Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast

Clayton Craddock
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The Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features real conversations with the musicians who make Broadway run. Veterans. Rising players. Pit legends and the next generation. These are the people shaping the sound of theater — and nobody's cleaning it up for the camera. broadwaydrumming101.substack.com

  1. 20 APR

    Noah Hadland: How to Be Everywhere on Broadway

    Noah Hadland Is Subbing Seven Broadway Shows at Once. He didn’t get there by sending cold emails and waiting. He got there by running after a stranger with a stick bag outside the Book of Mormon stage door. By sight-reading act one of MJ on Broadway with 45 minutes of prep. By buying the right person a beer in 2019 and not asking for anything until 2023 — when that same person handed him a Broadway chair. Noah is 30 years old. He’s subbing Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Just in Time, Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, and Death Becomes Her. And in this episode, he breaks down exactly how he built that — the networking, the touch problem of juggling multiple shows, how to take a conductor’s note without pushing back, and what he’d tell his 22-year-old self who came out of NYU convinced he should already be playing Hamilton. Watch the full episode above. Building a theater career and want the roadmap? I wrote the book. Broadway Bound and Beyond is at broadwayboundbook.com Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 2min

  2. 13 APR

    Podcast #104 - Noah Hadland

    This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. He came out of NYU convinced he should already be playing Hamilton. He isn’t playing Hamilton. He is subbing seven Broadway shows at once. That didn't happen because he sent the right email. It happened because he ran after a stranger with a stick bag outside the Broadway stage door of Book of Mormon. That stranger was Dan Berkery. They talked, stayed in touch, and built a real relationship. So years later, when MJ on Broadway had an emergency — the sub tested positive for COVID 90 minutes before curtain and nobody else was available — the call went to Dan. Dan was already booked. But he knew exactly who to pass the name to. Noah ran to H&M in Times Square to grab black clothes, got to the theater with 45 minutes to spare, flipped through the charts, and sight-read act one of MJ on Broadway in front of a live audience. One conversation outside a stage door changed everything. Over time, his name got around. Now he's one of the busiest subs on Broadway — currently covering seven shows, and by the time you read this, maybe eight or nine. The seven: Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Just in Time, Wicked, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chess, and Death Becomes Her. That's not luck. That's years of showing up, staying ready, and never burning a bridge. He’s still learning. Still building. And I have no doubt that his own Broadway chair is coming — it’s just a matter of time. In this episode, Noah breaks down exactly how he built his career. We get into the networking — not the theory of it, the actual mechanics of how relationships in this industry form and pay off years later. We talk about the touch problem: what it actually takes to juggle seven shows without dropping any of them. How to take a conductor’s note without pushing back. And what he’d tell the 22-year-old version of himself who came out of school thinking he was already behind. He wasn’t behind. He just hadn’t started yet. Noah Hadland: https://www.instagram.com/noahhadland/ If You’re Not Subscribed Yet, I’m Asking You Now If you’re already a subscriber — thank you. You’re the reason this show keeps going. If you’re not, I’m asking you to subscribe today. Free or paid. Every subscription helps cover the production of this podcast and keeps it alive. This is an independent show built for working musicians and people who want to become one. That only works if people show up for it. Subscribe. It matters more than you know. Two Resources If You’re Serious About This The first is free. The How to Land a Broadway Gig Roadmap breaks down how the industry actually works — the key players, how sub lists function, how to build relationships that lead somewhere. Grab it instantly at broadwayboundbook.com/roadmap when you subscribe. The second is The Broadway Sub Playbook — $7.99 at signaturebrandworks.com. From the moment you get the call to show day. How to study the score, build your sub book, take the conductor’s notes, and walk into that pit like you belong there. Want the full picture? Broadway Bound and Beyond is available everywhere books are sold online. Signed copy at signaturebrandworks.com. Clayton Craddock is the drummer for Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway credits include Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball, with additional credits spanning tick, tick…BOOM!, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and subbing on Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the Tony Awards. He has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 5min

  3. 17 FEB

    How Broadway Careers Really Start

    Thank you for being a longtime listener of Broadway Drumming 101. I’ve been thinking about doing more solo episodes for a while, and I’m finally starting today. Over the past week, I’ve been deep in rehearsals for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and this version is even stronger than what we did at PAC. Everything feels sharper and more focused. We officially open on April 7th, and I’m excited for people to see it. READ: Two Icons of New York, Ready for Broadway’s ‘Jellicle Ball’ At NAMM, I brought up a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: How careers really begin. For me, it wasn’t Broadway. It wasn’t some audition. It was a hotel gig in New Rochelle, playing the same 20 songs every other Friday night. A connection from that gig led me to a tour.That tour opened the door to subbing.And subbing eventually brought me to Broadway. In this new solo episode, I break down: • Why saying yes early in your career matters• Why showing up beats just posting• How small gigs compound over time• And how to know when it’s time to start saying no If you caught my talk at NAMM, this episode goes even deeper into that topic. READ: And if you’re serious about building a real career in theater, get my book: Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. You can order it right now on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.If you want a signed copy, go to SignatureBrandWorks.com. Listen to the new solo episode.Pick up the book if you’re interested.And I hope to see you at the Broadhurst! Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min

