Chicago Theatre Artists, past and present, share their most memorable and career-defining moments. From getting the gig, to opening nights, to onstage mishaps and triumphs, this podcast reminds us why we do what we do.
Actor/Singer/Writer/Activist/Fool, Bear Bellinger , returns to Chicago Artist Circle to discuss his theatrical past and present. From his youth choir days and high school musical stardom to memorable performances and all things Actors Equity, Bear continues to be one of this community's strongest souls, while still remaining a damn fool.
One of Chicago Theatre's foremost leading ladies, Erica Stephan, discusses her journey from growing up in the burbs of Chicago, nerding out over the theatre scene, to eventually sharing the stage with so many of the very artists she nerded out over. From advocating for the arts in her grammar school in 7th grade to her Jeff Award-winning performance in Porchlight Music Theatre's CABARET, Erica continues to prove why she’s one of the brightest lights in this community.
Local cinephile and performance art legend, Alex Grelle, shares his journey as Missourian and Chicagoan. From a life-changing production of AH, WILDERNESS in his youth to producing life-changing work of his own, Alex has solidified himself as one of Chicago's most fearless and singular artists.
Actor/Singer/Dancer/Fool, Eric Lewis , shares tales of tour life, his most memorable projects, and growing up in the church in Chicago. It is here that we begin this Jeff Award winning actor's campaign to play the title role in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
The multifaceted super human, Brittney Brown, shares her journey to Chicago by way of Kentucky, Indiana and Decatur, IL. From grammar school talent shows to landing dream roles and working behind the table, Brittney continues to make her mark in this city- keeping things fresh and exploring every lane.
Chicago powerhouses and power couple, Vasily Deris and Sophie Grimm, share tales of jobs won, love found, and dreams realized.
Actor/singer, Teressa LaGamba, shares her journey from Pittsburgh to Chicago, by way of Columbia College. From being one of three narrators in JOSEPH her freshman year of H.S. to starring as Audrey in Paramount Theatre's LITTLE SHOP- Teressa continues to prove why she is not only one of Chicago's most powerful vocalists, but also one of its most emotionally present and alive performers.
A very special re-release celebrating the 5th anniversary of Chicago Artist Circle. This premiere episode made its debut on January 24th, 2019. For the first time in podcast form- a gathering with Chicago's finest leading ladies.
Director/Producer, Derek Van Barham, takes us through his journey to becoming one of Chicago Theatre’s most prolific artists. From video store rentals and his time as a Christian Puppeteer to Grad School and directing one of the hottest tickets in town, Derek continues to raise the bar for what Theatre can do and be. Support the show
Recently married dream team, Landree Fleming (She/Her) and August Forman (They/Them), share tales of small town living, church plays and Celine Dion. From personal triumphs and proud moments shared to projects yet to come, Landree and August are well on their way to taking over the world. Support the show
Actor/Singer, Deanna Reed-Foster , born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, shares her journey from HS choir to seeing her first play at 21 to Laurence Fishburne playing her husband on the big screen. A Jeff Award winner for her lauded work in "The First Deep Breath" at Victory Gardens, Deanna let’s us in on next steps and future projects. Support the show
Actor/Singer/Director, Rob Lindley(he/him) , has called Chicago home for 25 years. From his church-going days in small-town Iowa to memorable performances in the big city, Rob continues to balance his life as an actor with an ever-growing director resume. Hear Rob's journey to his first National Tour, while he also graciously shares his time paying tribute to a Chicago Theatre legend gone far too soon- Hollis Resnik . Support the show...
The dynamic dream team of Justin Brill and Shanna VanDerwerker share not only how they came to be as a couple, but also how they individually began their journeys as artists. From youth theatre days and dance competitions to Broadway debuts and touring the country, Justin and Shanna have called Chicago home for nearly a decade. They both teach, perform, direct and choreograph, all while keeping their love and respect for one another at the forefront. Support the show...
