334 episodes
Why I‘ll Never Make It Patrick Oliver Jones
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- Arts
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4.1 • 27 Ratings
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The actor’s journey is one of occasional highs and frequent lows. It is a path riddled with self-doubt and frustration as we question our career choices, wondering if we’ll ever really ”make it.” But it is those few moments of glory on stage or screen that can sustain us through all the setbacks and challenges. On this award-winning podcast, New York actor Patrick Oliver Jones invites fellow creatives to share stories of failure and persistence in their lives and careers. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the creative life rarely seen in the glitz and glam of this industry that reminds us we’re not alone in this often bumpy and winding journey of the performing arts.
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FINAL FIVE with Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at Alley Theatre
In the previous episode you heard from theater writer and director Rob Melrose, who is the artistic director of Alley Theatre in Houston. He shared what it means to create and produce his own works and others. Well, now Rob is back to talk about lessons he’s learned behind the table as well as from a heart attack he suffered two years ago by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It.
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Rob Melrose on the Joys and Challenges of Directing and Producing Regional Theater
In a recent opinion piece for The Daily Iowan, a vital point was made about the importance of regional theater. It said “not every production is ultra famous, boasting popular actors in leading rules. But every production is important.” (I even posted about it on WINMI’s instagram feed, which you can follow: @winmipodcast.)
The point being made was that Broadway may get all the attention, but it is in venues across the country, including college theaters, where the true heart and soul of theater resides. They bring diverse stories to local communities, they nurture new talent, and ultimately keep the art form vibrant and accessible to so many people of all backgrounds and experiences. And today’s guest has been on a mission to bring live theater to as wide an audience as possible.
Rob Melrose faced many challenges in founding the Cutting Ball Theater, which involved a lot of crap, literally, and we’ll discuss his current position at The Alley Theatre and the unique audition of sorts he had to go through to land that leadership role. But what’s truly fascinating is the work he’s done as a writer of new works and translator of existing plays. And by wearing many hats in theater from writer and director to producer, he’s learned valuable lessons not only for his own career but for the theater arts as a whole.
Support Cutting Ball in its efforts to remain open by donating here.
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Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers.
You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution.
If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.
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Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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FINAL FIVE with Aaron Ronnie Almani, Actor and Producer
Last week you heard from actor and producer Aaron Ronnie Almani as he shared his creative journey from New York to Isreal and back again. We discussed audition challenges and even personal tragedies he witnessed in Isreal. Well, now Ronnie is back to talk about how to find fulfillment and balance in our creative life by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It.
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To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe.
Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones.
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Aaron Ronnie Almani Discovers Life Lessons from Being an Actor and Growing Up in Isreal
The art of theater and acting is a cornerstone of cultures globally, serving as a powerful medium for storytelling, expression, and communal reflection. It allows societies to explore and challenge social norms, convey historical and contemporary narratives, and foster a shared cultural identity through performances that resonate with audiences.
For actors like Aaron Ronnie Almani, the discipline of theater and acting goes beyond mere performance; it is a transformative journey. The rigorous training and diverse roles demand deep emotional exploration and empathy, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. This immersive process enhances an actor's understanding of the human condition, cultivating a profound sense of connection and authenticity both on stage and in real life.
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Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers.
You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution.
If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.
Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
FINAL FIVE with Schele Williams, Director of The Wiz and The Notebook
In the previous episode you heard from theater director Schele Williams as she shared her journey from actress to director. We discussed her work in two of this season’s most highly anticipated Broadway shows: The Wiz and The Notebook. Well, now Schele is back to talk about the importance of gratitude and what it means when she puts her name on a theater project by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It.
Schele mentions Black Theater United in our conversation, learn more about this organization here.
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To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber by going to whyillnevermakeit.com and click Subscribe.
Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Schele Williams Is the First Black Woman to Direct a Broadway Musical in 40+ Years
The 2024 Tony Awards were certainly a night to remember, celebrating a very full Broadway season filled with remarkable performances and groundbreaking productions. Yet amidst the accolades and celebrations, some highly anticipated shows were left without a single nomination. One of these was The Wiz, a revival production directed by the wonderful Schele Williams. But despite the lack of Tony recognition, Williams' work on The Wiz has made its mark on Broadway this year with near capacity crowds at every performance and averaging more than $1.4 million dollars each week since it opened back in April. But Schele wasn’t content with just one Broadway show this season, she was also part of the directing team for The Notebook musical.
However, her illustrious career actually began as an actress, performing in iconic Broadway productions such as Rent and Aida, and eventually transitioned to directing. Her journey from celebrated performer to visionary director has been marked by perseverance and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices. As the first Black woman to direct a musical on Broadway in more than 40 years, she hopes her work this year will inspire kids of all backgrounds to follow their dreams. Here are her three stories:
Schele shares her journey from being a child prodigy drummer to choosing a path in musical theater (Her father is famed drummer James "Diamond" Williams of the Ohio Players).
We delve into her memories of seeing The Wiz as a child and the profound effect it has had on her, ultimately leading to her directing its first Broadway revival.
We discuss the personal trials she faced as her mother struggles with Alzheimer's and how it influenced her decision to co-direct The Notebook with her longtime friend and collaborator Michael Greif.
So listen as we explore the remarkable career of Schele Williams and the stories that shaped her path in the world of theater.
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Subscribe to get early and ad-free access to the full conversation with each guest, which includes the auditions stories that are only available to subscribers.
You can also donate to WINMI and help further podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution.
If you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then contact me directly for reduced-price or even free access to the bonus content.
Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. A snippet of "I Want to Be Free" by the Ohio Players was used to highlight James "Diamond" Williams on drums. Background music is by John Bartmann and Blue Dot Sessions and is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Customer Reviews
WINMI rocks!!
I’m so glad you interviewed John Rubinstein. Back in the 70’s I was lucky to see John and Ben Vareen in Pippin. I was also a fan of Children of a Lesser God and saw it twice with John. He was so adorable and talented. Thanks Patrick for having a favorite of mine on WINMI.
Thoughtful and Insightful
Patrick is one of the best podcast hosts out there. Insight and empathetic, he always brings the best out of his guests. Having an actor interview other working actors, rather than stars interviewing other stars, you get an idea of the struggles of going into this craft. It’s the best!
Love this!
I love this podcast. Patrick is a top-notch interviewer who never gets in the way of his guests. Rather, he lets them talk. Further, he does his research, and the podcast’s production quality is second to none! Highly recommend this podcast. Patrick is the best of the best.