Performer Stories — Fascinating Stories from Top Entertainers

Kris Sheppard
Performer Stories — Fascinating Stories from Top Entertainers Podcast

This is a storytelling podcast where you'll hear the amazing, the funny, the cringeworthy, and the heartwarming. Magicians, comedians, musicians, actors, and other entertainers tell their most interesting and true "war stories" from on the road and on the stage. New episodes released every Monday.

  1. 14/07/2021

    Nightmare Experiences - Stories by Kimberly JaJuan, Zia Quill Kay, Kayla Drescher, and Daniel Greenwolf

    This week's storytellers are Broadway Actor/Singer Kimberly JaJuan, Magician, Ballonist, and Sideshow Performer Zia Quill Kay, Magician and Podcast Host Kayla Drescher, and Celtic Magician Daniel Greenwolf. All the stories in this episode have to do with nightmares unfolding at and during performances. Kimberly talks about missing an entrance cue, Zia tells about a gig that was raided by SWAT, Kayla talks about exiting an illusion too early, and Daniel talks about a fireworks stunt gone wrong.   Kimberly JaJuan The first story is told by Kimberly JaJuan, a singer and actor both on and off Broadway. She's a graduate of The Eastman School and of Julliard School earning both Bachelor's and Masters Degrees. Some of her more notable (and favorite) roles have been Singing with Gloria Estefan and Harry Connick, Jr. at the Papal visit at Madison Square Garden, portraying the role of Sarah in RAGTIME on Broadway, and creating the role of Lisette alongside classmate Audra McDonald in MARIE CHRISTINE. Most recently she could have been seen bringing HERCULES to life with the Public Works at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. She's a long time member and manager of Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse, professional choir of broadway artists, united to change lives through the power of music and service. She's also a broadway investor debuting as an Associate Producer on productions like American Son, Ain’t Too Proud, and Hadestown to name a few. Here she is talking about the time she missed her entrance cue during a live performance.    Zia Quill Kay The second story is by Zia Quill Kay, a balloon artist, magician, clown, and sideshow performer. It't not like he had a choice though, with parents who are also in the performance industry as well. Here he is telling about his very first close up magic gig that got raided by SWAT.    Kayla Drescher The third story is my magician and podcast host Kayle Drescher, that creates magic that you care about and can really connect with on a human level. Her magic has taken her all over the world for clients like Microsoft, IBM, and Wells Fargo, among others. She also tours the world with the traveling show, Champions of Magic alongside other fellow magi and is planning to hit the road again in October! You may have seen her on TV shows like Access Hollywood, NBC’s Today Show, where she was crowned “The Next Great Magician” by David Copperfield, or on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us where Teller literally fell in love with her magic. She's also the host of the SHEzam Podcast, a show that hopes to make itself obsolete, as it brings change in the magic community and other neighboring industries. The goal being to inspire these industries to be more inclusive to all...and it’s working! Here she talking about the time she left the box early in a grand illusion performance during Champions of Magic. Here's where you can find out more about Kayla:  Kayla's Website: http://magicinheels.com/  Champions of Magic Website: http://championsofmagic.co.uk/  SHEzam Podcast: http://shezampod.com/    Daniel Greenwolf The final story is told by Daniel Greenwolf, an Award-Winning Magician, Writer, Creator, & Slightly Mad Irishman. His show takes Highly Visual Magic, Theatrical Storytelling, Exhilarating Irish Music, Interactive Comedy, & Thrilling Danger and wraps it in a Celtic Theme that has been described as "A Witty, Modern-Day Celtic Viking. Kinda like James Joyce with a Broad Sword." For Five Years In A Row he was voted as one of the Top Five Solo Variety Acts in theUS by the Renaissance Festival Podcast & Renaissance Magazine. He's opened for World-Renowned Musician WENDY RULE, the CAST OF BEATLEMANIA, as well as International Celtic Rock Group ENTER THE HAGGIS You may have also seen him featured in the Film Documentary MAGIC CAMP  and on AMC Network's DISPATCHES FROM ELSEWHERE starring Jason Segel and Sally Field. Here's Daniel telling about how him and a friend