Actor/Singer, Danielle Davis(she/her) , takes us through her South Side of Chicago roots. From her all-girls Catholic High School days to understudying Felicia Fields to making a name for herself as one of the most dynamic artists in the city, Danielle continues to trust her instincts and advocate for what's right. Support the show
Actor/Singer/Filmmaker/Make-up Artist, Khaki Pixley(she/her), takes us through her multifaceted life and career in Chicago. From her break-out turn in a Sondheim musical, to her thriving Make-up business, to her first leading role in a feature film, Khaki continues to pave her own path. Support the show
Actor/Writer, Will Wilhelm (they/them), shares their experience creating multiple genderqueer characters as a resident actor for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, leading them to their current project- Gender Play, or what you Will- a debut solo show, co-created with Erin Murray. Support the show
Director/Choreographer, Brenda Didier(she/her), shares her journey from a life-changing ballet recital to being one of the most sought after artists in town. Between her most memorable shows, unforgettable auditions, and a chance meeting with Kenny Rogers, Brenda makes every moment count and takes none of it for granted. Support the show
Originally from Garfield Park, Actor/Singer, Lorenzo Rush Jr .(he/him), shares his journey from pre-teen Daddy Warbucks and honing skills at Western Illinois University to an award-winning career in Chicago. While he’s already hit many highlights as a performer, Lorenzo is gearing up to finally make his mark behind the table. Support the show
"America's live-singing, tap-dancing, roller-skating Queen of Camp", Alexis P. Bevels(she/her) , shares her journey to glory and fame, via early Sarah Jessica Parker inspirations, shiny Musical Theatre beginnings and a desire to create her own work. Winner of Season One of Camp Wannakiki and Co-host of IMHO: The Show, Alexis is just getting started and lets us in on what could be next... Support the show...
Actor/Singer/Comedienne, Veronica Garza(she/her) , dressed as Mary Catherine Gallagher in 7th Grade and the rest is history. From Christmas shows to wedding bells to a booming nail business, Veronica shares the importance of boundaries and believing in yourself enough to keep going. Support the show
Actor/Singer/Director, Donterrio Johnson(he/him) , though born and raised in the Chicago area, spent 10+ years in California falling in love with theatre, learning the craft, and honing new skills. He shares his journey away from Chicago and what brought him back, as he continues to dive deeper into the many facets this community has to offer. Support the show
For Actor/Singer, Andrea Prestinario(she/her), NY is home, but she will always be “Chicago grown.” From her early show choir days to theatrical break out moments in High School, College and beyond, Andrea also shares how Ring of Keys came to be- “an artist service organization that fosters community and visibility for musical theatre artists - onstage and off - who self-identify as queer women, transgender, and gender non-conforming artists.” Support the show...
Jesus Perez(he/him) shares highlights from his multi-faceted career as a designer, director, actor, and writer. Hear of Jesus's beginnings and breakouts as an actor, what led to his eventual work as an award-winning costume designer and how the long-standing Chicago Kids Company got their start- where he has served as Artistic Director for nearly 30 years. Support the show...
For Actor/Singer, Tommy Bullington(he/him), Theatre has always been a bright spot, a saving grace. Originally from Franklin, IN and a graduate of Ball State University, he shares his determined journey to Chicago and the moments that have since defined his life and career. Once you listen here, catch his very own podcast- An Absolute Gag - for the moments or performances that left us speechless. Support the show...
Actor/Singer, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis(he/him) and Actor/Composer, Kathleen Butler-Duplessis(she/her), share tales of early inspirations, high school musical stardom, first Chicago credits, and how their love blossomed thanks to one of the most popular holiday shows on earth. Support the show
Actor/Singer/Songwriter, Bethany Thomas(she/her), kicks off Season 2 with memorable moments from her youth theatre days in Kenosha, WI, to balancing a life in the Theatre with an ever evolving music career. Support the show
In this Season One finale, another ultimate "moment before", Christopher Chase Carter takes us through his next step- as the new Artistic Director of Mercury Theatre Chicago, sharing all that led to this moment and his hopes for the future. Support the show
Actor/Singer, Christine Bunuan, takes us on her journey to and through the most recent National Tour of MISS SAIGON. A graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University, she has played a wide variety of roles, and shares two of her most challenging to date. Support the show
Originally from NY, currently residing in LA, Behzad Dabu's Chicago connection is strong and everlasting. He shares tales of theatrical success in his youth and what inspired him to not only go to college in Chicago, but also make a name for himself in the theatre community. Now in LA, Behzad fills us in on his journey with ABC's How to Get Away with Murder , and his hopes and plans for the future. Support the show...
Originally from Chattanooga, TN, John Marshall Jr. , landed in Chicago for college and hasn't stopped singing, acting and dancing his way through the Theatre scene since. He shares his earliest memories as a singer, as well as vocal inspirations, theatrical inspirations and why the 1999 Made for TV ANNIE led him to where he is today. Support the show
