Ryan Bauer-Walsh is an actor and artist living in Harlem. Ryan has starred in shows such as Les Miserables and the Billy Elliot national tour and is also known for voiceover as well. After the death of their mother, Ryan created the world's first LGBTQ+ lullaby album with a team of over 50 LGBTQ+ stars and composers, which was shortlisted for a grammy nomination. Ryan also owns Banana Duck Clothing, a hand painted gender-free clothing line. Their art can be seen in homes and businesses around th...
Nov 20, 2024•58 min•Season 8Ep. 34
In the previous episode, you heard from actor and teacher Matthew LaBanca and his new show that just opened called Communion , a one-man show about his rather contentious experience with the catholic church and being fired from his teaching position once he married his husband. Well, now Matthew is back to talk about the solitary life of being an actor as well as his own struggle with vanity and several other topics by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Ma...
Nov 13, 2024•15 min•Season 8Ep. 33
A couple of months ago, I talked with a friend and fellow actor Dominic Thrasher about his experiences with a catholic church and the criticism and harsh accusations he faced for being gay and married. Well, another friend and fellow actor of mine also heard that episode and reached out to me with his own story to tell about being fired from his teaching job for the same thing. Matthew LaBanca has starred on Broadway in the original companies of Young Frankenstein , White Christmas , and A Chris...
Nov 06, 2024•47 min•Season 8Ep. 32
Producing theater is often difficult and never a guarantee. In fact, anything produced for the stage can be hit or miss. Just a few hours before I sat down to record this intro, a concert of Lerner & Loewe music that I was producing had to be canceled. Artists were dropping out and audiences weren't buying tickets. It was tough to let it go, but there came a point where the venue had to cut its losses. This was just a concert at a cabaret venue, so imagine the greater disappointment and loss...
Oct 30, 2024•17 min•Season 8Ep. 29
In the world of Broadway, success can seem like a dazzling dream. But behind every show that makes it to the stage, there are countless moments of uncertainty and setbacks. For writers, especially, the journey from writing a script to getting it produced is anything but predictable. As an actor, I know firsthand that without writers, I wouldn’t have a character to play or lines to say. It’s their words that bring us to life on stage, and one of my greatest joys is collaborating with writers—espe...
Oct 23, 2024•46 min•Season 8Ep. 30
We all love Broadway – the glitz, the glamour, the electric energy of those bright lights, and the jaw-dropping performances by some seriously talented people. But beyond all that sparkle, there's something more meaningful that connects us – the joy of witnessing authentic performances and seeing raw talent truly shine. Stephanie Torns is the perfect example of that. You might know her from her standout roles in the Broadway hits Wicked and Waitress , She's shown incredible dedication and stamin...
Oct 16, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Earlier this year, Actors’ Equity Association, the stage union representing actors, dancers, and stage managers, made a big showing of celebrating swings and understudies for the annual Swing Day that happens each January. They even brought together a roundtable of four performers to talk about their experiences. Swings and understudies often have multiple roles to keep straight, each with their own nuance and character arc. And it’s important to recognize the hard work that swings, understudies...
Oct 09, 2024•19 min•Season 8Ep. 29
In the previous episode you heard from actor Dwayne Washington as he shared what he learned from leaving the industry. Well, now Dwayne is back to talk about what “making it” means to him as well as one of my least favorite parts of the business, self-tapes, by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber today. Podcast ...
Oct 02, 2024•12 min•Season 8Ep. 28
"Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This is how renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner defined what it means to be an actor. This principle helps performers build empathy with our characters and forge meaningful connections onstage. But as our guest today reveals, this approach can also be a powerful guide for navigating life offstage. Dwayne Washington , with the help of the prestigious Juilliard School, mastered the craft of acting and singing, but life itself has b...
