Explore every episode of the podcast CGDC Podcast Channel

Debbie Patterson is our final guest speaker of the season! What better way to close the series than with this invigorating lecture where Debbie reminds us that by bringing disability into our practice, we open our practice to endless possibilities. This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best. In today's episode Debbie speaks on the history of ableism in theatre, shares stories of her work as a disability consultant and dramaturg, and calls us to recognize that we are all temporarily abled.

Debbie Patterson is a Winnipeg based playwright, director and actor. She trained at the National Theatre School of Canada, is a founding member of Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR), served as Theatre Ambassador for Winnipeg’s Cultural Capital year, was the Carol Shields Writer in Residence 2012 at the U of W, and the Playwright in Residence at Theatre Projects Manitoba in 2013/14. She served as Artistic Associate at Prairie Theatre Exchange from 2012 to 2018 and a former member of the PTE Playwrights Unit. Debbie is a proud advocate for disability justice through her work as founding and current Artistic Director of Sick + Twisted Theatre, and was most recently a cast member of Richard 2 and Grand Magic in the 2023 Stratford Festival season.

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Stephanie Graham is a director, choreographer and producer. She encourages us all to sit in that producer seat at least once, so let’s dive in and learn how! This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best. In today’s episode Steph shares detailed knowledge for producing theatre, from getting the rights to a show, to the different types of engagement agreements, to finding sponsorship within your circle of influence, and much more.

Links for this episode:
https://www.caea.com/Theatre/Agreements-Policies
https://fringefestivals.com/festivals/
https://www.mtishows.com/annie

Stephanie Graham has over twenty-five years in the industry, and is one of Canada’s most sought-after Director/Choreographers. Stephanie has directed and choreographed at theatres across the country, including Globe Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Neptune Theatre, Grand Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Stephenville Festival, Capitol Theatre and more. She is a passionate educator and mentor and has worked at Sheridan College, Randolph College for the Performing Arts, George Brown Dance and Queens University. She is the Artistic Producer for Torrent Productions, the co-founder of Theatre Making Movement, was an Intern Artistic Director for The Musical Stage Company and Artistic Associate at the Globe Theatre. Stephanie won the 2015 Dora Award for outstanding choreography Opera/Musical for The Wild Party and has been nominated three times for a Merritt Award for outstanding choreography on Neptune Theatre’s productions of Peter Pan, Cinderella and The Addams Family.

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

A work/life balance, how do we sustain such a thing in this fast paced industry? Katie German is here to remind us that it's always in flux and as individual as we are. This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best.  Today, Katie shares practices on how we can manage and maintain a work/life balance, how to cultivate a more inclusive work space for parents and caregivers, and reminds us to ask for what you need, and if they say no, ask why.

Katie is a Métis director, performer, educator and mother based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Katie is currently the owner and director of Junior Musical Theatre Company (JMTC), and the Assistant Program Director of Pimootayowin Creators Circle with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. Coming up Katie will be directing This Is How We Got Here at Persephone Theatre. Other recent directing and performance credits include: A Pickle (Dir - WJT), Frozen River (Dir - Manitoba Theatre for Young People), Rez Sisters, Into The Woods (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Hockey Sweater, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (Rainbow Stage), Embodying Power and Place (Dir - New Harlem Productions, Nightwood Theatre & Native Earth Performing Arts), Winn nipi (Dir - Prairie Theatre Exchange), CAN Premier of Tuck Everlasting (JMTC), and Elizabeth Rex (Bunbury Productions)

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Stafford Arima is the artistic director of Theatre Calgary in Alberta Canada, a title he wasn't necessarily seeking, but, when the opportunity came his way, Stafford took his own words to heart; 'if a door opens, one should at least peek inside' and thus began his journey towards artistic directorship. 

This season, T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of episodes centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. In today's episode Stafford cracks open what it means to be an artistic director. He shares stories on how to collaborate and engage with the community, take care of the 'business of show', and grow with the position.

