The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Intimate, personal conversations with the biggest talents from professional theatre, tv, film, and more. Hear their secrets, what makes them laugh, stresses them out, and how they manage the anxiety of success. We feature both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters or productions themselves.​ This is a podcast for artists, made by artists. With over 2 decades of experience in film and theatre both as cast and creative, host Alan Seales speaks with Broadway, TV, film and beyond’s biggest talents to learn more about not only how the world of theatre and performing operate, but also what makes it so real and human. In-depth, personal, behind-the-scenes conversations will highlight special details of the industry that most people may not know exist, will always find out what makes the guests love their craft, what makes them tick, and what truly inspires them. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.

  1. Rob Madge: A Smoke Machine Wish, Tons of Wigs, and a Dream

    2D AGO

    Rob Madge: A Smoke Machine Wish, Tons of Wigs, and a Dream

    Rob Madge grew up staging living room musicals with wigs, smoke machines, and the unwavering support of their parents and grandmother—but what started as childhood play eventually became the viral, heartfelt, and Olivier-nominated solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?). In this episode, Rob shares how those home videos evolved into a theatrical sensation, and how a show born during lockdown has become a powerful celebration of queer joy, family, and radical acceptance—now heading to New York City Center for its limited U.S. debut. We talk about everything from queer theory and comedy as activism to being a theater kid in a small UK village and why their grandmother was the ultimate co-conspirator. Rob opens up about the emotional weight of visibility, the importance of letting kids be themselves, and the unshakable confidence that comes from being loved early and completely. Plus, they reflect on their journey from Gavroche to leading their own story—and the joy of tweaking the show for each new audience. Rob Madge is a writer and performer whose solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) earned an Olivier Award nomination following its West End run. They began their career as a child actor in Mary Poppins, Oliver!, and Les Misérables, and trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School before studying English Literature at Warwick University. Rob also stars as the Emcee in Cabaret on the West End, and continues to explore themes of identity, family, and theatricality through their writing and performance. Connect with Rob Instagram: @robmadge02 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  2. Anthony Veneziale & Aneesa Folds: Hip Hop, Humanity, and Hacking the Stage

    6D AGO

    Anthony Veneziale & Aneesa Folds: Hip Hop, Humanity, and Hacking the Stage

    Anthony Veneziale and Aneesa Folds return to the podcast with the same brilliance and warmth that made their first appearances unforgettable—this time teaming up to talk about their new boundary-breaking musical, Co-Founders, premiering at ACT in San Francisco. With its Bay Area hip hop roots, tech satire, and cutting-edge stage visuals powered by Unreal Engine, the show challenges both theatrical norms and late-stage capitalism, all while telling a deeply personal story about representation, equity, and belonging. We unpack the eight-year journey behind the show’s creation, how Aneesa came aboard, and how both artists bring authenticity and heart into every moment—onstage and off. We also dive into hip hop’s regional influence on the show’s score, the emotional toll of being labeled a “breakout star,” and why community and kindness are non-negotiable parts of the creative process. And if that’s not enough, we improvise the plot of a musical called Mystical Desperate Zebras. This episode is a celebration of art that disrupts, heals, and uplifts—don’t miss it. Anthony Veneziale is a Tony Award-winning co-creator of Freestyle Love Supreme and co-founder of FLS Academy. He’s known for blending freestyle rap with neuroscience and education to foster creativity and collaboration. Aneesa Folds made her Broadway debut in Freestyle Love Supreme and has since become a standout performer and educator, known for her powerhouse presence and vibrant improvisational skills. Together, they now star in Co-Founders, a new musical blending activism, technology, and Bay Area hip hop culture. Connect with Anthony & Aneesa @twotouchfls (Anthony) @aneesafolds (Aneesa) Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m
  3. BONUS - 2025 Tony Awards Predictions with Samantha Tuozzolo and Jason A. Coombs from Survival Jobs, a Podcast

    6D AGO · BONUS

    BONUS - 2025 Tony Awards Predictions with Samantha Tuozzolo and Jason A. Coombs from Survival Jobs, a Podcast

