Why I‘ll Never Make It - podcast cover

Why I‘ll Never Make It

Patrick Oliver Joneswhyillnevermakeit.com
The actor’s journey is one of occasional highs and frequent lows. It is a path riddled with self-doubt and frustration as we question our career choices, wondering if we’ll ever really ”make it.” But it is those few moments of glory on stage or screen that can sustain us through all the setbacks and challenges. On this award-winning podcast, New York actor Patrick Oliver Jones invites fellow creatives to share three stories that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative life rarely seen in the glitz and glam of this industry. These conversations remind us we’re not alone in this often bumpy and winding journey of the performing arts.
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Episodes

NY YOUTH SYMPHONY Jazz Program with Andy Clausen (Spotlight)

Andy Clausen is a New York-based composer, trombonist, bandleader, and graduate of The Juilliard School. Hailing from Seattle, Clausen relocated to NYC in 2010 where he enjoys a diverse schedule collaborating with filmmakers, folk and blues artists, classical composers, as well as New York's jazz elite. An active educator, Clausen has taught workshops across the United States and currently serves as Artistic Director of The New York Youth Symphony Jazz Program. --------- Intro music and interlud...

Dec 03, 201845 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Glasgow Lyman & Jeff Rosick - Writers, Actors, Producers from Hollywood Fringe, WE NEED THIS MUSICAL...

These two writers and actors join the podcast to talk about their new show...WE NEED THIS MUSICAL TO KEEP US FROM KILLING OURSELVES: THE MUSICAL. (Oh yes, it's a mouthful.) But Lyman Glasgow is more than just a writer, by day he works as a licensed therapist, applying the work of Dr. John Sarno to patients with chronic pain and TMS. Before that he was a farmer, shepherd, and set decorator for Playboy. And we definitely talk about all that! Jeff Rosick has had a more traditional path in the arts ...

Nov 26, 201849 minSeason 2Ep. 10

NY YOUTH SYMPHONY Musical Theater Composition Program with Anna Jacobs (Spotlight)

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of the New York Youth Symphony's Musical Theater Composition program under the direction of the talented Anna Jacobs . As an accomplished composer and lyricist, she has an impressive portfolio that includes musicals such as POP! with book and lyrics by Maggie-Kate Coleman, ANYTOWN with a book by Jim Jack, TEETH with co-book and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson, and collaborations on CAGE MATCH and MAGIC 8 BALL with Prospect Theatre Company alongsi...

Nov 19, 201847 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Michael Wartella - Singer, Songwriter, Broadway Actor in the National Tour of WICKED

Michael Wartella spent ten years in the city before landing his dream role and first major New York production, RENT at the Off-Broadway venue New World Stages. Since then he's reached even greater heights on Broadway with WICKED, TUCK EVERLASTING, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. But there's also been some pauses and setbacks along the way, both personal and professional, from divorce and sharing custody of his son to years of struggling to be noticed and cast in shows. With age comes wis...

Nov 12, 201857 minSeason 2Ep. 8

NY YOUTH SYMPHONY with Conductor Michael Repper (Spotlight)

For the next couple of weeks will be talking to directors of the New York Youth Symphony. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area’s most gifted musicians ages 12-22, its activities have since grown to encompass programs in chamber music, conducting, composition, and jazz, with performances at world class venues including Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Today’s guest is Michael Repper who is in his second year as Music Director of the NYYS Orchestra. He is an e...

Nov 05, 201853 minSeason 2Ep. 7

John McGinty - Broadway Actor (Children of a Lesser God), Deaf Advocate and Sign Language Teacher

John McGinty lost his hearing at a young age and for years headed toward a career in Finance. But theater kept calling him, and he finally answered by moving to New York to see if he could make it. On this episode he shares the twists and turns of that journey and what keeps him motivated and focused. John also opens up about lessons he learned, and that we all can learn, from his Broadway debut in the revival of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, which The Hollywood Reporter called "forceful and spontan...

Oct 29, 20181 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Tribute to Marin Mazzie (Bite-Size Edition)

The first ever mini-episode with Patrick, focusing on why he'll never make it as well as why he's still here. Patrick talks about the wonderful camaraderie within theater and gives a loving tribute to Marin Mazzie , who passed away last month from ovarian cancer. (Read about Marin's remarkable joy and positivity as she confronted cancer .) A career that spans 30 years, she was always a consummate professional yet easy-going and always herself. She brought passion and true enjoyment to each role ...

Oct 22, 201819 minSeason 2Ep. 5

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE with Artistic Director Jackie Miller, Actors Dan Domingues & Jeanette Bonner (Spotlight)

In Part Two of our look at Only Make Believe, Patrick talks to Jackie Miller, Artistic Director of the acting company, and two of the actors, Dan Domingues and Jeanette Bonner. They share the process of bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities. From choosing the right type of shows that best fits the kids and their medical conditions to rehearsing scripts and coordinating actor schedules, a lot of time and effort goes into these productions...and all at no cost t...

Oct 15, 20181 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Chris Coyne - Actor, Singer, Foley Mixer, Emmy-Nominated Sound Editor

Chris Coyne’s career in the entertainment industry spans more than 30 years, and in this episode he talks about his work onstage and in television commercials from Los Angeles to Europe as well as Las Vegas. where he has the distinction of playing leading roles in both of the longest continuously running shows in Las Vegas history: JUBILEE! and LES FOLIES BERGERE. Chris also shares why, after finally getting his first national commercial for Southwest Airlines , he decided to go back to school f...