Stafford is an award-winning director for both stage and screen. Born in Toronto, Canada, he moved to New York to pursue his career, and now resides in Calgary, Alberta where he sits as artistic director of Theatre Calgary since 2017. Some of his New York credits include: Allegiance (Longacre Theatre), Ragtime: 25 Anniversary Concert (Minskoff Theatre), The Secret Garden: In Concert  (David Geffen Hall), Carrie (Lucille Lortel Theater), Altar Boyz (Dodger Stages). Additional credits include: Bhangin’ It (La Jolla Playhouse), Poster Boy  (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Dial M For Murder (The Old Globe), and Ragtime  (Paper Mill Playhouse / Piccadilly Theatre)—the West End premiere earning 8 Olivier Award nominations.

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Taking on both roles of director and choreographer, how do you do it? Julie Tomaino is here to give us all the details! T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a season centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best.  Julie gives an honest take on the pros and cons of holding both positions, shares advice on finding and communicating a show's central premise, and why walking amongst the trees is essential to her process.

Throughout this episode you'll hear Julie reference her experience directing and choreographing Margaritaville at Theatre Calgary, the project she was currently working on at the time of recording.  

Julie is an award winning director, choreographer, and educator. Her expansive career have taken her across Canada and the US with credits from top theatres such as: The Citadel, The Arts Club, Theatre Calgary, The Rev Theatre Co, Chemainus Theatre Festival, Young People’s Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Capitol Theatre, The Grand, Western Canada Theatre, Persephone, The Globe, Magnus, and Ross Petty Productions.

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Tracey Flye is our next expert speaker in this series! T+T Productions has collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a season centred around assistants and associates directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best. Today, Tracey pulls apart and demystifies the process of being a successful director. She shares how to build a strong collaborative creative team, stay on budget, and bring the creative vision in your head to life. 

Tracey is one of Canada’s busiest and most respected directors/choreographers with credits that span over 200 productions. She is an award winning director/choreographer and remains committed to new work development and as an educator and as a mentor.

Some of Tracey's credits include: a 12-year association with the legendary rock band QUEEN and its production of We Will Rock You (Toronto, South Africa, Asia and the US. National/Broadway Tour), a 21-year association with Ross Petty Productions and the annual Christmas Panto, Next to Normal (Musical Stage Co), Ring Of Fire (Theatre Aquarius/Citadel Theatre), ONCE (The Grand Theatre/RMTC). Choreography and staging credits include: Billy Elliot (RMTC), Kiss Me Kate and Evita (Stratford Festival), The Drowsy Chaperone (TC/RMTC) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Boys in the Photograph (Mirvish). She was also the Resident Director for the National Theatre’s Warhorse and ONCE for Mirvish Productions.

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

We're back with season 5 of Tits and Teeth, now produced under T+T Productions! This season we have collaborated with the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC) to bring you a series of discussions centred around assistant and associate directors and choreographers. This series is for EVERYONE and shares all the behind the scenes magic of theatre creation from the industry’s very best, and today we are kick starting with choreographer, Steve Cota!

Steve breaks down the differences between an assistant and associate, what each job's requirements and expectations are, and how to be a top notch assistant or associate on any project. 

Steve is the Founder and Artistic Director of In the Wings. He is incredibly passionate about teaching, both while educating young aspiring artists and leading industry professionals.  Steve has most recently choreographed Frankenstein Revived at the Stratford Festival of Canada and his choreography has also been seen at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario.  Steve was the assistant director for: Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Show (Stratford Festival), the associate choreographer for: Here’s What it Takes, Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors, The Music Man, The Rocky Horror Show, Guys and Dolls (Stratford Festival) and the assistant choreographer for: A Chorus Line, The Sound of Music (Stratford Festival), andWest Side Story (Vancouver Opera).

Thank you to Canada Council for the Arts for their generous support in this project.

Enjoy this MINI-SODE featuring the INCREDIBLE Tyrell Witherspoon. 

In this episode we give you an update about what we’ve got coming down the pipeline (stay tuned legends!), we include a *shameless plug* of our Assistant and Associates Program (which we are JAZZED about) but mostly, we wanted you to get to know our newest team member, Tyrell! We bloody love him, and we know you will too. Learn more about Tyrell and give him some love in the comments below.

