Podcast #86 - Nate Patten

In this special episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we step out of the drum chair and into the conductor’s podium with Nate Patten, a celebrated music director, writer, and comedian based in New York City.

With a resume spanning eight Broadway shows—including Company, The Prom, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Catch Me If You Can—Nate brings a wealth of knowledge and humor to our discussion.

Currently conducting Elf, the holiday musical lighting up Broadway through January 7, 2024, Nate shares the secrets of his success, from networking and building genuine relationships to fostering curiosity and taking unconventional opportunities.

Whether you're a drummer, a percussionist, or any musician looking to understand the dynamics of working with a music director, this episode offers invaluable insights.

What You’ll Learn:

* How Nate got his start in musical theater and built his career.

* Why the chemistry between musicians in a pit is just as important as their talent.

* The critical role drummers play in maintaining the pulse of a Broadway production.

* Nate’s unique approach to giving feedback and fostering artistry in the pit.

* Tales from the rehearsal room with Broadway legends like Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, and Kristin Chenoweth.

🔥 Why Listen? This episode takes you behind the curtain to explore the often-overlooked relationship between drummers and music directors. Nate’s thoughtful advice and hilarious anecdotes make this an unmissable conversation for anyone passionate about Broadway.

Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe to Broadway Drumming 101 on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with a friend who loves musical theater.

Thanks for reading Broadway Drumming 101! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Resources & Links:

* Follow Nate Patten on social media for updates on his projects.

* Visit our YouTube Channel here at Broadway Drumming 101 for more episodes, resources, and exclusive content.

Download the Substack app to stay connected with Clayton Craddock’s latest insights and articles.

Nate Patten is a New York based director, music director, writer, and comedian. He is currently the director and co-writer with Brooke Shields of “Previously Owned by Brooke Shields” which opened to rave reviews in New York this fall.

As a Broadway music director and conductor he has conducted or played keyboard on 8 Broadway shows including most recently Company (with Patti Lupone), The Prom, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Catch Me If You Can. He has also conducted at the Kennedy Center and Madison Square Garden as well as on many national tours.

Nate is the writer and host of a popular comedy podcast called Patten Disregard featuring interviews with Broadway celebrities. As a writer or music director, he has worked with Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Jackie Hoffman, Jeremy Jordan, Brooke Shields and Kristin Chenoweth.

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, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and 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 proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com

Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe