Just last week we heard from one of our BVC Studio members: "I don't want to be too much." Is this same fear holding you back from your best work? And, is there a line between enough and too much? In our 2025 season finale, join us for a discussion about how going all out can transform your career. Hint: The gap between what you want and where you are now, is a whole lot of cringe. 😅 01:45 Season Recap: Memorable Moments and Guests 02:55 Addressing the Fear of Being 'Too Much' 13:28 The...

"You already have worth, we're not trying to trick people into believing that we're something we're not. So, how do I get you to see my skills, talents, and values such that you recognize them and therefore see how being in a relationship with me is mutually beneficial?" Chelsea Wilson chats with Dr. Alison Fragale, author of 'Likable Badass' as she shares powerful insights on building status, authentic self-promotion, and strategic networking. Key tips include: using the 'brag and thank' met...

"If you haven't done the fundementals, that's all I'm thinking about. What a self tape is, is choreographing the attention of the viewer." Acclaimed actor, podcast producer, and star of "Suits," Tom Lipinski shares crucial insights on the art of self-taping, like when to break the rules 📸 and making strong, informed choices right away. Learn why you can get away with all sorts of shortcomings EXCEPT poor audio, and the importance of watching and assessing your performance. 🤔 Tune in for tips ...

Should you move to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater? 🎭 We explore the pros and cons, from networking opportunities and live auditions to the high cost of living and tiny spaces. 🗽 Hear personal stories and get practical advice on making the leap, including tips on saving money, finding a sublet, and building a support system. 💼 Whether you're a Broadway hopeful or thriving in community theater, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the best decision fo...

Join Cynthia Kortman Westphal as she chats with Kevin Munhall, a Broadway performer turned stress, breath, and somatic educator. Kevin shares his unique insights into how performers can manage stress and anxiety, 😫 emphasizing the importance of understanding their nervous systems and emotions outside the context of performing. 😌 Discover practical strategies to reframe stress, avoid over-rehearsing, build resilience, and foster healthier social connections. Plus, learn why 'co-rumination' can...

Of all the musicals currently running on Broadway, all but 3 are firmly under the genre umbrella of Pop/Rock or are significantly influenced by pop/rock music. And that trend is felt in regional theaters and beyond. What does that mean for you? 80-90% of your auditions may be asking for a pop/rock song and you need to be ready! The good news? It's not that deep! You need to develop a few simple skills to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in this area, instead of passing on opportunitie...

" You need that well-roundedness to bring new life, experience, and choices to the material that you're exploring as a singer!" Discover how learning to sing in multiple styles can benefit your technique, artistry, and imagination. Whether you're a classic soprano, an aspiring pop star, or a musical theatre performer, vocal cross training can enhance your versatility and create new opportunities. We share examples of renowned Broadway performers who excel in diverse vocal styles and provide p...

Join Co-hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson as they sit down with Joel Crump, Broadway's boy genius who's been interviewing stars on red carpets since the age of 12! Now 16, Joel shares how his love for Broadway led him to create his own company, Broadway Time, at just 12 years old and his experiences interviewing top celebrities like Denzel Washington, Alicia Keys, and Robert Downey Jr. This episode is packed with Joel's insights on pursuing your dreams, building connecti...

Is "imposter syndrome" ruining your life? Are you clinging to it as a safety net, afraid to self-assess what's actually needed for your personal growth...? In this episode, hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson dive deep into the topic of imposter syndrome and how it affects performers. And share when it might be time to leave that term "in the waiting room!" 🎭🏅🌟 🔑 Key Takeaways: - Realistic self-assessment vs. imposter syndrome - The balance between confidence and humility - How ...

Co-host Chelsea Wilson is joined by two very wise parents on today's episode! Rachel Hart Klayman is from Ann Arbor, MI and is the mom of a sophomore acting student at NYU. And Erica Fischer is from Ames, IA and the mom of a senior in high school. At two very different points in the journey (a sigh of relief for Rachel and deep breaths during a stressful waiting season for Erica!), they share their hard-won wisdom about the college musical theatre audition process. We cover it all: Self...