Tyrell is an accomplished triple threat performer and choregrapher with over 25 years of experience in theatre, dance, film, and television. Most recently, Tyrell was seen as a cheerleader in “Bring It On: Cheer or Die” on the SyFy network and on stage in “The Wizard of Oz” at Rainbow Stage. As a choreographer, Tyrell has leant his skills to a few recent projects including “Fame” with Winnipeg Studio Theatre, assistant choreographer on “The Hockey Sweater” at Rainbow Stage, performance lead and choreographer for Skip the Dishes’ “Deliver with Pride” campaign, and choreographer for the feature film, “Nobody”. Tyrell is a sought-after dance educator and currently teaches multiple genres with Evolution Dance Company in Selkirk, MB and is the co-founder of Withermet Productions with his husband Matt Armet, where they aim to produce, curate, and create queer content through dance, short series, film, and more

Well well well, look who’s back in your feed! Tits and Teeth, hosted by yours truly, Jen Thiessen and Kyla Musselman, is back with more interviews with some of theatre’s best artists working in Canada, on Broadway and around the world. So let’s begin!

Tracey Flye is one of Canada’s most iconic director/choreographers, and we are thrilled to have her on the podcast today. Tracey’s career is legendary with credits that span countries, styles, and genres. We learn more about Tracey’s ‘herstory’ in the industry, how the mentorship she received throughout her career pushed and benefited her artistry, and, we introduce and discuss a new organization to Canadian theatre, the Canadian Guild of Stage Directors and Choreographers (CGDC).

Some highlights from Tracey’s amazing career include: Once, We Will Rock You, War Horse (Res. director Mirvish Productions) Kiss Me Kate, Evita (choreographer, Stratford Festival) West Side Story (director/choreographer Rainbow Stage) Evita, West Side Story (Vancouver Opera) Reprint (director, Musical Stage Co.), and Ring of Fire (director, Theatre Aquarius and The Citadel Theatre).Tracey has also been at the helm of the Ross Petty Panto for the past decade serving as their magnificent and hilarious director and/or choreographer.

So come along for the ride, get those tits up, those teeth out and enjoy this episode of Tits and Teeth Podcast. 

Welcome to the final episode of Season 4 of Tits and Teeth Podcast! Can you believe it?! To close out the season we are bringing you one guest and one guest only, the sensational actor and activist, Vanessa Sears. 

Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award winning actor with the voice of an angel and a stunningly contagious laugh. She is one of Canada’s most accomplished performers who’s potential knows no bounds. Some of her theatre credits include; Caroline or Change (Musical Stage Co.) Mary Poppins (Young People’s Theatre) Grand Hotel (Shaw Festival) Little Shop of Horrors and Billy Elliott (Stratford Festival) and Kinky Boots (Mirvish Productions). She can be seen on screen in Sex/Life (Netflix) Tallboyz (CBC) and Y:The Last Man (FX). Vanessa is also a board member of the Canadian Green Alliance and a woman who will always fight for what’s right and inspire others to change. In this episode we chat about advocacy in the arts, bringing our values with us to the theatre and Vanessas hopes for the future of the industry. She is a bright light and you don't want to miss this one!

Thank you to all of our listeners who have continued to support us through 4 great seasons of Tits and Teeth. You continue to inspire us to strive for more and bring you top quality content. Remember to keep those tits up and those teeth out and we will see you soon for season 5 you bloody legends. 

Today the pod is full of powerhouse women! First up, we sit down with Krista Leis from Krista Leis Pilates as the feature of our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment. Next, we go deep and get the full T with performer and dance captain, Christy Adamson. 

Christy Adamson is a true triple threat performer, has recently become a mother, and has also launched her own business called Keto Chick Creations where she makes homemade keto recipes and delivers them to your home around the GTA. Christy is one of the best dance captains to grace the business and she shares with us some of her tips and tools to becoming a world class DC. Christy also shares the full truth about what it means to age in this business and grow your career the way YOU want to. 