Sep 26, 2024•46 min•Season 8Ep. 27
At the beginning of this season, I spoke with writer and producer Steve Cuden about his early collaborations with composer Frank Wildhorn. He gives us the real story behind the creation of the Jekyll & Hyde musical, which differs from the way Wildhorn tells the tale. We also get into his other writings and how he transitioned into teaching and also podcasting. A few months after his interview with me, he brought me onto his own podcast called StoryBeat , where I discussed my own ups and down...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 8Ep. 27
In the previous episode you heard from actor and writer Dominic Thrasher as he shared how a diagnosis of ALS has dramatically changed his life and career. We also discussed how writing has given him a new focus for his energies and creativity. Well, now Dominic is back to talk playing one of his dream roles as well as share more lessons he’s learned from his terminal illness by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus conte...
Sep 04, 2024•16 min•Season 8Ep. 27
In the year before the pandemic, I was on a contract with Norwegian Cruise Line performing the musical Footloose . In past seasons you’ve heard me speak with some members of that company ( Megan Hoxie , David Ruttura , Eric Jordan Young ) And in today’s episode I’m bringing on another one of the people that I met through that show, Dominic Thrasher , one of the ones who I grew closest to during that contract who was actually in a cabin just a couple of doors down from my own. But just as the wor...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 8Ep. 26
Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for NY1 and NY1OnStage host Frank DiLella on an in-depth exploration that begins with the initial spark of a stage adaptation. We'll delve into the chall...
Aug 23, 2024•18 min
In the previous episode you heard from singer and comedian Sarah Hester Ross , who talked about bringing her comedic songs to Vegas piano bars and the vocal injury that almost ended her singing career. Well, now Sarah is back to talk about lessons she’s learned from those dueling pianos and why she feels like she may never truly “make it” by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get ear...
Aug 19, 2024•20 min•Season 8Ep. 25
When it comes to performing, whether in musical theater or in the pop world, a singer’s voice can be their identity, their money maker, the one instrument that often defines their careers. And so losing their voice can be life-changing and demoralizing. On my other podcast Closing Night I did an episode on the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria and chronicled the surgery that ended Julie Andrews vocal career. There’s also a new documentary out about Celine Dion and her battle with Stiff Pers...
Aug 12, 2024•56 min•Season 8Ep. 21
In the previous episode you heard from theater writer and director Rob Melrose , who is the artistic director of Alley Theatre in Houston. He shared what it means to create and produce his own works and others. Well, now Rob is back to talk about lessons he’s learned behind the table as well as from a heart attack he suffered two years ago by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 22, 2024•15 min•Season 8Ep. 23
In a recent opinion piece for The Daily Iowan, a vital point was made about the importance of regional theater. It said “not every production is ultra famous, boasting popular actors in leading rules. But every production is important.” (I even posted about it on WINMI’s instagram feed, which you can follow: @winmipodcast .) The point being made was that Broadway may get all the attention, but it is in venues across the country, including college theaters, where the true heart and soul of theate...
Jul 15, 2024•52 min•Season 8Ep. 22
Last week you heard from actor and producer Aaron Ronnie Almani as he shared his creative journey from New York to Isreal and back again. We discussed audition challenges and even personal tragedies he witnessed in Isreal. Well, now Ronnie is back to talk about how to find fulfillment and balance in our creative life by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ---------- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these ful...
Jul 08, 2024•16 min•Season 8Ep. 20
The art of theater and acting is a cornerstone of cultures globally, serving as a powerful medium for storytelling, expression, and communal reflection. It allows societies to explore and challenge social norms, convey historical and contemporary narratives, and foster a shared cultural identity through performances that resonate with audiences. For actors like Aaron Ronnie Almani , the discipline of theater and acting goes beyond mere performance; it is a transformative journey. The rigorous tr...
Jul 02, 2024•40 min•Season 8Ep. 15
In the previous episode you heard from theater director Schele Williams as she shared her journey from actress to director. We discussed her work in two of this season’s most highly anticipated Broadway shows: The Wiz and The Notebook . Well, now Schele is back to talk about the importance of gratitude and what it means when she puts her name on a theater project by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. Schele mentions Black Theater United in our con...
Jun 24, 2024•14 min•Season 8Ep. 18
The 2024 Tony Awards were certainly a night to remember, celebrating a very full Broadway season filled with remarkable performances and groundbreaking productions. Yet amidst the accolades and celebrations, some highly anticipated shows were left without a single nomination. One of these was The Wiz , a revival production directed by the wonderful Schele Williams . But despite the lack of Tony recognition, Williams' work on The Wiz has made its mark on Broadway this year with near capacity crow...