    Just in time for Broadway’s biggest night, the 2025 Tony Awards, Survival Jobs hosts ⁠Jason A. Coombs⁠ and⁠ Samantha Tuozzolo⁠ drop a special bonus episode today featuring The Theatre Podcast host and Broadway insider Alan Seales. This fun, laid-back conversation is packed with 2025 Tony Award predictions, hot takes, and heartfelt reflections on this year’s standout nominees. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or just catching Tony fever, this bonus episode is the perfect companion to the excitement building up to Sunday night. This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard experience where you can be a star for a day. This celebratory episode shines a spotlight on the incredible artistry represented in this year’s nominees and invites listeners to laugh, debate, and cheer along as the trio shares their favorite picks and unexpected predictions. Don’t miss out—stream the episode now on all podcast platforms, and get ready for the 2025 Tony Awards airing Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS! Connect with the Survival Jobs Peeps: Broadway World Article on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Season 3 Launch Party⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Samantha: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Jason on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason's Official Website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Samantha's official website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out and support ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bridgeport Film Fest⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales ⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Theatre Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram If you enjoy Survival Jobs: A Podcast be sure to subscribe and follow us on your preferred podcast listening app! Also, feel free to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!! Important Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Supporting Transgender People in Your Life...⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the citizens of Gaza⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Native Land Map⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Abortion Funds Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Plan C Pills Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ National Write Your Congressman ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to Donate to Support Access to Abortions Right Now⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please don't become complacent: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Black Mamas Matter Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Families Detained and Separated at the Border. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Black Trans Folx here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the People of Palestine⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠How to be an Ally to the AAPI Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠168 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠The New York Times: On Mexico’s Border With U.S., Desperation as Migrant Traffic Piles Up⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening and Closing Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠"One Love" by Beats by Danny⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Game Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Wake Up" by MBB.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  4. Julia Knitel: Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Herself

    JUN 3

    Julia Knitel: Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Herself

    Julia Knitel grew up immersed in theater, with parents who ran a community company out of a church basement. From an early age, she was surrounded by costumes, sets, and the collaborative chaos that comes with putting on a show — and she was hooked. After booking her Broadway debut as a teen in Bye Bye Birdie, Julia continued to carve her own path through the industry, landing the lead in Beautiful, touring with Come From Away, and now earning her first Tony nomination for Dead Outlaw. In this conversation, she opens up about what it means to embrace your weirdness, trust your instincts, and find your place in a profession that often tries to put you in a box. We talk about her journey from ensemble kid to leading lady, why she swears by film photography and beta blockers, and how Dead Outlaw gave her the rare opportunity to be fully herself onstage — quirks, noodle cowboy, and all. Julia also shares her thoughts on staying grounded, celebrating individuality, and the power of telling yourself you’re a star before you step into the spotlight. Julia Knitel is a Tony-nominated actor currently starring in Dead Outlaw on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie, later starred as Carole King in the national tour of Beautiful, and appeared in Come From Away. She plays eight characters in Dead Outlaw, a genre-defying musical with seven Tony nominations, including one for her performance. Connect with Julia: Instagram: @juliaknitel Film photography account: @knitelonfilm Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min
  5. Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez: Pop Meets Plot in a Tony-Nominated Twist

    MAY 31

    Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez: Pop Meets Plot in a Tony-Nominated Twist

    Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez might come from very different musical worlds — Latin pop and musical theatre — but their collaboration on Real Women Have Curves proves just how powerful a cross-genre partnership can be. Meeting for the first time over Zoom in the middle of the pandemic, these two composers built trust, respect, and a Tony-nominated Broadway score entirely online before ever meeting in person. In this episode, they share how they developed unique musical identities for each character, the surprising ways their backgrounds complemented each other, and why their creative process was built on laughter, voice memos, and a lot of mutual admiration. They also open up about the challenges of adaptation, the emotional toll of cutting songs, and the magic of writing a show that celebrates culture, womanhood, and resilience. Joy discusses her transition from pop music to theatre and how it expanded her creative vocabulary, while Benjamin talks about learning to let go of perfection and embrace joyful collaboration. Plus, the duo reflects on what it means to be “activated” — a word you’ll never hear the same way again after this conversation. Joy Huerta is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, best known as one half of the internationally acclaimed Latin pop duo Jesse & Joy. Benjamin Velez is an ASCAP award-winning composer whose work has been developed by Lincoln Center Theater, Ars Nova, and the Public Theater. Together, they co-composed the original Broadway score for Real Women Have Curves, now playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre. Connect with Joy and Benjamin: Joy Huerta: @joy Benjamin Velez: @benjaminvelezmusic Benjamin's Website: benjaminvelez.com Cast album out June 6! Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m
  6. Taylor Trensch: A Pink-Eared Dog and a Tony Nominee Walk Into a Theater…