Each week our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment shines a spotlight on artist run small businesses. This week we are thrilled to bring back the original Tits and Teeth guest, Krista Leis, to highlight her business, Krista Leis Pilates. Krista is a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about sharing that knowledge through private or group classes ranging from beginners, to professional performers, and seniors. We all need a stronger core and Krista Leis Pilates can get you there!

So come hang with us and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky

One word to describe this episode? Sunshine! Why? Because today on the pod we are joined by Jacqueline Burtney from Jackson Ben Designs as the feature of our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment, as well as the joyous Shawn Byfield.

Shawn Byfield is a respected leader in the entertainment industry. As a highly sought after dance coach and adjudicator across the country, Shawn's mission is to inspire greatness in others, create authentic performers, and make learning fun! He's a Dora Award winner, Gemini Award nominee, two time Black Canadian Awards nominee and and  creator of Canada's #1 dance studio for adults BYFIELD DANCE EXPERIENCE. 

Each week, our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ Segment highlights artist run small businesses. This week we are all about Jacqueline Burtney and her web design company, Jackson Ben Designs. Jacqueline is sensational performer and a sensational entrepreneur! Do you want a sleek website that screams YOU but is also wildly functional? Of course you do, so you’re welcome. Here’s Jacqueline Burtney

So come hang with us, and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky!

It’s a Theatre Sheridan Pippin reunion on Tits and Teeth this week! First up, we speak with Greg Carruthers from EveryBODY on Stage. Next, we sit down with performer, director and producer, Saccha Dennis.

Saccha Dennis, aka Saccha Fierce, is an actor, director, and creator of Musicals Re:Imagined, the production company dedicated to reimagining traditional musical theatre by flipping the script and not apologizing for it. Saccha is part of the original Canadian company of Come From Away, she was on the 1st National Tour of We Will Rock You, and most recently she directed a reimagined production of Pippin at Theatre Sheridan. 

Each week our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment highlights artist run small businesses. Our feature for this week’s episode is Greg Carruthers, choreographer and creator of EveryBODY on Stage, a group of Canadian artists dismantling fat-phobia one song, story, and jiggle at a time. Their mission is to break down stigma and fat-phobia in the arts and reduce the harm done by body dysmorphia and the long-term health of artists and to encourage the positive representation of all body-types on stage. Greg worked alongside Saccha Dennis as the choreographer for her reimagined Pippin at Theatre Sheridan. 

So come hang with us, and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky

On today’s pod we are diving into mental and physical fortitude! First up, in our Whatcha Doin?! segment, the part of our show where we highlight artist run small businesses, we speak with performer/choreographer turned chiropractor, Dr. Stephen Gray, owner of Made to Move Clinic. Next, we sit down with circus performer and coach, Darren Trull.

Darren Trull is a Canadian born acrobat and aerialist who specializes in aerial straps, which has taken him across the globe. Some of Darren’s credits include Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour, Saltimbanco, and Volta with Cirque du Soleil as well as La Perle, and House of Dancing Water by mastermind Franco Dragone. He was also a specialist performer for Celebrity Cruises Inc. In addition Darren has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University and is a dedicated instructor who is currently developing circus programs across North America.

Dr. Stephen Gray is a chiropractor and owner of Made to Move Clinic, Toronto’s health hub for movers and shakers. Stephen is also an incredible musical theatre performer, dancer, and choreographer so he knows exactly what our bodies go through on a day to day basis as arts workers. Made to Move has 3 locations in Toronto and offers an extremely wide array of treatment options and rehabilitation techniques. They even offer artist pricing! What?! Yes, exactly. So go book your appointment after you listen to this ep!

So come hang with us, and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky!

What a jam packed episode we have for you today friends! First up, we speak with the unstoppable team of Jeni Walls and Stephan Dickson, producers of the online performing arts talk show and open mic, Singular Sensation. Our second guest is the iconic, Mandy Goodhandy, singer, author, advocate, entrepreneurial force, and Canada’s first transgender woman stand up comedian. 

