Broadway Vocal Coach

Broadway Vocal Coach

<p>We help musical theatre performers create fulfilling lives and take the next step in their careers. Here on the podcast you can expect real talk about the business, practical advice, and constant encouragement. We believe there’s space for every artist in this industry–all you need is the right support. Consider us your two-woman hype team! Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com and @bwayvocalcoach</p>

81. The Key To Navigating Performance Stress with Kevin Munhall

Join Cynthia Kortman Westphal as she chats with Kevin Munhall, a Broadway performer turned stress, breath, and somatic educator. Kevin shares his unique insights into how performers can manage stress and anxiety, 😫 emphasizing the importance of understanding their nervous systems and emotions outside the context of performing. 😌 Discover practical strategies to reframe stress, avoid over-rehearsing, build resilience, and foster healthier social connections. Plus, learn why 'co-rumination' can...

04-07
38:43

80. Why Do You Need to Master Pop Rock? Looking at the Current Broadway Season and Beyond

Of all the musicals currently running on Broadway, all but 3 are firmly under the genre umbrella of Pop/Rock or are significantly influenced by pop/rock music. And that trend is felt in regional theaters and beyond. What does that mean for you? 80-90% of your auditions may be asking for a pop/rock song and you need to be ready! The good news? It's not that deep! You need to develop a few simple skills to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in this area, instead of passing on opportunitie...

03-24
22:16

79. Vocal Cross Training: Unlock Your Full Singing Potential!

" You need that well-roundedness to bring new life, experience, and choices to the material that you're exploring as a singer!" Discover how learning to sing in multiple styles can benefit your technique, artistry, and imagination. Whether you're a classic soprano, an aspiring pop star, or a musical theatre performer, vocal cross training can enhance your versatility and create new opportunities. We share examples of renowned Broadway performers who excel in diverse vocal styles and provide p...

03-17
25:36

78. Everything's Coming Up Joel Crump! Broadway's youngest journalist says: don't wait for it to happen to you

Join Co-hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson as they sit down with Joel Crump, Broadway's boy genius who's been interviewing stars on red carpets since the age of 12! Now 16, Joel shares how his love for Broadway led him to create his own company, Broadway Time, at just 12 years old and his experiences interviewing top celebrities like Denzel Washington, Alicia Keys, and Robert Downey Jr. This episode is packed with Joel's insights on pursuing your dreams, building connecti...

03-10
43:35

77. From Fraud to Fearless: Turning the Tables on Imposter Syndrome

Is "imposter syndrome" ruining your life? Are you clinging to it as a safety net, afraid to self-assess what's actually needed for your personal growth...? In this episode, hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson dive deep into the topic of imposter syndrome and how it affects performers. And share when it might be time to leave that term "in the waiting room!" 🎭🏅🌟 🔑 Key Takeaways: - Realistic self-assessment vs. imposter syndrome - The balance between confidence and humility - How ...

03-03
25:28

76: The Parents' Perspective: College Musical Theatre Auditions! How to support your child and stay sane in the process

Co-host Chelsea Wilson is joined by two very wise parents on today's episode! Rachel Hart Klayman is from Ann Arbor, MI and is the mom of a sophomore acting student at NYU. And Erica Fischer is from Ames, IA and the mom of a senior in high school. At two very different points in the journey (a sigh of relief for Rachel and deep breaths during a stressful waiting season for Erica!), they share their hard-won wisdom about the college musical theatre audition process. We cover it all: Self...

02-24
42:30

75. Everything's Coming Up Cara Rose DiPietro! Social Media, Mental Health, and Forging Your Own Career

Join Broadway Vocal Coach co-host Chelsea Wilson for an inspirational and candid conversation with Cara Rose DiPietro! 🌟 Cara opens up about her journey from community theater in Massachusetts to becoming a professional actor and prominent influencer with over 300,000 followers. She discusses the highs and lows of pursuing a theater career, her mental health advocacy, and how she ensures her social media remains authentic. Get insights into maintaining joy amidst the pressures of the in...

02-17
43:23

74. What Music Directors Really Want, Pop/Rock Edition with Wendy Cavett

In this episode, Cynthia sits down with the incredible Wendy Cavett— music director, supervisor, arranger, educator, conductor, pianist, and incredible vocal coach—to dive deep into the world of pop/rock in musical theatre.  With Broadway and Off-Broadway credits including Come From Away, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and more, Wendy brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Together, they unpack what makes a great pop/rock audition, the stylistic markers that music dire...

02-10
38:43

74. How Pop/Rock is Reshaping the Broadway Industry: An Inside Look with Sydney Morton

Join Cynthia and Broadway & TV performer Sydney Morton for a deep dive into how pop/rock has become a must-have skill in the Broadway industry. Sydney shares her journey—from classical theatre training to singing jazz and R&B at home—only to find that nearly 90% of her musical theatre career has been in pop/rock shows, reflecting the industry’s shift. Fun fact: Sydney’s very first audition out of college (the morning after showcase)? A pop/rock show! With Broadway credits including ...

02-03
40:09

73. 8 Dumb Mistakes That are Ruining Your Self Tapes!

Self tapes are here to stay, whether we like them or not! They're part of the industry, whether you are auditioning for professional shows, applying to college, or anything in between. In today's conversation, we're laying out eight dumb mistakes that ruin your self tapes, because between the two of us, we've seen it all! Professional self tapes for everything from Broadway shows to regional theaters to summer stock to college application prescreens... If you're making any of these eight mi...

