Broadway Vocal Coach

Vocal health is one of the most important topics for singers to learn about, which is why we've brought our friend and vocal health expert Sarah K. Brown to the podcast this week! Sarah is a New York-based speech pathologist and voice teacher, owner of SKB Voice Studio, and former clinical practitioner at the Grabscheid Voice and Swallowing Center of Mount Sinai. In her private practice, Sara...

Are you considering pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre? We know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to think about everything that goes into this decision and how it can impact your future career! So today, we're bringing you a replay of one of our most popular episodes, where we discuss whether getting a BFA degree in musical theatre is actually worth it, and dive deep into all the pros and...

You've probably heard a lot of " buzz " (pun intended), about SOVT exercises. All singers can benefit from SOVT work! In this solo episode, Chelsea dives into the nitty gritty of semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises, offering insights and tips on how singers can use these exercises to strengthen their voices. From lip bubbles to straw work, she breaks down these exercises, off...

"Don’t be afraid to say yes. Go for the performance opportunities in high school, audition for the senior-directed plays, do the student-run shows—try everything you can, and find where you thrive. Just go for it and keep saying yes.” Sitting down with McKenzie for the podcast was such a special treat—it feels like we've come full circle with this interview! Earlier in the season, we had...

In this solo episode, Cynthia dives into a topic familiar to actors but often overlooked: the "moment before". Despite its importance, Cynthia finds that many actors need constant reminders about this crucial aspect of performance. One of the main jobs of actors is to create a believable and compelling story and to clearly communicate that story. Musical theatre is defined by the storyte...

“That aspiration? Hell yes. Allow yourself to want all of it. Wake up every morning, take a deep breath, meditate, and see where you are that day, and where that day takes you. Then allow yourself to pursue it.  As opposed to failing because not every single piece is in place yet."  Erin Dilly is a wife, mother, Broadway actor (with a Tony nomination!), TV/film actor, fierce friend, and dedic...

Mix voice is a hot topic in the singing world, and chances are you're in search of that elusive experience of "finding your mix". In the world of musical theater, it's rare to find a singer who isn't exploring their mix, wondering whether they've found it, or simply wondering what mix voice is. With so much (sometimes conflicting) information out there on how to achie...

"My feeling about auditioning, regardless of the medium, has always been–this is my opportunity to actually play this part. I don't want to feel like I'm auditioning for something that might happen later. I want to feel like I'm fully doing it now. That lent itself nicely to auditioning for television and film,  because the job might be tomorrow morning." Olli Haaskivi is...

A lot of musical theater singers we know get  overwhelmed and confused with rock pop music. Maybe you've been told that you sound a little too musical theater when you've tried singing rock pop music and you don't know how to fix it. Or maybe you've just heard a lot of conflicting advice! So, as someone who's actually worked on a lot of pop rock musicals, I'm here to...

"We think we know emotion because we are playing other characters, but most of the people I work with aren't actually that tuned into their own emotional body. Imagine how this will affect our art, the more we can come into our body and feel our own feelings and our own intuition and our own guidance and then bring that into our art." Analisa Leaming is a performer turned "soul...

As we approach the end of the year, we are reflecting on all we've learned from the special guests we've hosted in 2023. We're sharing our favorite takeaways and life changing bits of wisdom from casting directors, music directors, and the other industry experts we've welcomed into the BVC Studio this year.  📱Connect with  @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils 👩‍💻Submit for Office Hou...

We're joined by two former cruise ship performers, Kayla Brandt and Hugh Entrekin, who give us ALL the details on what it's like to perform on a cruise ship. Is cruise ship life for you? Hear the pros and cons of life on the sea and what Kayla and Hugh learned from their time on cruise ship contracts.  Connect with Kayla: @_kayllaaa and Hugh: @hughentrekin 📱Connect with  @bwayvocalcoach...

