Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan

Me'sha Bryan
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Welcome to Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan. I'm so excited to be sharing my love of the entertainment industry with you. I'll be interviewing actors, musicians, choreographers, singers, lighting and stage tech, writers… Basically, if they've got anything to do with the entertainment industry, I'll be speaking with them. So come and join me, Me'sha Bryan on Stage & Screen.

  1. Sign Language in Dance: A Conversation with Mark Smith Part 1

    31 MAR

    Sign Language in Dance: A Conversation with Mark Smith Part 1

    This interview with renowned choreographer Mark Smith explores his journey from Royal Ballet training to international stage success, his innovative integration of sign language into dance, and his insights on the importance of sign language and deaf culture in the arts. Mark's Links Website - https://www.marksmithchoreographer.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marksmithchoreographer X - https://x.com/marksmith_prod Deaf Men Dancing - https://deafmendancing.com/ Key  topics Mark Smith's career trajectory from Royal Ballet to international stages The integration of sign language into dance and choreography The importance of sign language as a cultural and artistic expression Sound bites "I feel vibrations through my feet first." "I learned BSL quite late, at age four." "Sign language was banned for 100 years."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Smith's Journey 03:02 Connection with Bird College and Creative Process 06:05 The Impact of Dance on Communication 09:12 Exploring the Role of Vibration in Dance 11:47 Choreography and Collaboration in Musical Theatre 14:54 Learning British Sign Language and Its Importance 25:04 Overcoming Communication Barriers 26:44 Celebrating Deaf Culture Through Dance 30:30 The Emotional Connection in Performance 32:33 Evolving Dance Styles and Personal Growth 36:31 Diverse Dance Training and Its Importance 40:57 The Journey to Choreography 43:12 First Steps as a Choreographer 46:52 Pitching Ideas and Securing Choreography Jobs 50:07 Navigating the Competitive Dance Industry 53:41 The Impact of Social Media on Opportunities Links:  Royal Ballet School - https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/ London Studio Centre - https://londonstudiocentre.org/ Graeae Theatre Company - https://graeae.org/ Deaf Men Dancing - https://deafmendancing.com/ British Sign Language (BSL) - https://bslzone.co.uk/ Ramps on the Moon - https://rampsonthemoon.co.uk/ Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/ Me'sha's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk

    55 min
  2. Lindsay Bonaccorsi - Part 2 - Visibility: Self-Promotion in the Creative Arts

    10 MAR

    Lindsay Bonaccorsi - Part 2 - Visibility: Self-Promotion in the Creative Arts

    This conversation delves into the intricate world of costume design, exploring the casting process, the importance of colour inspiration, and the challenges of period costuming. Lindsay shares personal experiences, including career milestones, the impact of motherhood on her professional journey, and the significance of networking and mentorship in the industry. The discussion highlights the creative process behind wardrobe design and the collaborative nature of bringing characters to life on screen. Me'sha and Lindsay discuss the challenges and importance of self-promotion in the creative industry, particularly for freelancers. They emphasise the need for visibility and authenticity in social media, the nostalgia of working in familiar places, and the aspirations for future creative projects. Mentorship and sharing knowledge are highlighted as vital components of growth in the industry. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and personal life, the significance of taking downtime for creativity, and reflections on awards and recognition in their careers. Lindsay's Links: Website: https://www.lindsaybonaccorsi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaybonaccorsicostume/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-bonaccorsi-53a2ba1a/ Agent: https://saraputt.co.uk/client/lindsay-bonaccorsi/ Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/ Me'sha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk Takeaways The casting process often starts with just a headshot. Self-tapes can provide valuable insights into an actor's interpretation of a character. Early conversations with actors about their preferences can enhance the design process. Color inspiration can come from the environment and setting of the story. Creating a coherent look for a series involves collaboration with production designers. Period costuming benefits from historical references but presents unique challenges. Winning awards can validate a designer's creative efforts and open new opportunities. Balancing motherhood and a career in costume design can be challenging but rewarding. Networking within the industry is crucial for career growth and opportunities. Mentorship programs can provide valuable guidance and support for mid-career professionals. Self-promotion can feel vulgar, but it's necessary. Having strong cheerleaders can propel you forward. Visibility is crucial for freelancers in the creative industry. Authenticity in social media is important for connection. Nostalgia for familiar places can enhance creativity. Creative aspirations drive the desire for new projects. Mentorship is a valuable way to share knowledge. Taking downtime is essential for creative rejuvenation. Balancing work and personal life is a constant challenge. Awards can be unexpected but are meaningful milestones. Chapters 00:00 Casting Insights: Understanding the Actor's Presentation 02:50 Color Inspiration: Crafting Character Through Wardrobe 05:56 The Art of Period Costuming: Balancing History and Creativity 09:08 Career Milestones: From Awards to Motherhood 12:08 Networking and Community: The Importance of Industry Connections 15:02 Mentorship and Growth: Navigating Mid-Career Challenges 23:07 Embracing Self-Promotion 25:08 The Importance of Visibility in Freelancing 26:23 Nostalgia and Connection to Place 28:43 Creative Aspirations and Future Projects 30:10 Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge 32:55 The Value of Creativity and Downtime 35:08 Balancing Work and Personal Life 39:00 Reflections on Awards and Recognition