Jeni Walls is the hostess with the mostess! She’s been the face of Singular Sensation for years now and had found a great home for the show in downtown Toronto at the 120Diner, until, the pandemic hit. When the shutdown happened Jeni pivot ball-changed with the rest of our community, partnered with Stephan Dickson as a producer and took the show from stage to stream! Singular Sensation has since grown and expanded its programming by adding monthly open mics, partnering with the Canadian Green Alliance to produce a green panel series, and promoting many of our communities small businesses through advertisements during their shows. This duo has big dreams for Singular Sensation, and we can’t wait to watch those dreams flourish.

Mandy Goodhandy is Toronto royalty and above all, a matriarch who creates safe spaces for people to express themselves. Mandy is a singer and author, with a book and CD both entitled ‘Just Call Me Lady’. She is a transgender rights advocate, dancer, and business mogul. She is Canada’s first transgender woman stand-up comic, first transgender woman to be accepted to sing in the Toronto Jazz Festival in 2016 and the Winterfolk Blues & Roots festival in 2021, and most recently added the title of feature columnist to her resume with interview style articles published in Pinkpages and Buzz Magazine, Toronto’s queer publications. 

So come hang with us, and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky!

Christina Pitts Jazzar is a qualified intimacy coordinator, and on today’s pod, she will be our guide into this world as we begin to scratch the surface on all the useful qualities and  necessary tools these professionals can bring into our work spaces. 

Christina is a member of the collaborative team of Intimacy Choreographers/Coordinators and Vulnerability Consultants from DaCosta Talent along with Lisa Stevens and Anisa Tejpar. These consultants are brought into a space to aid in scenes of intimacy by designing a structured approach to physical story-telling of both sexual and non-sexual intimacy. They also create and implement riders where nudity or partial nudity exists, work with minors on sensitive or highly emotional material, be a safe bystander in the room if an actor requests it, and act as a liaison between departments regarding intimate scenes. 

Christina is an extraordinary woman, dancer, actor, and choreographer who has recently added the title of intimacy coordinator to that list. Christina has worked on the set of such productions as Mrs. America (FX), Umbrella Academy - Season 2 (Netflix), The Good Witch - Season 4 (Hallmark), and The Shape of Water as a choreographer and associate choreographer. As an intimacy coordinator, Christina has just come off of the set of Re:Uniting by Laura Adkin starring Jesse L. Martin, and is excited and enthusiastic to continue doing more of this work.

So come hang with us, and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky

James Kinney is an award winning choreographer and director who is both passing down the legacy of his mentors, and sharing his own unique creative voice and eye for movie magic. Joining James for this episode is Paul De Gurse and Jillian Willems to chat about their podcast, Monkeys and Playbills, as the featured business in our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment. 

James Kinney has trained with legends, he has worked with legends, and he himself is a real life legend. Throughout his performance career, James was privileged to be mentored and work alongside some of the greats such as Ann Reinking, Jerome Robbins, and Chita Rivera. As a choreographer his work can be seen on stages and screens around the country with over 50 musical theatre productions under his belt. James creates new and innovative movement by staying true to his artistic vision of smart, meaningful movement, oozing with style. James is also a regular teacher at Steps on Broadway in New York and believes it is his duty and privilege to pass down the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career.

Monkeys and Playbills is a Manitoba based podcast where hosts Paul De Gurse and Jillian Willems take a look at Broadway shows that had 100 performances or fewer before closing. Jillian Willems is a director, choreographer, and performer who brings her knowledge of American and theatre history to the podcast. Paul De Gurse is a music director and conductor who brings his background in voice, composition, and music to the show. Are these musicals flops? Total bops? Or, do we have to make them stop. These and other burning questions will be answered in each episode of this unique podcast.  

So come hang with us, and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with Jen and Ky.

Today on the pod we are talking all things sustainability! We will introduce you to two amazing companies and collaborations that are all about sustainable green practices both within our business and within our homes. Our guests today are Tess Benger and Julia McLellan from Canadian Green Alliance, and Sam Soloway and Tyrell Witherspoon of Planet Pantry.