Join Broadway Vocal Coach co-host Chelsea Wilson for an inspirational and candid conversation with Cara Rose DiPietro! 🌟 Cara opens up about her journey from community theater in Massachusetts to becoming a professional actor and prominent influencer with over 300,000 followers. She discusses the highs and lows of pursuing a theater career, her mental health advocacy, and how she ensures her social media remains authentic. Get insights into maintaining joy amidst the pressures of the in...

In this episode, Cynthia sits down with the incredible Wendy Cavett— music director, supervisor, arranger, educator, conductor, pianist, and incredible vocal coach—to dive deep into the world of pop/rock in musical theatre. With Broadway and Off-Broadway credits including Come From Away, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and more, Wendy brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Together, they unpack what makes a great pop/rock audition, the stylistic markers that music direc...

Join Cynthia and Broadway & TV performer Sydney Morton for a deep dive into how pop/rock has become a must-have skill in the Broadway industry. Sydney shares her journey—from classical theatre training to singing jazz and R&B at home—only to find that nearly 90% of her musical theatre career has been in pop/rock shows, reflecting the industry’s shift. Fun fact: Sydney’s very first audition out of college (the morning after showcase)? A pop/rock show! With Broadway credits including ...

Self tapes are here to stay, whether we like them or not! They're part of the industry, whether you are auditioning for professional shows, applying to college, or anything in between. In today's conversation, we're laying out eight dumb mistakes that ruin your self tapes, because between the two of us, we've seen it all! Professional self tapes for everything from Broadway shows to regional theaters to summer stock to college application prescreens... If you're making any of these eight mist...

Cynthia and one of her dear friends, the hilarious and talented Matt Perri, dive into the challenges and nuances of pop/rock in musical theatre. What makes it so tricky to balance authenticity with storytelling? How can performers bring the style to life while keeping their voices sustainable eight shows a week? Along the way, you’ll hear insights about vocal technique, audition strategies, and the magic of blending pop and theatre in ways that truly resonate.Matt's illustrious career include...

If the idea of a dance call makes you want to cry into your audition book, good news! This episode is full of practical tips to prepare for and stand out at (in a good way!) a dance call. Plus, how to prepare college audition prescreen videos and do your best under any circumstance at Unifieds or other live auditions this college audition season. Assistant Aspire Program Director and Dance Coach Marjorie Failoni joins Chelsea Wilson for today's episode! Marjorie is a performer (Bway: Escape t...

" Notice that we don't say: in order to have a successful audition, you have to sing the loudest, or kick your leg the highest..." Instead, we're talking about: showing up as your best self, and taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health so that you can have a positive and present audition experience. Let this conversation with Chelsea and Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh be a respite from all the noise and stress surrounding live college auditions. With thoughtful pre...

Struggling to find the perfect audition song? Whether you’re gearing up for Broadway, community theater, or those nerve-wracking college prescreens, finding the right fit can feel like an impossible task. In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia break down what makes an audition song work—and what doesn’t! From avoiding “show-off” tracks to picking a song that tells a story, they’re giving you the tips you need to stand out for all the right reasons. Plus, they’re diving into overdone songs, tric...

In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with the inspiring Teddy Siegel, a soprano, advocate, and the creative force behind Got2Go NYC. Teddy opens up about balancing artistry with advocacy, the power of storytelling, and embracing vulnerability to build meaningful connections online.From performing in prestigious venues to transforming public discourse around an essential yet overlooked issue, Teddy’s story will leave you motivated to make an impact in your own unique way.Tune in for i...

What does it take to star as Elphaba on Broadway? As Mary Kate (MK) reveals, it is not for the faint of heart! From her vocal health non-negotiables, to who makes up her voice and self-care team, we're talking all the nitty gritty of her routine and mindset in order to play one of the toughest roles on Broadway. "I have learned all of this from failing," she says. In this interview and the day-in-the-life content she regularly shares on social media, it is a gift to learn from and observe som...