Until December 15th, save $500 when you register for BVC Aspire's summer 2024 program! College audition season can be a stressful time, not only for students, but for the parents and guardians who love and support them. Today, we're talking about three mistakes that parents often make, all in an attempt to help, but that can actually make the whole process even harder!  📱Connect with  @...

"When you self accept that you are where you need to be, and that the space you are taking up is rightfully yours, then you get that sense of knowing, of belonging. It's not by somebody's approval. No, it's by your own." - Kristin on the BVC Podcast. Kristin Chenoweth is an Emmy and Tony award winning actress, singer, and author. And let's be real, she hardly needs an...

Need a holiday gift for the singer in your life? And no judgment if that singer you're shopping for is you ;)  We've got awesome and affordable gift picks for you today, including our favorite books, digital products, courses, and Broadway themed stocking stuffers anyone is sure to love. Here are the best gifts for musical theater performers and Broadway lovers in 2023! Check out our com...

We get asked all the time about  Actors' Equity Association , the union for stage actors and stage managers. When to join? How to join? Should I join? As well as questions about auditioning and getting access to auditions through the union. Today, we're getting all of our questions answered by today's special guest, Broadway and TV actor and Equity Council member, Todd Buonopane. 📱...

In our experience as coaches and teachers, there are a few performance tips that come up again and again. Whether you're a newer singer or an experienced performer, these simple and practical tips will make an immediate difference in your performance life. Here's our most important tips that we teach all the time! 📱Connect with  @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils 👩‍💻Submit for Office Hours h...

Shina auditioned eight times for what would become her Broadway debut, the 2009 revival of West Side Story.   Since then she's gone on to perform in a total of eight (soon to be nine!) Broadway shows, as she's currently in rehearsals for the revival of Spamalot . As a consummate triple threat, Shina knows what it's like to work hard as a performer. And now as a new mom, Shina is sha...

You can practice your dance moves for hours a day and vocalize up to a high C with ease, but if your mindset is not supporting your goals, then you will stay stuck! Today we're talking about three things that successful working actors get right when it comes to having a healthy mindset.  📱Connect with  @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils 👩‍💻Submit for Office Hours here 💌 Get Chelsea's free F...

For 16 seasons, Michael Orland coached superstar hopefuls on the hit show, American Idol. As a music director, arranger, and vocal coach to folks like Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Jennifer Hudson, and more (!), he knows that the singer/pianist relationship is one of the most intimate you can have with someone. In today's interview, Michael shares what makes a memorable performance (it&ap...

You've heard us talk about college musical theatre auditions enough, so let's hear from some brand new college freshman who just completed that process! We're joined by past BVC Aspire students Katy Olson and Ezra Moore. Katy is now a freshman at Muhlenberg College as a theater and dance major, and Ezra is a freshman at Oklahoma City University studying musical theatre. In today&apo...

Whether you're just starting out auditioning for your high school musical or you're regularly going in for Broadway auditions, you need an audition book. What's an audition book? And what's the best process for putting yours together? That's what we're talking about today. How to minimize page turns in your audition cuts: diagram! 📱Connect with  @bwayvocalcoach and @...

For someone who has enjoyed four decades working in the theatre industry (and won a Tony Award for as “Ms. Adelaide” in Guys and Dolls along the way!), Faith Prince did not have an immediate rise to success. But after ten years of working, Faith made her Broadway debut and has been a beloved musical theatre star ever since. In today's conversation, Faith opens up about her life as working act...

Welcome back to SEASON TWO! 🥳 When it comes to your performance goals, what's holding you back? Have you ever felt like, "I always wanted to perform, but I wonder if I'm good enough. Or, "my family encouraged me to pursue something more practical." Or, "I don't have the skills or training to be competitive," "I just want to feel more confident," o...

30 episodes in, and we're taking a summer break! In our season finale, Chelsea and Cynthia talk candidly about what they've learned from making the podcast, from the incredible guests of season one, and what our listeners can look forward to from BVC  later this year. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please take a moment to rate and review us! We appreciate your support, and can&apos...