    45 min
  3. Lindsay Bonaccorsi - Part 1 - The Art of Award Winning Costume Design

    24 FEB

    Lindsay Bonaccorsi - Part 1 - The Art of Award Winning Costume Design

    In this episode Me'sha talks to costume designer Lindsay Bonaccorsi as she shares her journey from childhood creativity to becoming a BAFTA Cymru award-winning designer. She discusses her early inspirations, the importance of education, and how she navigated the challenges of the industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lindsay also highlights her creative ventures during lockdown, her passion for drawing, and the collaborative nature of costume design, emphasising the balance between character authenticity and actor comfort while managing budgets and resources effectively. Me'sha and Lindsay delve into the multifaceted world of costume design, exploring the adaptability required in the role, the various responsibilities within costume departments, and the journey of progressing through different roles in the industry. They discuss the importance of building relationships on set, the meticulous care and maintenance of costumes, and the learning experiences that come from mistakes. Additionally, they touch on the collaborative nature of the creative process and the significance of feedback in costume design. Lindsay's Links: Website: https://www.lindsaybonaccorsi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaybonaccorsicostume/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-bonaccorsi-53a2ba1a/ Agent: https://saraputt.co.uk/client/lindsay-bonaccorsi/ Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/ Me'sha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan/?originalSubdomain=uk Takeaways: Lindsay's childhood was filled with creative dress-up experiences. Her mother played a significant role in nurturing her creativity. Education at the Royal Welsh College was pivotal for her career. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the creative industry. Lindsay launched a kids' t-shirt business during lockdown. Drawing is a fundamental passion for Lindsay and her children. Collaboration with actors is crucial in costume design. Budget constraints require resourcefulness in costume creation. Costume design involves balancing character needs with actor comfort. The industry is constantly evolving, requiring adaptability.  Adaptability is crucial in costume design. Resourcefulness can lead to creative solutions. Understanding garment construction enhances design skills. Body shapes influence costume choices. Transformations of actors can be astonishing. Costume departments have diverse roles and responsibilities. Building rapport with actors is essential. The costume designer community is supportive. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences. Feedback is vital in the creative process.   Sound bites: "It was just in your bones, I think." "It's a bit of a jigsaw puzzle." "Every budget is different." "It's a supportive community." "Every day's a school day." "You learn something on every job."   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lindsay Bonaccorsi 02:37 Early Inspirations and Childhood Creativity 08:14 Education and Career Beginnings 11:07 Navigating the Industry Post-COVID 12:56 Creative Ventures During Lockdown 14:25 The Art of Costume Design 19:42 Collaboration and Flexibility in Costume Design 21:33 Balancing Character and Actor Comfort 25:00 Budgeting and Resourcefulness in Costume Design 27:05 The Art of Adaptability in Costume Design 30:03 Roles and Responsibilities in Costume Departments 36:08 Journey Through the Ranks of Costume Design 39:05 Building Relationships on Set 45:11 Behind the Scenes: Costume Maintenance and Care 49:41 Learning from Experience: Mistakes and Growth 51:16 Navigating Creative Feedback and Approval Processes

    55 min
  4. Celebrating the best moments from the first 6 months

    13 FEB

    Celebrating the best moments from the first 6 months

    In this episode of Stage and Screen, Me'sha Bryan celebrates six months of the show with a reflection on past interviews and experiences. This video highlights some of the best moments from the podcast's first six months on air. Guests include, Mike Nolan: 80s Pop Icon: Mark Buckley: Monitor Engineer to the stars Jon Xue Zhang: Actor, Martial Artist and Ram Man from The Master of the Universe Movie  Lee Hall: Writer of Billy Elliot, Rocketman and War Horse Cheryl Baker: 80's pop Legend and TV Presenter Darren Ashford: Session Drummer & Educator Takeaways Celebrating six months of Stage and Screen with reflections. The joy of performing and receiving audience appreciation. Creating music can lead to unexpected and joyous moments. Injuries on set are common and often unnoticed during filming. Working with difficult personalities is part of the industry. Professionalism can shine through even in challenging situations. The importance of collaboration in creative projects. Memorable moments can come from unexpected performances. The journey of acceptance in a professional environment takes time. Every experience contributes to personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Six Months of Stage and Screen 00:18 Me'sha on the first 6 months! 02:01 Cheryl Baker from Bucks Fizz 02:43 Writer Lee Hall 03:15 Composer John Altman 04:16 Session singer Emer McParland 04:41 Session drummer Darren Ashford 05:04 Actor Jon Xue Zhang 05:33 Monitor Engineer Mark Buckley 06:20 80s Pop icon Mike Nolan

