Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts

In this episode I talk to singer/dancer Hannah Taylor. 

Hannah started performing professionally as a child, in shows like Scrooge! The Musical and Whistle Down the Wind. 

But her dreams really came true last year, when still in her graduate year she landed a part in the hit West End show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Sheridan Smith and Jason Donovan.

I wanted to find out how she got her big break straight out of college, what it was really like at ArtsEd and what happened in the Joseph singing and dancing auditions.

Hannah talks to me about:

• Her life as a child performer in professional shows.
• How she chose the right college for her.
• What life was like at ArtsEd.
• Coping with the pressure of finishing college, doing auditions and finding your first job all at the same time!
• Dealing with rejection - and why everything happens for a reason.
• How you may just sing for 30 seconds, but doing open auditions with hundreds of others can still be a very good thing.
• Being nice to the audition pianist is a must-do.
• What happened at the Joseph singing and dancing auditions - and what doing dance partner work teaches you.
• How she had to learn three songs from the show in one night!
• The first day of Joseph rehearsals - what it was like meeting Sir Tim Rice.
• How as a MT performer you have to learn how to "think big" on stage.
• What is was like stepping onto the stage of the London Palladium for the first time.
• Her secret to combating nerves - the champion's pose!
• And why Jason Donovan threw an avocado at her!

HANNAH'S CHALLENGE!

Video yourself performing "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph and send it to us.
Hannah will pick a winner, who will get an online masterclass with her.
Please email your video to: [email protected]

CLOSING DATE: 31st May 2020

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU HANNAH!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

In this episode I talk to singer/dancer Hannah Taylor. 

Hannah started performing professionally as a child, in shows like Scrooge! The Musical and Whistle Down the Wind. 

But her dreams really came true last year, when still in her graduate year she landed a part in the hit West End show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Sheridan Smith and Jason Donovan.

I wanted to find out how she got her big break straight out of college, what it was really like at ArtsEd and what happened in the Joseph singing and dancing auditions.

Hannah talks to me about:

• Her life as a child performer in professional shows.
• How she chose the right college for her.
• What life was like at ArtsEd.
• Coping with the pressure of finishing college, doing auditions and finding your first job all at the same time!
• Dealing with rejection - and why everything happens for a reason.
• How you may just sing for 30 seconds, but doing open auditions with hundreds of others can still be a very good thing.
• Being nice to the audition pianist is a must-do.
• What happened at the Joseph singing and dancing auditions - and what doing dance partner work teaches you.
• How she had to learn three songs from the show in one night!
• The first day of Joseph rehearsals - what it was like meeting Sir Tim Rice.
• How as a MT performer you have to learn how to "think big" on stage.
• What is was like stepping onto the stage of the London Palladium for the first time.
• Her secret to combating nerves - the champion's pose!
• And why Jason Donovan threw an avocado at her!

HANNAH'S CHALLENGE!

Video yourself performing "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph and send it to us.
Hannah will pick a winner, who will get an online masterclass with her.
Please email your video to: [email protected]

CLOSING DATE: 31st May 2020

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU HANNAH!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

John Rigby is one of the country's leading conductors, musical directors and musical supervisors.

As a conductor he is extremely active on the concert platform, working with orchestras like: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia - and the Orchestras of both Welsh National and Opera North.

He also conducts the Classical Spectacular concerts for Raymond Gubbay and conducted Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 70th birthday concert.

In musical theatre his long list of credits include: the UK Tour of The Producers with Peter Kay and Joe Pasquale, Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary Tour of The Phantom of the Opera in both the UK and the USA, the arena world tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Tim Minchin and Melanie C. - and the 2019 London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Sheridan Smith.

He has also supervised or directed the music for Les Misérables, Chess and Miss Saigon.

John talks to me about:

• How working with amateur dramatics societies was invaluable for his career and taught him many of the skills he still uses today.
• What musical inspired him to become a MD.
• How he got his first opportunity - by asking for it!
• Doing whatever you can, wherever you can to develop your conducting experience.
• The difference between a conductor, musical director and musical supervisor.
• How they cast the School of Rock - turning cellists into bass guitar players!
• What makes someone stand out at a Les Misérables audition and how musical theatre vocal styles have changed over the last 30 years.
• What makes a great show great?
• Why conducting Chess at the ENO was so special.
• What makes a stand-out audition performance.
• Which Les Mis character he thinks a prequel musical could be made about (hypothetical only)!
• The view from the other side of the room - his top tips for young performer auditions.
• And why 'we all have a Joseph story'...

JOHN'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!

Actually, it's more of a lockdown opportunity...