    MAY 27

    Taylor Trensch: A Pink-Eared Dog and a Tony Nominee Walk Into a Theater…

    After first joining the podcast back in episode 96, Taylor Trensch returns with a Tony nomination under his belt and a powerful performance in Floyd Collins that's leaving audiences breathless. We dive into the fascinating real-life story behind the show, his emotionally raw portrayal of journalist Skeets Miller, and how a tragic event from 100 years ago still mirrors today’s media culture. Taylor shares what it’s like to be the emotional center of a musical, how his understanding of connection has deepened post-lockdown, and the joy (and challenge) of performing for an audience that includes a dog with pink ears in the front row. From mental health advocacy to navigating the tension between real-life presence and online identity, Taylor gets candid about the evolution of his craft and the culture around him. He even takes us on a comedic detour into the plot of Cats (kind of) and imagines a version of Into the Woods that features Titus Burgess in every role, with the Muppets rounding out the cast. Whether you’re here for the insight, the artistry, or the chaos—it’s all here.Taylor Trensch is a Tony-nominated actor currently starring as Skeets Miller in Floyd Collins at Lincoln Center Theater. His past Broadway credits include Dear Evan Hansen, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Hello, Dolly!, and Matilda. He's also known for his advocacy around mental health and his commitment to emotionally resonant storytelling on stage. Connect with Taylor: Instagram: @knucklesandwich Listen to episode episode 96 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  7. Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg

    MAY 21

    Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg

    Kevin Csolak shares his journey from growing up in his mom’s New Jersey dance studio to starring as Tulsa in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. He opens up about performing alongside Audra McDonald and Danny Burstein, the artistic influence of the live orchestra, and how the cast is breathing new life into a classic. Kevin also reflects on what it means to approach each show with intention and curiosity—even months into the run. He takes us behind the scenes of his whirlwind audition for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, including the surreal moment of dancing in front of the director himself. Plus, he recalls the unexpected overlap between his commercial dance career and Broadway—like performing at the Super Bowl with Justin Timberlake just hours before starting Mean Girls rehearsals. Throughout, Kevin shares insight into how rejection can fuel reinvention, and why staying creatively sharp is non-negotiable. Kevin Csolak is a Broadway, TV, and film actor known for playing Tulsa in Gypsy, Diesel in West Side Story, and Aaron in Mean Girls. His screen work includes roles on Jessica Jones, Boardwalk Empire, Animal Kingdom, and the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room. He's also danced in major live performances with artists like Justin Timberlake and Hayley Kiyoko. Follow Kevin on social: Instagram: @kevincsolak Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  8. Erika Henningsen: From Mean Girl to Sandra Dee and Everything Between

    MAY 13

    Erika Henningsen: From Mean Girl to Sandra Dee and Everything Between

    Erika Henningsen opens up about the real ups and downs of a life in the spotlight, from early rejection to career-defining roles. Known for originating Cady Heron in Mean Girls on Broadway, Erika dives into the emotional rollercoaster of auditioning, the shift from seeking audience approval to prioritizing collaboration, and why working with people she admires—like Jonathan Groff and Alex Timbers in Just In Time—makes all the difference. She also shares what it’s like to voice animated characters in Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss, and how she’s currently balancing stage work with her new Netflix series The Four Seasons, where she stars alongside Steve Carell and old friend Tina Fey. With heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Erika brings honesty to the realities of navigating the business—and the joy of finding creative freedom along the way. Erika Henningsen originated the role of Cady Heron in Broadway’s Mean Girls, earning a Drama Desk nomination. Other stage credits include Les Misérables, Joy, and Just In Time, in which she currently stars as Sandra Dee. Her voice work includes Charlie Morningstar in Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel and Bethany in Helluva Boss. On screen, she appears in Peacock’s Girls5Eva and Netflix’s The Four Seasons. This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day. Connect with Erika: IG: @erikahenningsen Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support us on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
123 Ratings

About

Intimate, personal conversations with the biggest talents from professional theatre, tv, film, and more. Hear their secrets, what makes them laugh, stresses them out, and how they manage the anxiety of success. We feature both stars and creatives such as producers, stage managers, directors, press and marketing agents, or even the people who own the theaters or productions themselves.​ This is a podcast for artists, made by artists. With over 2 decades of experience in film and theatre both as cast and creative, host Alan Seales speaks with Broadway, TV, film and beyond’s biggest talents to learn more about not only how the world of theatre and performing operate, but also what makes it so real and human. In-depth, personal, behind-the-scenes conversations will highlight special details of the industry that most people may not know exist, will always find out what makes the guests love their craft, what makes them tick, and what truly inspires them. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.

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