Tess Benger and Julia McLellan are co-founders of the Canadian Green Alliance, a national not-for-profit devoted to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability.  Their goal is to create a national guideline to aid theatre companies and individuals in the design, construction, and production of environmentally responsible theatre in Canada. Through the development of a comprehensive handbook, and the use of alliance deputies within each company, they can help guide arts organizations towards sustainable choices from the front of house to backstage. The Canadian Green Alliance is exactly that, an alliance. Julia and Tess are looking for everyone to pull up a chair and work side by side to transform the way we make theatre. 

Sam Soloway and Tyrell Witherspoon opened Planet Pantry in 2020, a package free and planet approved shop that provides the people of Winnipeg a waste free option when purchasing home, health, and body products where you BYOC (bring your own containers). Throughout the pandemic this pair has successfully met the needs of their community, pivoted when needed in order to keep their products accessible and available, all while remaining eco friendly and low waste. Sam and Tyrell have recently opened up their brick and mortar location at The Forks in Winnipeg, so if you’re in the area go pay them a visit! 

Come hang with us, get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky, and let’s save the planet together!

Natasha Powell is a powerful creator who takes the joy of being a dancer and teacher to heart. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of social dance and the origins of jazz dance in its most authentic form. Joining Natasha in the episode is Monique Lund to chat with us about her incredible jewelry line, Minnie by Monique Lund. 

Natasha Powell is the founder, choreographer, and artistic director of Holla Jazz in Toronto. She is known for bringing her soulful approach to movement which transcends genre, and can be felt through her dancing, choreography and teaching. Through Holla Jazz she created the award-winning show Floor’d - a full-length production presenting historical jazz dances in a new light. Floor’d was nominated for 4 Dora Mavor Moore Awards and named one of the top 10 dance shows of the recent decade by NOW Magazine. Natasha is also a contributing member for the film Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance. The film is a cinematic exploration of this jazz dance paying homage to it’s lineage, celebrating its many re-interpretations, and inspiring the dancer of tomorrow to keep this art form alive. 

Monique Lund is a Canadian musical theatre icon who launched Minnie by Monique Lund in 2020. Monique creates statement earrings and other accessories with leather and metals in a mix of shapes and designs. She loves the juxtaposition of earthy, genuine leather with glossy or distressed metals. Monique has a signature sense of style and you know a pair of Minnie earrings when you see them, no doubt about it!

Come hang with us and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky.

BOA the drag queen is pure camp, she’s drop dead gorgeous, and her undeniable charisma shines right through those headphones to make you howl. Joining BOA as the featured business in our ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ segment is Daniel Birnbaum from Vision Drag Artists and BOA’s incredible agent! 

BOA was a contestant on season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race and she made her presence known! BOA brought her own brand of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, to every challenge and every look that hit the runway. We talk with BOA about her experience on Canada’s Drag Race, her recovery from addiction and her victories since, and everything in-between that makes BOA the freaking drag star she is! 

Daniel Birnbaum is a highly sought after talent agent with The Talent House, and in 2020 he expanded his roster and representation by founding Vision Drag Artists. With Vision Drag, Daniel created the first full service boutique agency in Canada that represents some of the country’s best Drag and LGBTQIA+ Entertainers. Vision Drag Artists is working to create a bridge between Queer Art, and Industry, by elevating and celebrating all things Drag!

Come hang with us and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter (or in this case drag banter) with Jen and Ky. 

Today on the pod we are doing things a little differently by spotlighting three phenomenal artists  and their epic businesses! Welcome Jade Repeta and Leather by Jade, as well as Robin Calvert and Laura Mae Nason from Wheat and Sea Collective to Tits and Teeth Podcast! 

Jade Repeta's work in theatre spans across Canada and includes concerts for the Stratford Festival of Canada, and performances for Theatre Aquarius, Drayton Entertainment, The Globe Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre and YPT, just to name a few! Leather By Jade launched during 2020 as a way to turn her creativity into creation. She is committed to making sure her business is low waste and uses all recycled or upcycled materials to bring you awesome leather jewellery and accessories! 