    41 min
  2. 15/06/2021

    Stories for Juneteenth - Stories by Kimberly JaJuan, E Clayton Cornelious, Ran'D Shine, and Stanley Wayne Mathis

    This week's storytellers are broadway actor and singer Kimberly JaJuan, broadway actor E Clayton Cornelious, magician Ran'D Shine, and broadway actor Stanley Wayne Mathis. This week, in observance of Juneteenth coming up this Saturday, I'm featuring stories all from Black entertainers. If you're unaware of what Juneteenth is, having only glanced past it as a seemingly obscure holiday on your calender, Juneteenth, observed on June 19th is a day in which we celebrate the day that the slaves in Texas found out that the Emancipation Proclimation was happening. In short, it declared that "all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward shall be free." Although that happened in 1863, 158 years ago, Black people today unfortunately are still facing challenges of equality. It may or may not come as a surprise that these challenges also crop up for those in the entertainment industry as well. It's my goal this episode to shine light on some of these challenges to bring awareness and inspire change because this is something that needs to be addressed, not just by those experiencing it, but by all people.   Kimberly JaJuan The first story is told by Kimberly JaJuan, a singer and actor both on and off Broadway. She's a graduate of The Eastman School and of Julliard School earning both Bachelor's and Masters Degrees. Some of her more notable (and favorite) roles have been Singing with Gloria Estefan and Harry Connick, Jr. at the Papal visit at Madison Square Garden, portraying the role of Sarah in RAGTIME on Broadway, and creating the role of Lisette alongside classmate Audra McDonald in MARIE CHRISTINE. Most recently she could have been seen bringing HERCULES to life with the Public Works at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. She's a long time member and manager of Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse, professional choir of broadway artists, united to change lives through the power of music and service. She's also a broadway investor debuting as an Associate Producer on productions like American Son, Ain’t Too Proud, and Hadestown to name a few. Here she is talking about a time she had to be judicious with her words in regards to cultural differences having been asked for her thoughts on a scene being rehearsed.   E Clayton Cornelious The second story is by E Clayton Cornelious, a 22 year broadway veteran with credits including The Caterpillar in Wonderland, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Scottsboro Boys, and A Chorus Line. Add to this, a number of National Tour credits that include Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Jersey Boys, and Dirty Dancing. In addition to his countless theater credits, he's a broadway investor and producer as well as a member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices. He's also a recent recipient of the, "Legacy Robe" for his role in the Broadway hit, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. Here's E Clayton telling about a time he didn't land a role because he didn't fit the picture of what they were looking for. Here's where you can find out more about E Clayton:  E Clayton's Website:  https://www.eclaycorn.com    Ran'D Shine The third story is my magician Ran'D Shine, the face of the new millennium magician who's magic has taken him around the world from Cape Town South Africa performing his one-man show, "Mysterious Ways," to Presidential Inauguration banquets at the White House. He is one of the most sought after magicians on the college circuit, and has been featured at Hollywood's 'Magic Castle' as well as 'Monday Night Magic', New York's longest running Off-Broadway magic show. Here's Ran'D talking about a time he was mistaken for waitstaff at a networking event and then questioned as if he didn't belong there. Here's where you can find out more about Ran'D:  Ran'D's Website: https://www.randyshine.com     Stanley Wayne Mathis The final story is told by Stanley Wayne Mathis, a broadway veteran who made his debut in 1990 in the revival of Oh, Kay!. His o

    50 min
  3. 31/05/2021

    Pullin' at Heart Strings - Stories by Martika, Greg Triggs, Mario the Maker Magician, & Jonathan Pritchard