To watch him conduct a performance and meet him backstage, please send him a message saying why you want to meet him - and why it should be you!

Send your email to: [email protected]

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

THANK YOU JOHN!

John Rigby is one of the country's leading conductors, musical directors and musical supervisors.

As a conductor he is extremely active on the concert platform, working with orchestras like: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia - and the Orchestras of both Welsh National and Opera North.

He also conducts the Classical Spectacular concerts for Raymond Gubbay and conducted Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 70th birthday concert.

In musical theatre his long list of credits include: the UK Tour of The Producers with Peter Kay and Joe Pasquale, Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary Tour of The Phantom of the Opera in both the UK and the USA, the arena world tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Tim Minchin and Melanie C. - and the 2019 London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Sheridan Smith.

He has also supervised or directed the music for Les Misérables, Chess and Miss Saigon.

John talks to me about:

• How working with amateur dramatics societies was invaluable for his career and taught him many of the skills he still uses today.
• What musical inspired him to become a MD.
• How he got his first opportunity - by asking for it!
• Doing whatever you can, wherever you can to develop your conducting experience.
• The difference between a conductor, musical director and musical supervisor.
• How they cast the School of Rock - turning cellists into bass guitar players!
• What makes someone stand out at a Les Misérables audition and how musical theatre vocal styles have changed over the last 30 years.
• What makes a great show great?
• Why conducting Chess at the ENO was so special.
• What makes a stand-out audition performance.
• Which Les Mis character he thinks a prequel musical could be made about (hypothetical only)!
• The view from the other side of the room - his top tips for young performer auditions.
• And why 'we all have a Joseph story'...

JOHN'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!

Actually, it's more of a lockdown opportunity...

To watch him conduct a performance and meet him backstage, please send him a message saying why you want to meet him - and why it should be you!

Send your email to: [email protected]

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

THANK YOU JOHN!

In this episode I talk to the young dancer Hannah Martin. 

Hannah is a former rhythmic gymnast who represented England at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, then moved to dancing full-time shortly afterwards. She shot to stardom earlier this year when she appeared on BBC TV’s The Greatest Dancer – reaching the semi-final stage, guided by her dance captain Matthew Morrison.

Hannah talks to me about her life as an elite rhythmic gymnast, why she made the brave move to dance and what happened on and off the screen when she competed on BBC TV's The Greatest Dancer.

She also talks openly about dealing with the pressure of social media and her desire to become a professional ballet dancer.

HANNAH'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!

Learn and video yourself performing this dance <follow link> from Hannah's 30 minute lyrical contemporary dance class.

Then publish the video on your Instagram account and Tag @hannahmartinrg with #hannahslockdownchallenge

The winner will get a remote, one hour dance class with Hannah.

CLOSING DATE: Midnight, Sunday 10th May (videos received after this will not be accepted).
Hannah's decision is final - thank you!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU HANNAH!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

In this episode I talk to the young dancer Hannah Martin. 

Hannah is a former rhythmic gymnast who represented England at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, then moved to dancing full-time shortly afterwards. She shot to stardom earlier this year when she appeared on BBC TV’s The Greatest Dancer – reaching the semi-final stage, guided by her dance captain Matthew Morrison.

Hannah talks to me about her life as an elite rhythmic gymnast, why she made the brave move to dance and what happened on and off the screen when she competed on BBC TV's The Greatest Dancer.

She also talks openly about dealing with the pressure of social media and her desire to become a professional ballet dancer.

HANNAH'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!

Learn and video yourself performing this dance <follow link> from Hannah's 30 minute lyrical contemporary dance class.

Then publish the video on your Instagram account and Tag @hannahmartinrg with #hannahslockdownchallenge

The winner will get a remote, one hour dance class with Hannah.

CLOSING DATE: Midnight, Sunday 10th May (videos received after this will not be accepted).
Hannah's decision is final - thank you!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU HANNAH!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

Anthony Van Laast is one of the country's leading stage and screen choreographers.

After training and dancing at the London Contemporary Dance School, he started choreographing for the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. He then went on to choreograph hit shows like; Sister Act (2011 on Broadway and 2009 West End), Bombay Dreams (2004), Mamma Mia! (2001), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1993), Annie Get Your Gun (1986), Candide (Old Vic, 1988, Olivier Award for Best Musical)  and most recently Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, which opened in the West End in 2018.  

His television and film work includes; Beauty and the Beast (2017), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009), Mamma Mia! (2008) - and the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! (2018).

Anthony explains how he got his first big break because he had long hair (but not any more!) and the difference between choreographing for the screen versus the stage. He also taks about how he choreographed the films Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson.

