it’s like auditioning for the world-renowned director Gary Griffin.
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Jul 22, 2013
Comedian, poet, author: John Wing.
John Wing is a very funny person. His ease with a comedic turn of phrase belies the hard work behind his success. In this episode, John talks about his writing regime. He shares the story of the two years he spent perfecting jokes to appear on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and how diligent he was about making the Tonight Show talent coordinator, Jim McCauley, laugh. His diligence paid off: he’s appeared on the Tonight Show six times!
John was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent.
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Jul 16, 2013
Actor, writer, director Ins Choi.
Ins Choi’s playwrighting debut, Kim’s Convenience, won the New Play Award and the Patron’s Pick Award at the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival. The show went on to open Soulpepper’s 2012 year, where it played to sold-out houses. We talk about what it was like growing up with a pastor for a father and how he drew from his personal experience to write his play, Kim’s Convenience, which is set in the world of a Korean convenience store owner.
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Jul 1, 2013
Recording artist, actor Lee Siegel
Lee Siegel, currently acting at The Stratford Festival, North America’s largest classical repertory theatre, joins me for a candid chat about how he went from highschool drama classes to Broadway. We also discuss the inspiration behind his new CD “Where is the Orchestra?” and the creative way he raised the money to produce it.
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Jun 24, 2013
Actress Chilina Kennedy
Chilina Kennedy is one of Canada’s most successful and sought after actresses. Chilina talks about her experiences working with top directors Des McAnuff and Gary Griffin. She also told me about the time she lost her voice in the middle of a performance. We discuss more personal issues like the impact of growing up as an army brat, the support of her parents and a health crisis that led her to abandon her vegetarian diet.
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Jun 17, 2013
The Millionaires’ Magician Steve Cohen
Steve Cohen is one of the most respected contemporary magicians in the world. He performs regularly at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Steve talks about his show Chamber Magic, which recreates the intimacy of popular 19th century parlor magic. Cohen, who is known as the Millionaires’ Magician, has made a fortune performing tricks for some of the richest people in America. But his success didn’t come without risks, both personal and financial.
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Jun 10, 2013
Writer, teacher, performer Kenneth Brown
Kenneth Brown is one of Canada’s most prolific writers for the theatre. Kenneth and his work have traveled the world. Kenneth has also spent 30 years teaching theatre at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton. In our conversation Kenneth refers to himself as a “mountebank insane poet.” His passion for theatre is infectious and he discusses the things that continue to drive his desire to create art that moves people. We discuss Fringe Festivals and theatre as a creative spontaneous act. We also cover world travel, studying theatre with Cole Feore, Ann-Marie MacDonald and Judith Thompson, and the problematic relationships we have with our fathers.
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Jun 3, 2013
Globe and Mail theatre critic J. Kelly Nestruck
We talk about his path to becoming an arts journalist and how social media has changed the relationship between artists, their audience and theatre critics.
We talk about growing up in the politically charged city of Montreal and studying theatre at McGill University.
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May 29, 2013
Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Alex Mustakas discusses how he created a theatre empire in Ontario
As Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Alex Mustakas manages a multimillion dollar theatre empire, the third-largest professional summer theatre company in Canada, just after Stratford and Shaw. Alex talks about some of the folks who inspired him during his high school days, at Kitchener’s Eastwood Collegiate institute, including John Kerr and George Joyce. Alex’s father encouraged Alex to study business, but theatre was in Alex’s blood. His uncle Sotiris Moustakas, was one of the most celebrated Cypriot / Greek actors, breaking into the acting scene in the 1964 Oscar winning film “Zorba the Greek.” Alex talks about squaring his love of theatre with his father’s wishes, Drayton’s philosophical approach to growing the business and the value of community theatre.
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May 29, 2013
Drummer Dale Anne Brendon
Dale studied music at Western University and jazz drumming at Humber College. These days she drums at North America's top repertory theatre company.
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