Backstage with Becca B.

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 179 with guest John Kapelos is now LIVE on YouTube. On this episode, I talked with John about the challenges of building theater communities in L.A., his early days in Chicago’s collaborative scene, and how support from his father and a role at Second City helped launch his career, how the digital age has reshaped the entertainment industry and brought more opportunities but also more competition, hi...

On this episode I talked with Anika about her journey as a performer including the moments she fell in love with theatre, her initial career path she thought she wanted to pursue, what ultimately guided her toward theatre, her experience in the immersive experience of “The Great Gatsby” in New York, how unique audience interactions are during an immersive show, her education at NYU, getting involved with the For The Record series, ...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 177 with guest @blockedanddeletedangel is now LIVE on Youtube. On this episode I talked with Emily about all she’s done since the last time we talked, including the life changing experience of performing in her favorite musicals such as “Sunday in the Park with George” at CCAE and “Cabaret” with Altadena Music Theatre, plus performing at Escape Hotel in Hollywood and how that experience was unique as...

On this episode I talked with Alex about how he transitioned from aspiring to be a teacher to discovering his passion for acting during high school, his college experience at Emerson College where he graduated with a BFA in acting, his desire to inspire future theater makers, his audition for Albus Potter in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and the supportive atmosphere he encountered, the journey to making his Broadway debut, ...

On this episode I talked with Erik about his journey into theater, highlighting his early inspiration from his father's role as a high school theater teacher, the unique experience of live theatre, his decision to attend Webster University after auditioning for 19 schools, the significance of campus visits and interactions with current students in determining the right fit for his education, the empowering approach of his profe...

On this episode I talked with Allie about her journey to becoming a theater performer, her early involvement in sports and how her passion for theater was sparked by attending her first Broadway show, her gratitude for her family's support in pursuing the arts, despite their lack of a theatrical background, her path to attending the University of Michigan, which began with a friend's suggestion during a community theater production...

On this episode I talked with Ayanna about her background in theatre, including her childhood in the Bronx and her move to Los Angeles, where she attended performing arts schools, the cultural adjustment she faced in LA and her longing for New York, especially during the pandemic, choosing to study at the Manhattan School of Music and appreciating it’s welcoming atmosphere and rich history, the significance of the people and experi...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 172 with David Schubert, the guest experience manager at the @civilianhotel is now LIVE on Youtube. On this episode I talked with David about travel tips for visitors to New York City, the hotel’s bustling holiday season, the unique atmosphere at The Civilian Hotel where staff members are encouraged to express their individuality, creating a welcoming environment by having genuine interactions with h...

On this episode I talked with Carly her early experiences in theater, starting at age ten with a role in a YMCA production of "Alice in Wonderland," which ignited her passion for performing, her role as Annie in a community theater production, which solidified her desire to pursue a career in the arts, her diverse musical skills which she credited to her parents' encouragement to explore different instruments and styles, being part...

On this episode I talked with Nick about his initial interest in producing and directing before discovering his passion for acting, the importance of storytelling in theater and the supportive role of educators in nurturing talent, his experiences with a high school teacher who recognized his potential and provided him with opportunities, the potential for innovation in the industry, emphasizing a forward-thinking approach to audie...

 On this episode I talked with Zoe about her journey into theater, beginning with her early involvement in school plays and community theater, her first performance as Glinda in a mini "Wizard of Oz" production, her training in the performing arts, from voice lessons to dance classes to summer camps, singing vs. dancing, her audition process for the national tour of "Waitress," which and getting to be part of a tour bringing back L...

On this episode I talked with Kendyl about her evolution from aspiring ballerina to a multifaceted performer, her passion for musical theater and the influence of her mentors, when she discovered her love for acting through a local production of Aladdin Jr, which allowed her to combine her skills in dance, singing, and acting, her training in diverse dance styles and vocal genres, as well as experiences with traditional Japanese da...

On this episode I talked with Madison about her journey in musical theater, her family's artistic background and the importance of practical experience, attending a performing arts middle school, landing her first professional role at 16, the way pro shots help to make theatre more accessible, her experiences with Off-Broadway productions such as The Fantasticks where she starred as Luisa, joining long-running shows and the creativ...

On this episode I talked with Erica about her journey into theater, being inspired by magical worlds in books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, her desire to perform, being influenced by memorable performances like Meryl Streep in "Mamma Mia!”, seeing "The Lion King" tour in Honolulu as a child, her school trip to New York in middle school, where she saw both "Memphis" and "Wicked,” the influence Jennifer Lawrence’s acting in Th...

On this episode I talked with Austen about her upbringing in a theater family and her initial hesitance to pursue a career in the arts, despite her passion for world-building, pivotal moments from her high school years that solidified her love for theater, influenced by iconic productions like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Wicked’, the significance of experiential gift-giving, her transformative experience studying Shakespeare in Lon...

On this episode I talked with Laura Sky about when she first discovered her passion for theatre, how she became a well-rounded performer growing up, being accepted into Harvard and making history as one of the first women to perform in their historic Hasty Pudding Theatricals (the oldest theater group in the country), studying at Texas State University and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, how studying Shakespeare has helped her as an...

On this episode I talked with Tilly about her lifelong connection to dance, childhood aspirations to join Alvin Ailey, and her transformative decision to pursue musical theater, how choreographer Sonya Tayeh influenced her transition into musical theatre, her passion for storytelling through dance, her favorite projects, her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge, her initial insecurities about singing, booking Moulin Rouge as a vacation s...

On this episode I talked with Victor about his early memories of theatre, including watching "Peter Pan" in a park and being captivated by "Phantom of the Opera.”, his experience at the Boston Conservatory, where he appreciated the comprehensive training and the merger with Berklee College of Music, strengthening his assets as a performer by learning to dance, which enriched his skills as an actor and singer, his experiences in reg...

On this episode I talked with Melody about her passion for theater and her dream to be a Broadway dancer, both the challenges and growth she experienced in both dance and singing, her experience on her first National Tour of Finding Neverland where she played Peter Pan, the ins and outs of a non-equity tour including one night stops and small stages that don’t fit the entire set, the lasting friendships she formed with her tour mat...