10 episodes

Five Minute Call is a podcast that takes a deep dive into the stories of the people that make theatre happen. Hosted by Claire Underwood and Oren Boder, we pull back the curtain to explore their truths, life lessons, inspiring narratives, and hard-earned wisdom from our guests. Enjoy a unique peek behind the glitz and glamour of the stage, screen, and studio as we sit down with some of the most influential figures in the arts world - from groundbreaking performers and visionary directors, to astute casting agents, crew, and everyone in between.

Five Minute Call Five Minute Call

    • Arts

Five Minute Call is a podcast that takes a deep dive into the stories of the people that make theatre happen. Hosted by Claire Underwood and Oren Boder, we pull back the curtain to explore their truths, life lessons, inspiring narratives, and hard-earned wisdom from our guests. Enjoy a unique peek behind the glitz and glamour of the stage, screen, and studio as we sit down with some of the most influential figures in the arts world - from groundbreaking performers and visionary directors, to astute casting agents, crew, and everyone in between.

    Ellen Jackson: From Motherhood to 12,000 Performances of Phantom of the Opera

    Ellen Jackson: From Motherhood to 12,000 Performances of Phantom of the Opera

    This is Ellen Jackson.

    00:00:00 - Opening Trailer
    00:00:56 - Introduction
    00:01:27 - Ellen's Story
    00:03:15 - Early Singing Experiences
    00:06:25 - Pursuing a Career in Singing
    00:11:00 - Royal Scottish Academy of Music
    00:14:23 - Early Career with Scottish Opera
    00:17:55 - Transition to Musical Theatre
    00:22:24 - Motherhood and Les Misérables
    00:26:25 - Born Again at Chichester Festival Theatre
    00:29:30 - The Phantom of the Opera
    00:37:40 - Maintaining Voice and Performance Over a Long Run
    00:44:40 - Leaving Phantom and Adapting to Vocal Changes
    00:51:25 - Closing Reflections
    00:51:30 - Five Minute Call
    00:52:50 - Greatest Growth and Learning Experiences
    00:56:58 - Closing

    ----

    FOLLOW ►
    https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod

    Oren:
    https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder

    Claire:
    https://www.instagram.com/showminds

    LISTEN ►
    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3

    ----

    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.

    In the first instance, helplines:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)

    If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
    BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888
    Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008
    https://www.applauseforthought.com
    https://www.industryminds.co.uk
    https://www.bapam.org
    https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
    https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
    https://www.artsminds.co.uk
    https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
    https://www.mind.org.uk


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fiveminutecall/message

    • 57 min
    Johnny Bishop: "Michael Jackson inspired my journey from Trinidad to the West End"

    Johnny Bishop: "Michael Jackson inspired my journey from Trinidad to the West End"

    This is Johnny's story.

    00:00:00 - Opening Trailer
    00:01:14 - Introduction00:01:38 - In The Beginning
    00:04:50 - Joining Carnival Messiah
    00:06:58 - Auditioning for The Lion King
    00:09:29 - Moving to London
    00:11:05 - Life at Sylvia Young Theatre School
    00:17:32 - Advice for Young Performers
    00:22:25 - Perfectionism and Sustainability
    00:29:25 - Teaching Dance vs Singing
    00:34:34 - The Impact of Strict Training
    00:40:38 - Life After Sylvia Young
    00:44:36 - The Importance of Craft Over Audience
    00:49:39 - Producing His Own Work
    00:53:00 - The Realities of the Industry
    00:58:15 - Closing

    ----

    FOLLOW ►
    https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod

    Oren:
    https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder

    Claire:
    https://www.instagram.com/showminds

    Johnny:
    https://www.instagram.com/johnny_bishop1

    LISTEN ►
    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3

    ----

    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.

    In the first instance, helplines:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)

    If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
    BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888
    Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008
    https://www.applauseforthought.com
    https://www.industryminds.co.uk
    https://www.bapam.org
    https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
    https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
    https://www.artsminds.co.uk
    https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
    https://www.mind.org.uk


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fiveminutecall/message

    • 58 min
    Lorna Cobbold: Company & Stage Manager (Cabaret, Les Miserable, Lion King, Mary Poppins)

    Lorna Cobbold: Company & Stage Manager (Cabaret, Les Miserable, Lion King, Mary Poppins)

    This is Lorna's story.

    00:00:00 - Opening Trailer
    00:01:08 - Introduction
    00:01:20 - Lorna's Journey into Theatre
    00:09:43 - What is Stage Management?
    00:17:29 - Differences Between Deputy Stage Manager and Company Manager
    00:19:53 - Lorna's Move from Plays to Musicals
    00:27:15 - What Happens When Something Goes Wrong During a Show
    00:32:38 - The Magic of a Sitzprobe
    00:36:05 - Differences Between Plays and Musicals for Stage Management
    00:39:42 - Lorna's Personal Stage Management Style
    00:44:53 - What's Next for Lorna
    00:51:00 - Lorna's Five Minute Call Routine
    00:54:59 - Audience Question: Why Musical Theatre and Was it a Good Choice?
    00:58:24 - Closing

    ----

    FOLLOW ►
    https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod

    Oren:
    https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder

    Claire:
    https://www.instagram.com/showminds

    LISTEN ►
    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3

    ----

    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.