Oct 08, 20181 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 3

ONLY MAKE BELIEVE with Founder Dena Hammerstein (Spotlight)

Geraldine Sherman was born in Middlesex, England and became a busy actress on BBC and in film when she met and later married James Hammerstein. She is now known as theater producer Dena Hammerstein, President/CEO of James Hammerstein Productions and Founder of the non-profit organization Only Make Believe. OMB brings interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities, those with illnesses and disabilities and special needs. They entertain the kids with specially created plays desig...

Oct 01, 201854 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Scott Wojcik & Gayle Seay - Casting Directors for Regional Theater, National Tours, and Off-Broadway

When Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay entered the entertainment industry, headshots were black and white and fax machines and beepers were high tech ways to communicate. The mode of casting has changed dramatically from when they began their careers. What has not changed is their commitment to the process, their care for the actor and their collective love of show business. Both Scott and Gayle were both actors and eventually worked in casting prior to merging their experience into the thriving partn...

Sep 30, 201855 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Joey Fatone - Singer with *NSYNC, TV Host, Broadway Star

Before he became a part of the worldwide phenom *NSYNC, Joey was a theater kid in Orlando, Florida. And since his days of touring around the world, he has been on Broadway, appeared in films and television, and has hosted more shows than he can count. Through it all, he makes time for his family and friends and even our little podcast. We catch up with him on the phone from his home in Florida to chat about life in the spotlight and how his career is constantly evolving. There is no better way t...

Jun 25, 20181 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 18

2018 Tony Awards Predictions with PLAYBILL Managing News Editor Ryan McPhee

With just a week to go before the Tony winners are announced, Patrick joins Ryan McPhee at the Playbill headquarters in midtown Manhattan to chat about the whole Broadway season and this year's nominees: the surprises, the snubs, the favorites, and the underdogs. Who do you think will win the big prizes this year? Find the full list of nominees here: TonyAwards.com Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rdmcphee ----- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both...

Jun 04, 201852 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Tony Awards - CAROUSEL with Actor/Singer Nicholas Belton (understudy for Billy Bigelow)

For the fourth Bonus Episode of our Tony Award series, Patrick catches up with Nicholas Belton, who understudies the lead role of Billy Bigelow in the current Broadway revival of CAROUSEL, which received 11 nominations. Nick talks about the joy of working with his nominated director and fellow actors as well as what's it's like to be back in the Imperial Theatre again after last season's THE GREAT COMET. Follow Nick on Twitter ! ----- The time and expense needed to bring these guests and convers...

Jun 01, 201832 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Tony Awards - THE BAND'S VISIT with Associate Conductor Jeff Theiss

From the longest running Best Musical nominee this year comes Jeff Theiss, who joins Patrick on the third installment of the Tony Awards bonus series. This associate conductor shares how THE BAND'S VISIT has grown since its off-Broadway run at the Atlantic and what makes this nominated score and orchestration so wonderful to play as well as hear. The show maybe one of the quietest musicals this season, but it makes a loud statement on what brings us together and the ties that bind us all. Find o...

May 29, 201829 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Tony Awards - SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS with Actor/Singer Kelvin Moon Loh

Tying for the most Tony nominations this Broadway season, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS The Musical is as energetic and colorful as they come. In this bonus episode Patrick sits down with Kelvn Moon Loh, who plays Perch Perkins in the show, and chats about the 10 years it took to bring SpongeBob to the stage. From the songs to the staging to the sound effects, every detail has been lovingly and tirelessly crafted to give audiences a true musical experience, welcoming one and all to Bikini Bottom. http:/...

May 18, 201851 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Tony Awards - ONCE ON THIS ISLAND with Musical Director Alvin Hough, Jr.

We chose to make our first Bonus Episode in honor of the Tony Awards! To celebrate those truly making it on Broadway we invited Alvin Hough, music director and conductor for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, to chat about the glorious music and amazing cast that make this Broadway revival so magical. He gives insight into the making and staging of this uplifting musical and its eight Tony nominations! Learn more about Alvin as well as ONCE ON THIS ISLAND . ----- The time and expense needed to bring these gue...

May 15, 201834 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Grace McLean - Actress, Singer from GREAT COMET & Them Apples

The “electrifying” (Huffington Post) and “phenomenal” (NY Times) Grace McLean joins us in-studio to tell a couple of jokes and give insight on how we might make it. You might recognize her from Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 or her career both as a solo artist and with her band Grace McLean & Them Apples. Learn it all at www.gracemclean.com !!! ----- Support WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding experience, but it's also costly and time-consuming as I’m essentially a one...

Apr 09, 20181 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Erin Cronican - Theater Actress, Producer, Director, Coach

The actor and all-around fun gal, Erin Cronican joins us "in studio" to discuss her own formula for making it in the entertainment industry. From coaching to her theater company, Erin keeps a lot of irons in the fire. Learn more about those irons at http://www.erincronican.com/ . Update: Erin Cronican passed away on June 30, 2022, so this episode remains as a tribute to her talent and contributions to theater in New York City and beyond. ----- Support WINMI Producing this podcast is a rewarding ...

Feb 26, 201858 minSeason 1Ep. 5
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