    8 min
  5. Session Drummer Darren Ashford: Part 2 - Navigating the Music Industry: Insights and Experiences

    13 JAN

    Session Drummer Darren Ashford: Part 2 - Navigating the Music Industry: Insights and Experiences

    This conversation explores the significance of reading music in the music industry, the diverse experiences of musicians, and the balance between performance and personal life. Darren shares his insights on the importance of musical education, the challenges faced in learning instruments, and memorable gigs that shaped his career. Darren & Me'sha emphasise the joy of performing and the unique experiences that come with being a musician, while also discussing the importance of finding balance in life and the challenges of learning to play the drums. Darren's links:  https://www.darrenashford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/darrenashfo... https://www.facebook.com/darrenashfor...   Stage & Screen http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stageandscr... https://www.facebook.comstageandscree...   Me'sha's Website & Socials https://www.meshabryan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan Takeaways  Reading music is essential for navigating the music industry. Time efficiency in studios is crucial for success. Understanding the language of music enhances communication. Playing with different musicians builds valuable experience. Finding balance in life is important for musicians. The joy of performing is a unique experience. Musicians often face challenges in learning instruments. No two musicians learn in the same way. Memorable gigs shape a musician's career. Being present in the moment enhances the performance experience. Sound bites "Time is money in the studios." "It's about serving the music." "Being in the moment is crucial." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Reading Music 02:26 Navigating the Music Industry 06:10 The Balance of Skills in Music 10:00 Experiences with Diverse Artists 14:06 Performing for Presidents and Celebrities 17:55 Finding Balance in the Entertainment World 19:56 The Mindset of a Musician 25:46 Staying True to Musical Passion 27:08 Navigating Nerves and Confidence in Performance 30:05 The Importance of Work Ethic and Preparation 33:37 Overcoming Barriers to Learning Drums 37:06 Memorable Gigs and Musical Moments 41:51 The Impact of Technology on Live Music Experience

    46 min
  6. Episode 16: Behind the Mic: Merry Christmas!! Looking Forward...

    30/12/2025

    Episode 16: Behind the Mic: Merry Christmas!! Looking Forward...

    In this festive episode of Stage and Screen, Me'sha reflect on the past year, express gratitude to their audience, and share their holiday traditions. They celebrate milestones, including new subscribers and community engagement, while also discussing the joys and challenges of the holiday season. The conversation is filled with warmth, humour, and a sense of togetherness as they look forward to the new year. Takeaways It's been a beautiful thing to connect with listeners.  The festive season is a time for togetherness. Community engagement has grown significantly this year. Milestones in the podcast have been celebrated throughout the year. Food and family traditions play a big role during the holidays. The hosts appreciate the lovely messages from their audience. The podcast started in July and has seen rapid growth since. Holiday games can lead to funny moments and memories. The hosts are excited for what the new year will bring. Gratitude for the audience is a recurring theme in the conversation. Chapters 00:00 Festive Greetings and Reflections 03:06 Celebrating Milestones and Community Engagement 06:04 Holiday Traditions and Family Fun

    8 min
  7. Session Drummer Darren Ashford: Part 1 - The Art of Drumming and Bodybuilding