    This week's storytellers are One-woman stunt show Martika, Sketch Improv Comedian Greg Triggs, Mario the Maker Magician, and mentalist Jonathan Pritchard. Here's what you'll hear this episode. Martika shares some touching experiences doing driveway shows during the pandemic, Greg shares a heartwarming moment with a 90 year old woman while performing at Disney World, Mario shares about a child juggler who opened his show and a special moment that meant so much to Mario, and Jonathan shares a couple fond memories having worked with The Amazing Randi.   Martika: Heartwarming experiences performing during the pandemic The first story is told by Martika, an international variety entertainer based in Kansas City, MO. and is the C.E.O. of KC Entertainment Services, LLC. Having left a career as a veterinary technician more than ten years ago, she's toured the world solo, performing fire art stunts, escapes, and other sideshow danger acts. In fact, she's Kansas City's only woman sword swallower, and the only one woman show of this kind in the Midwest! She also teaches a variety of workshops in these disciplines establishing her even further as an expert. In her story, Martika tells about some heartwarming experiences she's has while performing driveway shows during the pandemic.  Here's where you can find out more about Martika:  Martika's Website:  https://themartikashow.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/themartikashow/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/martikamd   Greg Triggs: Reminicing About Adventurers Club & Streetmosphere Performing at Disney World The second story is told by Greg Triggs, a show director, writer, and improv sketch artist who's appeared with top sketch comedy troupes like The Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis and the Who, What, and Warehouse at Disney's Comedy Warehouse at Walt Disney World in Orlando. In this story, Greg reminices about his times performing at the world famous Adventurer's Club and as a streetmosphere character both at Walt Disney World. Here's where you can find out more about Greg:  Greg's Website http://www.gregtriggs.com/ Broadway's Next Hit Musical http://www.broadwaysnexthitmusical.com/   Strategic Entertainment NYC http://www.strategicentertainmentnyc.com/    Mario the Maker Magician: A meaningful experience from a young juggler that opened for him The third story is told by Mario the Maker Magician, who's zaney family magic and hand built robotics have have garnered him an appearance on Sesame Street and a residency with Maker Magazine doing a fun digital live show for families. You may have also seen some of his crazy awesome magical robotic short videos on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. In his story, he tells about a meaningful moment from a young juggler that opened for him at a fair. Here's where you can find out more about Mario:  Mario's Website: http://www.mariothemagician.com/ Mario's Instagram: @mariothemagician  www.instagram.com/mariothemagician   Jonathan Pritchard: Remembering The Amazing Randi The final story is told by Jonathan Pritchard, a mentalist, author, speaker, and trainer who focuses on the power of applied psychology helping businesses improve their marketing, sales, and delivery. In his story, Jonathan recalls some fond memories having worked with James "Amazing" Randi. Here's where you can find out more about Jonathan: Jonathan's Website:  http://jonathanpritchard.me/   Elite University:  http://elite.university   Game of Imagination:  http://gameofimagination.com/     Share Your Own Stories!  Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! performerstories@gmail.com   Exclusive Content!  Would you like exclusive content nobody else will hear? Consider supporting the shown on Patreon. You'll get the full interviews with each performer as I record them that includes all their stories all in one place with all the chat in between!   Face

    23 min
  4. 25/05/2021

    Fool Us Post Pandemic - Nathaniel Segal

    This week's This week there's one story and our storyteller is Nathaniel Segal. In his story, Nathaniel talks about his experience on Penn & Teller's Fool Us and being the first guest to perform live coming back from the pandemic.   Nathaniel Segal: Fool Us Post Pandemic Nathaniel Segal is an award winning magician and magic inventor based out of the Los Angeles area. He has a degree from UC Berkeley in applied math and theater and was a past president of the Oakland Magic Circle, teacher of the credit based magic class at Cal, and has been invited to speak at the prestigious Gathering 4 Gardner celebration. He has most recently appeared on the hit television show Penn & Teller: Fool Us on the CW network. Nathaniel continues to perform and teach magic for companies and private events in the LA area and all over the world through online virtual entertainment! In his story, Nathaniel tells about his recent experience on Penn & Teller Fool Us. Here's where you can find out more about Nathaniel:  Nathaniel's Website:  http://segalmagic.com/ Virtual Magic Class:  http://virtualmagicclass.com/ Fool Us Performance:  http://performerstories.com/foolussegal   Share Your Own Stories!  Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! performerstories@gmail.com   Exclusive Content!  Would you like exclusive content nobody else will hear? Consider supporting the shown on Patreon. You'll get the full interviews with each performer as I record them that includes all their stories all in one place with all the chat in between!   Facebook Group Come hang out in our Facebook Group! Click here to join and jump in the conversation!