01-27
22:30

72. Pop/Rock Essentials: Vocal Technique, Audition Strategies, and the Magic of Blending Pop & Theatre with Matt Perri

Cynthia and one of her dear friends, the hilarious and talented Matt Perri, dive into the challenges and nuances of pop/rock in musical theatre. What makes it so tricky to balance authenticity with storytelling? How can performers bring the style to life while keeping their voices sustainable eight shows a week? Along the way, you’ll hear insights about vocal technique, audition strategies, and the magic of blending pop and theatre in ways that truly resonate. Matt's illustrious career inclu...

01-20
40:13

71. Shall We Dance? Live Auditions, Prescreens, and Being Yourself at a Dance Call with Marjorie Failoni

If the idea of a dance call makes you want to cry into your audition book, good news! This episode is full of practical tips to prepare for and stand out at (in a good way!) a dance call. Plus, how to prepare college audition prescreen videos and do your best under any circumstance at Unifieds or other live auditions this college audition season. Assistant Aspire Program Director and Dance Coach Marjorie Failoni joins Chelsea Wilson for today's episode! Marjorie is a performer (Bway: Escape...

01-13
29:13

70. Unifieds, Prepping for Live College Auditions, and How to Avoid the Noise! With Julie Kavanagh

" Notice that we don't say: in order to have a successful audition, you have to sing the loudest, or kick your leg the highest..." Instead, we're talking about: showing up as your best self, and taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health so that you can have a positive and present audition experience. Let this conversation with Chelsea and Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh be a respite from all the noise and stress surrounding live college auditions. With thoughtful pre...

01-06
48:17

69. What Makes a Good or Bad Audition Song?

Struggling to find the perfect audition song? Whether you’re gearing up for Broadway, community theater, or those nerve-wracking college prescreens, finding the right fit can feel like an impossible task. In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia break down what makes an audition song work—and what doesn’t! From avoiding “show-off” tracks to picking a song that tells a story, they’re giving you the tips you need to stand out for all the right reasons. Plus, they’re diving into overdone songs, tric...

12-09
21:57

68. Bel Canto and Bathrooms: Building Your Own Opportunities with Teddy Siegel

In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with the inspiring Teddy Siegel, a soprano, advocate, and the creative force behind Got2Go NYC. Teddy opens up about balancing artistry with advocacy, the power of storytelling, and embracing vulnerability to build meaningful connections online. From performing in prestigious venues to transforming public discourse around an essential yet overlooked issue, Teddy’s story will leave you motivated to make an impact in your own unique way. Tune in for...

12-02
42:13

67. Everything's Coming Up Mary Kate Morrissey! Elphaba, Vocal Health, and Self Care

What does it take to star as Elphaba on Broadway? As Mary Kate (MK) reveals, it is not for the faint of heart! From her vocal health non-negotiables, to who makes up her voice and self-care team, we're talking all the nitty gritty of her routine and mindset in order to play one of the toughest roles on Broadway. "I have learned all of this from failing," she says. In this interview and the day-in-the-life content she regularly shares on social media, it is a gift to learn from and observe som...

11-25
47:31

66. Singing Q&A: Mix Voice, Vocal Health, and More!

Get 30% off ALL Broadway Vocal Coach courses and subscriptions! It's our biggest and ONLY sale of the year! Use code BLACKFRIDAY30. Because you deserve to step off the sidelines and onto the stage. And we've got the training and support to get you there! www.bwayvocalcoach.com Ever worried you might be "singing from your throat?" Or been confused by singing terminology? What about trying to sort through all the singing advice you've heard on the internet? In this episode, Chelsea answ...

11-18
31:22

65. Bloom Where You're Planted: Local Theatre and Theatre for Young Audiences with Danny Campos

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with theatre artist, educator, and arts administrator Danny Campos. As the Director of Marketing at The Growing Stage, the Children's Theatre of New Jersey, Danny brings two decades of experience across performing, directing, and teaching. In this episode, Danny shares his journey, from dreaming of Broadway to finding his purpose and joy within local theatre—a path he hadn’t anticipated but fully embraced. Danny reflects on the value of theatre for young a...

11-11
39:33

64. We Are Not Throwing Away Our Shot! Tips for Headshots and Lifestyle Shoots

Planning a photo shoot? In this episode, Chelsea & Cynthia dive into the essential tips for planning a successful headshot or branding photo shoot. Drawing from their own experiences, they share the mistakes they made during an impromptu shoot in 2022 and the valuable lessons they learned to make sure their recent session was a hit. From finding pose inspiration to choosing the right outfits and communicating with your photographer, they cover all the details that go into capturing polish...

11-04
21:22

63. What is College Really Like? Catching up with Katy and Ezra

In this follow-up episode, Chelsea reconnects with BVC Aspire alums Ezra Moore and Katy Olson, one year after their initial interview on the BVC Podcast! At that time, they were about to begin their college journeys—Ezra at Oklahoma City University for a BM in Music Theater, and Katy at Muhlenberg College for a BA in Theater and Dance with a music minor. Now, they're back to discuss their experiences after completing their freshman year and tell us what going to school for musical theatre is ...

10-28
52:15

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