  4. 8 JAN

    Podcast #103 - Joe Bergamini

    Joe Bergamini on Subbing, Broadway Reality, and Building a Real Music Career In this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, I sit down with Joe Bergamini—drummer, educator, author, and one of the most thoughtful voices in the drum world. Joe has subbed on more than 15 Broadway shows, toured nationally, taught for decades, and written some of the most respected drum books out there. But what really stands out is how clearly he talks about what it actually takes to build a sustainable life as a working musician. We dig into what subbing on Broadway is really like, how learning music note-for-note early on prepared him for theater work, and how teaching, touring, rock bands, and saying yes to the right gigs quietly shaped his career. Joe also shares stories from his early club days and why preparation, curiosity, and relationships matter more than hype or shortcuts. This is an honest, practical conversation for drummers who care about longevity. Here are just a few books he has written: Speaking at NAMM – January 24 I’ll be expanding on many of these ideas in person at NAMM: Building a Career in Theater MusicSaturday, January 2411:30 AM – 12:00 PMHilton California A If you’re attending NAMM and curious about Broadway, touring, subbing, networking, contracts, and the real financial side of being a working musician, I hope you’ll stop by. Broadway Bound and Beyond My upcoming book, Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, goes deeper into many of the topics we talk about here—how musicians actually get hired, how careers are sustained, and what no one explains when you’re starting out. Get on the list at:www.broadwayboundbook.com Subscribe and Stay Connected If you’re getting value from these conversations, make sure you’re subscribed to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don’t miss future episodes and articles. If you know a musician trying to figure out their next move, share this episode with them. Subscriptions and reviews help more working players find the show. Thanks for listening and for supporting the Broadway Drumming 101 community. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 21min

  5. 25/10/2025

    Podcast 102 - Tom Jorgensen

    In this episode, I sit down with drummer Tom Jorgensen. He’s been playing drums on the Beetlejuice national tour for the last three years. Tom talks about what makes the Beetlejuice drum book one of the most physically demanding on the road and how Shannon Ford’s original approach set the tone for everything that followed. We dig into: * The sheer physical challenge of playing Beetlejuice eight times a week and how Tom reworked his setup and grip to survive it. * The philosophy he learned from jazz legend Michael Carvin — “It’s not about what you’re playing, it’s about what you’re doing” — and how that mindset keeps every performance fresh. * His time touring with Postmodern Jukebox, cutting his teeth on cruise ships, and what those experiences taught him about endurance, posture, and musical adaptability. * Lessons from working with Rich Mercurio and Nadia DiGiallonardo on Waitress, and the moment that turned a sub gig into his first big break. * The balance between consistency and creativity on tour — how to avoid burnout, stay healthy, and keep the show locked in night after night. * Why gratitude and discipline are non-negotiable for musicians who want longevity on the road. Tom’s story is a reminder that Broadway drumming isn’t just about chops — it’s about mindset, focus, and knowing how to serve the show every night. For more: https://www.tomjorgensensound.com Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe at BroadwayDrumming101.com and pre-order my new book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career at BroadwayBoundBook.com. Mentioned in this episode: * Beetlejuice National Tour * Shannon Ford * Michael Carvin * Rich Mercurio * Nadia DiGiallonardo * Postmodern Jukebox * Waitress First National Tour Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour. Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis. www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    59 min

