Broadway Vocal Coach

What happens when a longtime belter has to get back into legit singing shape? This week Chelsea sits down with her dear friend and student, the incredible Emily Kristen Morris! To talk all about vocal cross-training, rebuilding legit technique after years of contemporary singing, and what it actually takes to move fluidly between vocal styles in today’s musical theatre industry. We recorded this e...

Chelsea sits down with stage director Tim Seib   to talk about what happens on the other side of the table... and we think we may have solved the "too much material for a self tape" problem once and for all!!! Tim is a longtime director at Theatre Raleigh , where he has helmed productions including The Prom , Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 , Fun Home , Once , and The Secre...

Ever notice that your voice feels solid in the practice room… but suddenly falls apart in auditions, rehearsals, or performances? In this episode, Chelsea breaks down a frustrating experience many singers know well: when your technique seems to disappear the moment the stakes get higher. You’ll learn why this happens and how to build a vocal technique that actually translates from lessons → practi...

Can you believe we've made it to 100 episodes?! Neither can we!! Today we're celebrating, but we're also sharing an important update about what’s next. As Broadway Vocal Coach evolves, we’re closing this chapter of the podcast as you’ve known it. We're each moving on to new creative projects and our BVC live classes are coming to an end. But the podcast isn’t going away! Instea...

What do you do when your voice just… doesn’t feel right? In this episode, we walk through exactly how to troubleshoot those frustrating days when your voice feels fuzzy, crunchy, tired, or unreliable — and how to know when it’s time to rest, adjust your technique, or call in professional help. We cover: How to go on a “fact-finding mission” instead of catastrophizing The difference between a singi...

Self-tape takes aren’t rehearsal. They’re the performance! In this episode, we're letting you in on our Self-Tape Survival Guide — from setup basics (lighting, sound, framing, eye line) to performance choices and the mindset shift that will save you hours of frustration. You’ll learn: How to condense physicality without shrinking intention Why your takes get worse after take three (!) How to...

Frigid winter weather, germs abound, and someone decided THIS is audition season?!  Whether you’re a high school senior heading into college auditions or a professional preparing for a busy season of tapes and callbacks, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world vocal health strategies you can use any time your voice is under pressure.  Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh sits down...

Is clearing my throat bad for my voice? Will dairy make my voice crack? Is belting going to give me nodes? If you’re a singer I’m sure you’ve heard some of these before and wonder, is there any truth to that? In today's replay episode (one of our most popular ever!) we’re dispelling vocal health myths and sharing what voice care practices actually makes a difference in your voice and your ove...

What if the life you’re living right now… is the one you used to dream about? Today we're taking a brief step away from vocal technique and auditions to talk about something equally essential for performers: gratitude, perspective, and the surprising power of taking stock of what’s already good. Whether you're prepping for holiday travel, a weekend of shows, or finally taking a breath be...

What does it really take to perform one of the most iconic soprano roles in theatre history? (Hint: it’s more than high notes and pretty gowns!) In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Haile Ferrier and Francesca Mehrotra, two of the six extraordinary women starring as Christine in Masquerade , the new off-Broadway immersive Phantom of the Opera experience directed by Diane Paulus. They open up ab...

What does "you sound too musical theatre" actually mean?? (Hint: it’s rarely just about your voice) Today we're giving you clear, actionable tools to bridge the stylistic gap between Broadway polish and pop/rock authenticity. In this episode, we unpack: The most common “too musical theatre” habits—and how to fix them. Why “vocal color” is your new best friend: from Billie Eilish bre...

At just 23, Elizabeth Teeter has already built a career most performers dream of—starring as Lydia in Beetlejuice on Broadway, Heather McNamara in Heathers Off-Broadway, and sharing the stage with legends like Helen Mirren and Saoirse Ronan. But behind all that success is a young artist who’s learned the importance of boundaries, self-care, and staying grounded in the work. In this conversation, C...

“At a certain level, everyone can sing that note. So now casting is saying: who are you?” – Adam Wachter How do you actually build a musical theatre audition book that works? What songs belong in it—and which ones can you finally stop worrying about? Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with Titanique music director, composer, and author Adam Wachter to talk about his new book Your Rep Book: How to Find,...

Back in 2022, we first asked the question: Is a BFA in Musical Theatre worth it? Three years later, it’s still the conversation on every aspiring performer’s (and parent’s) mind. In today’s bonus episode, Chelsea sits down with Julie Kavanagh—performer, choreographer, and Program Director for Broadway Vocal Coach’s College Prep Program — BVC Aspire. A proud graduate of CCM (Cincinnati Conservatory...

“The most useful thing you can do on social media is show who the heck you really are.” – Kate Lumpkin What do casting directors really notice—in the audition room and online? Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with casting director Kate Lumpkin for an inside look at how performers can stand out without faking it. You’ll hear Kate share: How authentic social media posts can actually help get in the room...

Mix voice might be the most misunderstood topic in all of singing. Is it a style? A register? A magic “secret” only some people can do? In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia bust FOUR of the biggest mix voice myths and share what it really means to sing in a healthy mixed voice. You’ll hear: Why there isn’t just one “right” way to mix The difference between mix vs belt (and why both matter) What to...

What kind of courage it takes to keep creating when your career takes unexpected turns? Our guest Ali Gordon has worn a lot of hats—musical theatre performer, comedian, teacher, and now, debut novelist! In this inspiring conversation, Ali joins Chelsea and Cynthia to talk all about just that. Her novel, "We Have Reached the End of Our Show" is out on September 30th, get it here. You’ll h...

Welcome back to Season 4 of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast! In this season opener, Chelsea and Cynthia catch up after a jam-packed summer and share the lessons they’re bringing into the year ahead. From Chelsea’s behind-the-scenes work on the new immersive Phantom production ( Masquerade ) to Cynthia’s dream-come-true experience working with Broadway idols on Hello, Dolly! , this episode is all...

Just last week we heard from one of our BVC Studio members: "I don't want to be too much." Is this same fear holding you back from your best work? And, is there a line between enough and too much? In our 2025 season finale, join us for a discussion about how going all out can transform your career. Hint: The gap between what you want and where you are now, is a whole lot of cringe....

"You already have worth, we're not trying to trick people into believing that we're something we're not. So, how do I get you to see my skills, talents, and values such that you recognize them and therefore see how being in a relationship with me is mutually beneficial?" Chelsea Wilson chats with Dr. Alison Fragale , author of 'Likable Badass' as she shares power...

"If you haven't done the fundamentals, that's all I'm thinking about. What a self tape is, is choreographing the attention of the viewer." Acclaimed actor, podcast producer, and star of "Suits," Tom Lipinski shares crucial insights on the art of self-taping, like when to break the rules 📸 and making strong, informed choices right away. Learn why you can get away...

Should you move to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater? 🎭 We explore the pros and cons, from networking opportunities and live auditions to the high cost of living and tiny spaces.  🗽 Hear personal stories and get practical advice on making the leap, including tips on saving money, finding a sublet, and building a support system. 💼 Whether you're a Broadway hopeful or thriv...

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-rehears...

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 simp...

" 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...