Robin Calvert and Laura Mae Nason are powerful performers and creators in their own right. Robin hails from Saskatchewan, Laura Mae from Nova Scotia, and together they are Wheat and Sea Collective, an apparel brand whose purpose is to evoke a sense of community and belonging. Robin and Laura Mae are dedicated to collaborating with other artists and small businesses as well as giving back to local charities and supporting others across Canada. The most recent of these initiatives being the #onlyimtermission tee, where $5 from the proceeds of each sale will be donated to the Actors Fund of Canada, and artists can wear the resiliency of the industry on their backs.  

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving), and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with Jen and Ky.

Maud Arnold is an absolute force. A force on the dance floor, a force in the boardroom, and a force of positivity and light! Seriously, you can’t help but smile and get jazzed when Maud in your presence or even your ear buds. Joining Maud in this episode are two of our favs, Tara Jackson and Masini McDermott from the ‘Straight Up Sis’, as the featured business in our new segment, ‘What Cha Doin?’

Maud Arnold is a Columbia University graduate and one of taps leading ladies! Along with her sister Chloe, they are a choreographing and producing duo known worldwide for their female tap band, the Syncopated Ladies. They have appeared on The Ellen Show, and So You Think You Can Dance, received praise from Beyonce, Janet Jackson, and Shonda Rhimes, and, no big deal, but one of their biggest mentors is none other than Debby Allen! Chloe and Maud strongly believe in giving back to their community and lifting others along the way. Through their charity, The Chloe and Maud Foundation, Chloe and Maud provide equal opportunity to educational programming that educates and inspires young people around the globe through dance and entrepreneurship. 

Masini McDermott and Tara Jackson have recently joined the podcasters fam with Straight Up Sis, a weekly podcast where opinions are given to you, straight up! They have covered topics such as bullying, lifting up and celebrating your friends, and therapy and mental health. Straight up Sis is available wherever you download your podcasts. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving), and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages

Jacob MacInnis has a silky voice that makes us swoon, a kindness that swells our hearts and a podunk edge essential for a good time! Joining Jacob in this episode is none other than Steve Cota from In The Wings, who is featured in our new segment, ‘Whatcha Doin?!’

Jacob is a Dora award winning actor and prolific artist, who expresses themselves through all mediums of art! We talk with Jacob about their visual art and their musical aspirations and inspirations. We chat about gender identity, pronouns, and discuss ways that allies can best support the gender queer community. Steve Cota is a seasoned performer and choreographer who created In The Wings during the pandemic lockdown as an online musical theatre training tool. Steve’s overall purpose of In The Wings is to educate youth and established artists and bring them together in class so that we may learn from each other and collectively grow as a community.  

Jacob has played some of the most iconic and recognizable characters with amazing accuracy, passion, and success. Some of their credits to date include; Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz (Capitol Theatre), Lefou in Beauty and The Beast, Horton in Seussical, Earthworm in James and The Giant Peach (YPT) Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid (Globe Theatre) Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre) two seasons with The Charlottetown Festival including Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar. Coming up Jacob will star as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (Neptune Theatre) and will be featured in Play On!, one of the cabarets being presented at the Stratford Festival this 2021 season. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving), and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages. 

It’s season 4 of Tits and Teeth fam! We missed you dearly, and we are thrilled to be back in your earbuds bringing you the real talk and good vibes you’ve come to expect from us. 

For our season opener we are gifting you with the stories and advice from the truest of gems, Nicole Power! We chat with Nicole about playing Shannon Ross on the hit CBC show Kim’s Convenience, how she stopped putting herself and her career in a box, and her future goals and aspirations. We are also introducing a new series into our episodes with a segment we’re calling ‘Whatcha Doin?!’, where we are highlighting some of the amazing business’s and side passions our colleagues have pursued throughout this pandemic. For the first week of ‘Whatcha Doin?!’ we are keeping it in house with Daniel Greenberg and our own Kyla Musselman from Do You Want This Thrift. 