    24 min
  5. 17/05/2021

    Trade Shows, Fairs, & Broken Glass - Stories by Danny Orleans, Dennis Forel

    This week's storytellers are Corporate Magician Danny Orleans, Balloon Sculpter Dennis Forel, and actor Marcus Vowel. Here's what you'll hear this episode. Danny recalls various things he's experienced while working on the trade show floor from missing booths and a fire, to a broken rolex, Dennis tells about some fun and heartwarming experiences he's had while performing at county fairs, and Marcus talks about setting his knee down on broken glass during a stage production and how that played out.   Danny Orleans: Crazy Stories from the Trade Show Floor The first story is told by Danny Orleans. Having left a career as an elementary school teacher, Danny Orleans is a magician who's done it all! He's performed over 5000 shows at schools, museums, libraries, theaters, and family day corporate events across North America. He's also acquired over 20 years of experience presenting at corporate events and trade shows drawing traffic to exhibitors booths and helping to generate more leads for his clients. Add to this creating countless products for magicians empowering them to level up their art. In his story, Danny sharing some crazy stories from the trade show floor. Here's where you can find out more about Danny:  Danny's Website:   https://corporatemagicltd.com/ Facebook Group:  http://performerstories.com/tradeshowgroup   Dennis Forel: Heartwarming Memories Performing at Fairs The second story is told by Dennis Forel. Dennis, is one of America’s foremost Balloon Sculptors, and has been performing since the Ides of March 1975. His repertoire of over 108 different animal designs, has taken him to state and county fairs, amusement parks, shopping centers, and special events throughout the Western U.S., Alaska, Mexico, Japan, and the Bahamas. He's become a favorite at night clubs like the world famous Magic Castle and  the Troubadour in Hollywood, Gallagher’s and Catch a Rising Star in the San Fernando Valley, Cobb’s in San Francisco and Hennesey’s in Hermosa Beach.  He's also co-author of the book “Balloonacy-The Art of Air Sculpture” which was also turned into an instructional video. In his story, Dennis shares a few short, fun, and heartwarming stories from performing at the Ventura County Fair. Here's where you can find out more info about Dennis: Dennis' Website:  http://balloonacy.com/ Balloonacy: Dennis' Book on Balloon Sculpture:  http://performerstories.com/balloonacy Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dennis.forel Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dennisforel/   Marcus Vowell: Taking a Knee on Broken Glass The final story is told by Marcus Vowell, an actor and podcaster based out of Orlando FL. In theater he's starred in productions like, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Catfish Moon in which his cast made it to the National American Association of Community Theatres Festival in Tacoma WA. In film, you may have seen him in 1 Mile to You and As I Lay Dying. He's also a podcaster that produces a fun show about quirky things in life called Accidentally Derivative. In his story, Marcus tells about the time he accidentally put his knee down on broken glass during a live performance on stage. Here's where you can find out more about Marcus: Marcus' Website:  http://marcusvowell.com/ Accidentally Derivative Podcast:  http://accidentallyderivative.com/   Share Your Own Stories!  Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! performerstories@gmail.com   Exclusive Content!  Would you like exclusive content nobody else will hear? Consider supporting the shown on Patreon. You'll get the full interviews with each performer as I record them that includes all their stories all in one place with all the chat in between!   Facebook Group Come hang out in our Facebook Group! Click here to join and jump in the conversation!

    42 min

About

This is a storytelling podcast where you'll hear the amazing, the funny, the cringeworthy, and the heartwarming. Magicians, comedians, musicians, actors, and other entertainers tell their most interesting and true "war stories" from on the road and on the stage. New episodes released every Monday.

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