    18/12/2025

    Session Drummer Darren Ashford: Part 1 - The Art of Drumming and Bodybuilding

    Darren Ashford, a renowned session drummer and two-time all-natural bodybuilding champion, shares insights into his journey in music and fitness. He discusses the physical demands of drumming, the importance of stamina, and how his bodybuilding experience has influenced his performance. The conversation also delves into the setup of his music studio, the challenges of lugging equipment, and the dedication required to excel in both music and fitness. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of drumming, touching on themes of teaching, motivation, practice habits, the impact of technology, and the importance of the human element in music. The speakers discuss how motivations for learning drums have shifted over time, the challenges of mastering the instrument, and the community aspect of being a drummer. They also delve into the implications of AI in music production and the necessity for modern drummers to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining the essence of live performance. Takeaways Darren Ashford is a versatile musician and fitness enthusiast. Creating a functional music studio requires careful planning and consideration. Drumming can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength. Training can significantly enhance performance in music. Bodybuilding taught Darren valuable lessons about discipline and commitment. Darren's experience in competitions helped him grow as a person and musician. Flexibility and strength are crucial for both bodybuilding and drumming. Performance in bodybuilding is akin to performing music; both require creativity. Public perception often misjudges the effort behind fitness achievements. Consistency and dedication are key to achieving results in any field.  Insecurity can lead to a deeper understanding of students. Motivations for playing drums remain largely unchanged. Commitment to practice varies significantly among students. Access to information has transformed how drummers learn. Drumming requires complex coordination of limbs. The drumming community is supportive and unique. Drum kits have evolved significantly over time. AI may replace some aspects of music production. The human experience in music is irreplaceable. Modern drummers need a broader skill set to be employable. Sound bites "Home sweet home." "Doing a gig is almost like a mini workout." "It's all a performance." "You must be on gear." "The level of commitment reflects the results." "You've got to really enjoy it and love it." "There's so much variation" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Darren Ashford 01:15 Setting Up the Studio Space 03:55 The Physical Demands of Drumming 06:30 Stamina and Performance 08:45 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitions 12:45 Bodybuilding Techniques and Performance 17:17 Perceptions of Fitness and Commitment 21:51 Diagnosing Musical Challenges 22:27 Changing Motivations in Drumming 24:21 Practice Habits and Commitment 26:30 The Complexity of Drumming 28:50 The Drummer's Mindset and Community 30:42 The Evolution of Drum Kits 34:34 AI's Impact on Music and Drumming 41:20 The Modern Drummer's Skill Set

    46 min
  8. Cheryl Baker - Part 2: From Music to TV and Back Again

    02/12/2025

    Cheryl Baker - Part 2: From Music to TV and Back Again

    In this engaging conversation, Me'sha quizes Cheryl into the intricacies of making music videos, the transition to television presenting, and the challenges faced while hosting the popular show Record Breakers. Cheryl reflects on the impact of parenthood on her career, shares heartfelt memories of the late Roy Castle, and discuss the evolution of her identities within the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of returning to music and the importance of maintaining a professional persona while navigating fame. Cheryl reflects on her journey through fame, identity, and personal growth. She shares insights on navigating the complexities of being a celebrity while staying grounded, her love for cooking, and her aspirations for the future. The discussion also touches on her experiences with aging, health, and the desire to connect with her audience through upcoming projects. Links Cheryl's Website: https://www.cherylbaker.net/ The Fizz Website & Socials https://www.thefizzofficial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefizzofficial/?locale=en_GB https://www.instagram.com/thefizzcmjn Stage and Screen http://stageandscreenpodcast.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/ Me'sha's Website & Socials https://www.meshabryan.com/  https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/ Takeaways Making music videos is tedious but rewarding. Transitioning to presenting was a natural progression. Record Breakers involved crazy challenges and stunts. Parenthood drastically changed life and career priorities. Roy Castle was a significant influence and friend. The entertainment industry can be ageist and challenging. Returning to music brought joy and fulfillment. Maintaining a professional persona is essential. The importance of camaraderie in the entertainment industry. Life experiences shape personal and professional identity. Cheryl got married later in life, which allowed her to enjoy her youth. She prefers being recognized as Rita rather than Cheryl Baker. Staying grounded is important to her, and she values her family and friends. She enjoys being recognized and appreciates the love from fans. Cheryl has a passion for cooking and enjoys hosting dinner parties. She reflects on the challenges of aging and health concerns. Cheryl has achieved many career milestones but still has personal aspirations. She wishes she had cracked the American market during her career. Cheryl's daughters are pursuing their own creative projects, which she supports. She is excited about her upcoming solo show and potential new music with Bucks Fizz. Chapters 00:00 The Music Video Experience 03:06 Transitioning to Presenting 05:57 Record Breakers and Crazy Challenges 09:03 The Impact of Parenthood 12:09 Remembering Roy Castle 15:01 The Evolution of Career and Identity 18:05 The Return to Music and Performance 32:24 Navigating Fame and Identity 35:59 The Joy of Being Recognized 36:45 Staying Grounded in Stardom 40:28 Reflections on Aging and Health 46:32 Career Achievements and Future Aspirations 49:47 The American Dream and Missed Opportunities 55:10 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

    1hr 3min
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About

Welcome to Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan. I'm so excited to be sharing my love of the entertainment industry with you. I'll be interviewing actors, musicians, choreographers, singers, lighting and stage tech, writers… Basically, if they've got anything to do with the entertainment industry, I'll be speaking with them. So come and join me, Me'sha Bryan on Stage & Screen.

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