Jun 17, 2024•54 min•Season 8Ep. 17
As I leave New York City to join the North American Tour of Beetlejuice (to play the role of Otho and understudy Charles and Maxie) I wanted to share a special rewind episode of my memorable conversation with Kelvin Moon Loh from 2019, the original Otho on Broadway and a wonderful friend, who was an invaluable resource during my auditions for the show. In this episode, Kelvin shares the story of how he landed the role of Otho and his own unique audition process. He also gushes about his fellow c...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 8Ep. 16
In the previous episode you heard from Conor Tague , one of the stars from the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio . He shared his experiences in that history-making production as well as the struggles he faced early on as an actor, both at school and in the audition room. Well, now Conor is back to talk more about his Broadway debut and share how auditioning is still a challenge for him by answering the Final Five questions in this bonus episode. To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stor...
May 27, 2024•11 min•Season 8Ep. 15
Every Broadway season, one of the most heated discussions about the Tony Awards centers the snubs—those notable shows that didn’t get any nominations. This year they include musicals like The Wiz , Harmony , and The Heart of Rock and Roll . Another one of those shows that was left out made history as being the first Broadway musical to cast autistic actors in autistic roles, and it was called How to Dance in Ohio , based on a Peabody Award-winning documentary of the same name. And today's guest ...
May 20, 2024•49 min•Season 8Ep. 14
Last week you heard from theater director Des McAnuff as he shared his experiences with three of his biggest shows, Tommy , Jersey Boys , and Big River. We discussed his approach to each of these unique musicals. Well, now Des is back to talk his musicianship and his composition efforts as well as share the lessons and insecurities he’s discovered in the director’s chair by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. To listen to bonus content like Auditio...
May 13, 2024•20 min•Season 8Ep. 13
The Who's Tommy is back on Broadway for its first revival, 30 years after the original production. And directing this revival is the original director from that first Broadway run, Des McAnuff. While he is known for his work in musicals, he is also quite adept in the works of Shakespeare and other classical works, having been Artistic Director of Canada‘s Stratford Festival. And we will touch on some of his other projects, but today’s conversation will mostly focus on three of his standout shows...
May 06, 2024•53 min•Season 8Ep. 12
In the previous episode, you heard theater producer and historian Jack Viertel share stories of how his talents and interests weren’t in acting, his interactions with playwrights like Lanford Wilson, and the process of adapting a novel into a musical. Now he’s back to talk about his new book Broadway Melody as well as share more lessons learned by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early ac...
Apr 29, 2024•20 min•Season 8Ep. 11
Jack Viertel has the kind of knowledge I wish I had about Broadway history, having studied the various journeys of great shows for his book The Secret Life of the American Musical, but he’s also worked with playwrights like August Wilson and Tony Kushner. He’s even conceived the long running Smokey Joe's Café and the critically acclaimed After Midnight and served as dramaturg as well for Hairspray and Dear Evan Hansen . And through his many colleagues over the years he’s learned the fine art of ...
Apr 22, 2024•45 min•Season 8Ep. 10
Theater can serve as a powerful platform for difficult discussions, especially offering a space for nuanced exploration of racial dynamics. It allows audiences to empathize with characters from diverse backgrounds, challenging preconceptions and fostering dialogue. It provides a visceral experience that can elicit strong emotions and provoke introspection. Kerry Sandell and Marci Duncan wrote such a play that was born from their own backgrounds, preconceptions, and even misunderstandings. They t...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 8Ep. 9
Sara Gettelfinger's Broadway debut came in 2000 with the musical Seussical . And she worked steadily on Broadway through the years until she and I met and worked together on The Addams Family national tour in 2011. But then she had to take a break from acting, a break from New York City as well. And except for an Off-Broadway musical in 2014, Sara focused instead on her life and let the career she loved so much take a back seat. She’s now back on Broadway in a new musical, Water for Elephants , ...
Mar 25, 2024•59 min•Season 8Ep. 8
