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 …

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 …

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 f…

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…

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 …

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. …

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…

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 t…

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 al…

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 th…

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 the…

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 h…

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 “‘In…

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 s…

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 …

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…

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 / chor…

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 appro…

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 …

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. Thanks to my sponsors: AnthroDesk The best sit/stand desk. Details here. Chefs Plat…

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 pe…

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, …

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. Thanks to my sp…

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. W…

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 blow…

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 …

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 limite…

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 im…

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 Mainich…

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 co…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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, Ila…

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…

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 ra…

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 o…

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 podcas…

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 …

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 men…

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,” …

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 in…

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 …

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 …

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 S…