    In the first instance, helplines:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)

    If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
    BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888
    Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008
    https://www.applauseforthought.com
    https://www.industryminds.co.uk
    https://www.bapam.org
    https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
    https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
    https://www.artsminds.co.uk
    https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
    https://www.mind.org.uk


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fiveminutecall/message

    • 58 min
    Jennifer Whyte: West End Musical Director (Les Mis, Avenue Q, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom, Cabaret)

    Jennifer Whyte: West End Musical Director (Les Mis, Avenue Q, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom, Cabaret)

    This is Jen's story.

    00:00:00 - Trailer
    00:01:02 - Introduction
    00:01:29 - Jennifer White's Early Life and Musical Background
    00:02:23 - The Importance of Breadth in Musical Knowledge
    00:04:10 - Developing Musical Accompaniment Skills
    00:05:16 - Working Men's Club Band Experience
    00:06:26 - Musical Theatre Beginnings at Age 17
    00:08:55 - Auditioning for Music Schools and University
    00:12:05 - First Musical Theatre Project: Calamity Jane
    00:13:21 - Family Musical Connections
    00:15:11 - Difficulty Connecting with Classical Music Interpretation
    00:18:30 - Connecting Storytelling with Music
    00:20:16 - The Origins of Jennifer's Storytelling Through Music
    00:22:29 - Underworld Musical Project
    00:28:39 - Blurring the Lines Between Audience and Performance
    00:30:03 - Underworld's Challenges and Inspirations
    00:35:55 - Developing Emotional Intelligence in Music
    00:38:19 - The Importance of Reconstituting Written Music
    00:39:12 - Feeling Authentic in Different Musical Styles
    00:41:15 - Recreating Musical Styles Authentically
    00:44:03 - Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
    00:48:00 - The Advantages of a Multifaceted Skillset
    00:51:33 - Accepting One's Unique Strengths
    00:54:20 - Aspirations Beyond Musical Theatre
    00:55:32 - The Origin Story: Getting to London
    01:02:07 - Addressing Snobbery Towards Musical Theatre
    01:04:00 - Closing Thoughts

    ----

    FOLLOW ►
    https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod

    Oren:
    https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder

    Claire:
    https://www.instagram.com/showminds

    Jennifer:
    https://www.instagram.com/msjenwhyte
    https://www.jenniferwhyte.co.uk

    LISTEN ►
    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3

    ----

    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.

    In the first instance, helplines:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)

    If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
    BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888
    Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008
    https://www.applauseforthought.com
    https://www.industryminds.co.uk
    https://www.bapam.org
    https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
    https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
    https://www.artsminds.co.uk
    https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
    https://www.mind.org.uk


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fiveminutecall/message

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Kris Hedges-Manuel - Embracing the Ensemble / Starting a successful school during lockdown

    Kris Hedges-Manuel - Embracing the Ensemble / Starting a successful school during lockdown

    This is Kris' story.

    00:00:00 - Introduction
    00:01:09 - Early Influences and Discovering Musical Theatre
    00:02:07 - Family Background in Performing Arts
    00:03:16 - First Steps and Education in Musical Theatere
    00:06:14 - Professional Development and Transitioning Roles
    00:10:04 - Ensemble Importance and Recognition
    00:12:05 - First Professional Gig and Transition to Teaching
    00:16:35 - Reflecting on Career and Advice to Younger Self
    00:23:05 - Teaching Philosophy and Approach
    00:30:39 - Founding West End Prep and Adapting to Online Teaching
    00:36:14 - Evolving Ethos of West End Prep
    00:40:36 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Perfectionism
    00:48:27 - Preferences: Working in Town vs. Touring
    00:49:01 - Personal Life and Relationships in Theatre

    ----

    FOLLOW ►
    https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod

    Oren:
    https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder

    Claire:
    https://www.instagram.com/showminds

    Kris:
    https://www.instagram.com/krismanuel


    LISTEN ►
    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3

    ----

    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.

    In the first instance, helplines:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)

    If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
    BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888
    Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008
    https://www.applauseforthought.com
    https://www.industryminds.co.uk
    https://www.bapam.org
    https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
    https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
    https://www.artsminds.co.uk
    https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
    https://www.mind.org.uk


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fiveminutecall/message

    • 59 min
    Alexia Khadime - Grammy Nominated Actress | Prince of Egypt / Les Miserable / Wicked / Lion King

    Alexia Khadime - Grammy Nominated Actress | Prince of Egypt / Les Miserable / Wicked / Lion King

    This is Alexia's story.

    ---

    00:00:00 - Introduction
    00:00:38 - Early Musical Influences and Experiences
    00:04:18 - First Steps into Professional Theater
    00:07:13 - Transition to a Career in Musical Theater
    00:15:01 - The Craft of Performance and Authenticity
    00:23:01 - Vocal Health and Mindfulness
    00:32:48 - Facing Challenges and Learning from Them
    00:40:52 - Character Building and Authenticity in Roles
    00:50:20 - Pre-Performance Routine and Mindset

    ----

    FOLLOW ►
    https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod

    Oren:
    https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder

    Claire:
    https://www.instagram.com/showminds

    Alexia Khadime:
    https://www.instagram.com/alexiakhadime

    LISTEN ►
    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3

    ----

    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.

    In the first instance, helplines:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)

    If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
    BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888
    Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008
    https://www.applauseforthought.com
    https://www.industryminds.co.uk
    https://www.bapam.org
    https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
    https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
    https://www.artsminds.co.uk
    https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
    https://www.mind.org.uk


    ---

    Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fiveminutecall/message

    • 58 min

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