  6. 07/09/2025

    Podcast 101 - Matthew Friedman

    This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Today’s guest is a little different. Usually, I feature drummers on this podcast, and we’ve had some incredible ones—plus music directors like Nate Patten and music coordinators like Michael Aarons and Michael Keller. But this time, I wanted to bring on someone I’ve known and played with for the past ten years, a true “Piano Man” and multi-instrumentalist who has made his mark on Broadway and beyond: Matthew Friedman. Matthew isn’t just a pianist—he’s a singer, a bandleader, a composer, and yes, even a drummer. He was “The Piano Man” in the national touring company of Movin’ Out and has performed with the legendary Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel’s original band. He’s also been part of Broadway productions like Jersey Boys and Smokey Joe’s Café, while leading his own group, Matthew Friedman & Stiletto. In this episode, we talk about: * His early start in music and the influences that shaped him. * How he made the leap from being an attorney to a full-time musician. * The highs and lows of touring life—from first-class gigs to rough bus-and-truck runs. * Stories from his time on Broadway, including connections to past podcast guest Jon Berger and future guest Joe Bergamini. * What it means to be more than just a player in the pit—how to lead, adapt, and thrive as a versatile instrumentalist. Matthew has great stories, big insights, and a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this business—not just as a drummer, but as a full-fledged musician and bandleader. Some clips of me playing a fun gig with him several years ago: Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King. Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater. Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears. Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 31min

  7. 18/08/2025

    Podcast 100 - Michael Manasseh

    This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In this episode, I talk with Michael Manasseh, the drummer for the current Hadestown national tour. Michael shares his unique path from studying economics at Columbia University to landing gigs on Broadway tours, and how his early training shaped the versatile musician he is today. We talk about: * How growing up in Boston, church music, and early jazz studies shaped his drumming identity * His college years at Columbia, balancing academics with student theater, and realizing music could become a career * The turning point of joining Muse (Musicians United for Social Equity) and mentorship with John Clancy, which led to his first big break on the Shrek tour * What it’s like playing Hadestown night after night—the mental and physical demands, the freedom to improvise, and why it feels like “jazz theater” * Stories from the road, including near-misses with quick costume changes, learning directly from orchestrators, and pulling influences from Art Blakey to Mark Guiliana * His perspective on the business side of Broadway, the economics of touring shows, and why relationships—not transactions—drive opportunities for drummers Michael’s story highlights not just the technical side of playing drums on a major tour, but also the importance of balance, community, and adaptability in building a long-term career in theater. If you’re a drummer looking to break into Broadway—or just want to hear what life is really like behind the kit on a national tour—you won’t want to miss this conversation. More about Michael: https://www.michaelmanassehmusic.com/ If you want to understand how to make a lasting career in this business — not just play the music — my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career dives deep into both the art and the industry. Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 so you don’t miss Michael’s episode and other conversations that go beyond the notes. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King. Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater. Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears. Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1hr 6min

  8. 09/08/2025

    Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episode - Paul Pizzuti

    This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Originally posted November 2021 Paul Pizzuti has over fifty years of experience playing shows, making him one of the most seasoned and respected drummers on Broadway. He’s a musician everyone should listen to when it comes to understanding what it takes to build and sustain a successful career playing Broadway musicals. In this episode, we discuss: * Playing the musical Candide * Landing the original Godspell * Handling a performance during the 1977 New York City blackout * Working on the original Evita * Why Merrily We Roll Along closed quickly but became a classic * How a chain of small connections led to a seven-year run on Cats * Sight-reading the TONY Awards show * Leaving the business altogether for a short period of time * Being the China Club house drummer on Wednesday nights * Recording the cast albums for Assassins and Crazy For You * Working on Gypsy with Patti LuPone * Observing the transition from no monitors in Broadway pits to personal monitoring systems Partial list of Paul’s Broadway and concert credits: * She Loves Me * Far Away Places: Live at 54 Below w/ Patti LuPone * The Other Duke: Tribute to Duke Pearson * How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying * Merrily We Roll Along * Another Monday Night * The Lady with the Torch w/ Patti LuPone * Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, in Concert from Carnegie Hall * Pacific Overtures * Big Band Blues * Into the Woods * The Frogs / Evening Primrose * Kiss Me, Kate * Fifteen-Year Anniversary w/ Betty Buckley * Big * A Christmas Carol * Crazy for You * Assassins * Cats * …and many more I just released a free PDF every working musician needs—and it’s not just for drummers. It’s called “20 Smart Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to Any Gig,” pulled straight from my upcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career. This book is packed with tools, insights, and real-world advice to help you navigate the ups and downs of a music career. This checklist will help you: * Avoid gigs that aren’t worth your time * Spot red flags before you commit * Make sure the money, the people, and the music are right * Say no with confidence—or yes with clarity Grab your free copy here:👉 https://www.broadwayboundbook.com/book-launch-checklist Sign up to be notified when the book launches this fall. Paid subscribers will get an advance copy, a signed edition, and a big discount. Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King. Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater. Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears. Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    2h 2m
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The Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features real conversations with the musicians who make Broadway run. Veterans. Rising players. Pit legends and the next generation. These are the people shaping the sound of theater — and nobody's cleaning it up for the camera. broadwaydrumming101.substack.com

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