Beltline to Broadway

Bear Bellinger and Matt DaSilva join the pod squad to discuss the history of Equity membership, how the new Open Access policy aims to create a more inclusive industry, and why some theater professionals are skeptical. Bear Bellinger is a central principal counselor for Actors’ Equity, working to advocate for fair policies and increased access for underrepresented artists. Matt De Silva, a delegat...

Robert J. Sherman joins the pod squad to discuss his family's incredible contributions to film and theater -- from Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to The Parent Trap -- and how Walt Disney’s keen eye for talent shaped their careers. He shares personal stories of growing up in a musical dynasty, his father’s experiences in World War II, and the origins of classics like Feed the Birds. The...

Aaron Harrington joins the pod squad to discuss his journey from North Carolina to performing alongside stars like Jeremy Jordan, Skylar Astin, and Rob McClure. He offers behind-the-scenes insights into the puppetry magic of Audrey II, what it’s like adapting his performance to different Seymour actors, and why Little Shop continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Aaron Harrington is a powerho...

André Jordan joins the pod squad to discuss his journey to Broadway, the unexpected challenges of the pandemic shutdown, and how the cast of Diana: The Musical took an active role in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also opens up about the challenges of body image and fatphobia in theater, his experience in Legally Blonde, and the broader cultural shift happening in the arts. An...

Peggy Gordon, Robin Lamont, and Stephen Nathan join the pod squad to discuss the history, impact, and enduring legacy of Godspell. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about the collaborative creative process, the evolution of the music, and the use of clown makeup as a storytelling device, and how Godspell continues to inspire new generations of performers and audiences alike. Peggy Gordon is an origin...

Tony Award-winning sound designer Rob Kaplowitz joins the pod squad to explore the evolution of theatrical sound design. Kaplowitz, best known for his groundbreaking work on Fela!, shares insights into how sound shapes storytelling, the challenges of installing a state-of-the-art system at Cape Fear Regional Theater, and why acoustic design should be tailored to the dramaturgy of each production....

For many of us, it is difficult to comprehend the overwhelming enormity of the Holocaust and the 6-million Jews who were murdered by the Nazi regime during WWII. The historical trauma that impacted generations of displaced people and their families following the Holocaust, is the subject of the film WHERE CAN I GO? executive produced by Raleigh-Cary Jewish Family Services in partnership with The J...

Thao Nguyen joins the pod squad to discuss Asian representation in the performing arts, the impact of racial violence, and the coded language that still persists in the entertainment industry. Thao Nguyen is a multi-talented performer who recently appeared off-Broadway in the English world premiere of Tropical Angels with Musical Theater Factory and the Taipei Cultural Center in Taiwan. As an advo...

Mike Anthony, longtime bartender at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, joins the pod squad to share behind-the-scenes stories from Hamilton. Mike offers a rare perspective on Broadway life, from unforgettable audience moments to eerie ghost stories. Mike Anthony is an actor, writer, and bartender who has spent over 14 years working at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where he served drinks to Broadway audie...

Carlita Victoria joins the pod squad to discuss the intersection of mental health and the performing arts, Carlita’s personal journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and the challenges that many Black and Brown communities face when seeking mental health resources. Carlita Victoria is a Raleigh, North Carolina native, she attended The University of NC at Greensboro (BFA Dance Performance and C...

Robert Hartwell joins the pod squad to discuss his early inspirations, how his first professional theater experience at age 12 shaped his career, and why representation and access are key to fostering the next generation of artists. Robert Hartwell is a Broadway actor, director, and educator who has appeared in Hello, Dolly! with Bette Midler, Motown the Musical, Cinderella, Nice Work If You Can G...

Brian Westbrook joins the pod squad to discuss the connection between addiction and the performing arts, the challenges of navigating sobriety in an industry where social drinking is common, and the impact of isolation on those in recovery. Brian Westbrook is a North Carolina-based actor and advocate for addiction recovery. With a passion for both performance and service, he has used his own exper...

Jeff A.R. Jones joins the pod squad to dive into the importance of emotional safety in rehearsal spaces, the evolving role of fight direction in storytelling, and how violence on stage can be used to spark meaningful conversations rather than glorify conflict. Jeff A.R. Jones is a veteran fight choreographer with over 20 years of experience staging fights for ballet, theater, opera, film, and TV....

Ed Asner joined the pod squad for one of his last interviews to reflect on the audition that landed him the role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the show's impact on television history, and his thoughts on journalism today. Hear his candid thoughts on the entertainment industry, politics, and what he hoped his legacy will be. Ed Asner was a seven-time Emmy Award-winning actor, best known for his por...

Tony Award nominee Alan Caampbell joins the pod squad to discuss the evolution of television, the differences between sitcoms and dramatic series, and how digital technology has changed the industry. The conversation also dives into Alan’s transition to Broadway, his experience starring opposite Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard, and the joys and challenges of live theater. Alan Campbell is a versat...

Osha Gray Davidson joins the pod squad to discuss the unlikely friendship between Anne Atwater, a Black community activist, and C.P. Ellis, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, as they worked together on the desegregation of Durham, North Carolina's public schools in 1971. Osha Gray Davidson is an American journalist, author, and historian known for his work on civil rights, environmental issues, and soc...

Karen Ziemba joins the pod squad to share behind-the-scenes insights on how A Chorus Line became a cultural phenomenon, how dance on Broadway has evolved over the decades, and what it takes to have a lasting career in the industry. Karen Ziemba is an accomplished performer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, television, and regional theater. From earning a Tony Award to starring in some of...

Playwright and performer Mike Wiley joins the pod squad to discuss how storytelling can illuminate history, challenge societal narratives, and foster deeper conversations about race and justice. Mike Wiley is a celebrated playwright, performer, and educator known for using solo theater as a means of social activism. With a career spanning nearly two decades, they have dedicated their work to telli...

Ira David Wood III joins the pod squad to discuss the power of live performance and the challenges of making a life in the arts. The discussion also highlights his children, including Evan Rachel Wood and Ira David Wood IV, their experiences growing up in the theater, and the challenges and rewards of pursuing a life in the arts. A North Carolina theater icon, Ira David Wood III is the founder and...

Roy Dicks joins the pod squad to discuss the rich history of the Triangle’s performing arts scene. From the early days of the Raleigh Little Theatre to the rise of alternative performance spaces, Dix shares fascinating insights into how local theater has evolved over the decades. Roy Dix is a respected theater critic and historian who spent nearly two decades writing for The News & Observer, cover...