And he has some great audition and career advice for young dancers wanting to work in musicals and film.

ANTHONY'S TWO LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES!

1. Choreograph, dance and direct your own short video of between 45 seconds - 1 minute in duration. Choose your own music to dance to - but make sure you listened to Anthony's description of exactly what he is looking for.

2. Learn and perform a small routine from Mamma Mia! - as shown in this video <follow link>. Choreo note from Anthony's associate choreographer, Nichola: Go for it. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Remember... "You're having the time of your life". Nichola x

After lockdown, the winners from each challenge will be invited to spend a day working with Anthony in his studio making a short film; then be taken by him to see the musical Mamma Mia! (which was choreographed by him).

Please email your videos to: [email protected]

And feel free to also post your videos on Instagram and Tag me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars along with #anthonyslockdownchallenge

CLOSING DATE: Saturday 16th May (extended deadline)
One video entry per challenge per person.
You can enter one or both challenges.
Winners pay own travel and expenses.
Anthony's decision is final - thank you!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ANTHONY FOR SUCH INCREDIBLE PRIZES!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

Anthony Van Laast is one of the country's leading stage and screen choreographers.

After training and dancing at the London Contemporary Dance School, he started choreographing for the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. He then went on to choreograph hit shows like; Sister Act (2011 on Broadway and 2009 West End), Bombay Dreams (2004), Mamma Mia! (2001), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1993), Annie Get Your Gun (1986), Candide (Old Vic, 1988, Olivier Award for Best Musical)  and most recently Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, which opened in the West End in 2018.  

His television and film work includes; Beauty and the Beast (2017), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009), Mamma Mia! (2008) - and the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! (2018).

Anthony explains how he got his first big break because he had long hair (but not any more!) and the difference between choreographing for the screen versus the stage. He also taks about how he choreographed the films Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson.

And he has some great audition and career advice for young dancers wanting to work in musicals and film.

ANTHONY'S TWO LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES!

1. Choreograph, dance and direct your own short video of between 45 seconds - 1 minute in duration. Choose your own music to dance to - but make sure you listened to Anthony's description of exactly what he is looking for.

2. Learn and perform a small routine from Mamma Mia! - as shown in this video <follow link>. Choreo note from Anthony's associate choreographer, Nichola: Go for it. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Remember... "You're having the time of your life". Nichola x

After lockdown, the winners from each challenge will be invited to spend a day working with Anthony in his studio making a short film; then be taken by him to see the musical Mamma Mia! (which was choreographed by him).

Please email your videos to: [email protected]

And feel free to also post your videos on Instagram and Tag me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars along with #anthonyslockdownchallenge

CLOSING DATE: Saturday 16th May (extended deadline)
One video entry per challenge per person.
You can enter one or both challenges.
Winners pay own travel and expenses.
Anthony's decision is final - thank you!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ANTHONY FOR SUCH INCREDIBLE PRIZES!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

I talk to Janet Devenish, the very first Meg Giry in the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Janet talks about how she landed the dream job (despite singing the wrong song at her audition), how the show was rehearsed prior to its opening in September 1986 and how Andrew Lloyd-Webber offered Michael Crawford the part of Phantom after hearing him having a singing lesson! She also talks about her long career and offers some great audition advice for young performers.

JANET'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!

Video yourself performing this Masquerade scene from Phantom (follow <link>) with whatever costume you can find or make, then send your video to: [email protected]

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is delighted to invite the winner to a day at the school, taking part in one of their Musical Theatre Holiday Courses... A day packed with singing, acting and dance taught by industry professionals. Janet will be there to greet the winner!

Closing date for entries is Saturday, 8th May. One video entry per person. Winner pays own travel and expenses. Janet's decision is final.

THANK YOU JANET AND TRING PARK!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

I talk to Janet Devenish, the very first Meg Giry in the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Janet talks about how she landed the dream job (despite singing the wrong song at her audition), how the show was rehearsed prior to its opening in September 1986 and how Andrew Lloyd-Webber offered Michael Crawford the part of Phantom after hearing him having a singing lesson! She also talks about her long career and offers some great audition advice for young performers.

JANET'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!

Video yourself performing this Masquerade scene from Phantom (follow <link>) with whatever costume you can find or make, then send your video to: [email protected]

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is delighted to invite the winner to a day at the school, taking part in one of their Musical Theatre Holiday Courses... A day packed with singing, acting and dance taught by industry professionals. Janet will be there to greet the winner!

Closing date for entries is Saturday, 8th May. One video entry per person. Winner pays own travel and expenses. Janet's decision is final.

THANK YOU JANET AND TRING PARK!

(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)