Nicole does not limit her talents to only stage or only screen and her resume is proof of that. Nicole has played Shannon Ross on Kim’s Convenience for 5 seasons and earned herself a Canadian Screen Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a comedy. She was a part of the hilarious digital short ‘We Got Divorced’ featured on Funny Or Die, and up next you can catch Nicole as the lead in her own sitcom, Strays, coming to CBC. Nicole is a graduate from the Soulpepper Academy and was featured in their productions of Snowman, as well as their workshops of Spring Awakening and Rose. Other theatre credits include; Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde (LSPU Hall) Anita in West Side Story (Rainbow Stage) Legally Blonde, Elf, La Cage Aux Folles (Neptune Theatre) and Anne of Green Gables and Evangeline (Charlottetown Festival).

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving), and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Hold on to your hats folks, this is the season 3 finale of Tits and Teeth and we are leaving it all out on the floor. Welcome to A Sermonia Special!

Due to quarantine, and thanks to technology, we are coming at you with stories and wisdom from Julius, Jason and Genny Sermonia! 3 of our industry's most talented and driven humans - who are also siblings! We get to hear some old school family stories from this trio, how each of them has forged their own unique path in this industry, and the importance of representation. We also recap this season's twists and turns. 

Julius, Jason, and Genny have all performed at our industry's most prestigious houses. Julius made his Broadway debut as Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats, and has since performed on Broadway in Jesus Christ Superstar, Dr. Zhivago, The King And I, and Miss Saigon. Julius has just come off the Miss Saigon National Tour, and has spent many years at the Stratford Festival (Tommy, West Side Story, My One And Only, A Funny Thing…Forum). Jason too performed on Broadway in Miss Saigon, and Jesus Christ Superstar, and has spent 8 seasons with the Stratford Festival (Crazy For You, A Chorus Line, Little Shop Of Horrors, Billy Elliot). Jason was also in the movies Chicago (starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger) and Honey (starring Jessica Alba). Genny has spent multiple seasons with both The Shaw Festival (Brigadoon, Sweet Charity, Peter And The Starcatcher) and The Stratford Festival (The Music Man, A Chorus Line, West Side Story) was on the National Tour of Mary Poppins, and in multiple Ross Petty Pantos (Lil’ Red Robin Hood, A Christmas Carol). Genny can also be seen on screen in Full Out (Carmel Creek Prods), Degrassi: The Next Generation (Epitome Pictures), and Hellcats(CBS/Warner Bros). 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and thank you for joining us in an epic season of Tits and Teeth.   

Today we are amplifying the voices and experiences of LaToya and Ron Bedeau. This gorgeous couple and parents to a glowing daughter were completely generous and open while we discussed parenting in this climate, the importance of accountability and consequence, and they urge everyone to live and learn and fight for a better tomorrow because it’s a movement, not a moment. 

LaToya and Ron are co-directors of In Tha Groove Productions and incredible dancers in their own right. LaToya has done it all, from touring the world to performing in movies (Honey, Bojangles, Save the Last Dance 2) music videos (Rihanna, Mario, Keshia Chante), and award shows (Fergie, Akon, The Black Eyed Peas). LaToya is now the choreographer and head dancer for Massari, has choreographed routines for the Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders, Toronto Rock Lacrosse Cheerleaders, and a short show for superstar Mya. Ron Bedeau began his hip hop career under the mentorship of Luther Brown, and was a featured performer for legendary group DoDat. He can be seen in films like Shall We Dance, Save The Last Dance 2 (Stepping Up), and Honey. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s continue to move forward, together.

That title says it all folks! Our guest today is tap and dance icon, Germaine Goodson.  Her journey in this industry is filled with first hand stories about some of the most legendary tap dancers and teachers of all time, and she is bringing those stories to your ears. 

Germaine radiates joy, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience that is unparalleled. She speaks with us about some of the icons she’s had the pleasure of working with - people like Harold and Fayard Nicholas, aka The Nicholas Brothers, Maurice Hines, Savion Glover, and Henry LeTang. We also hear all about her experience performing in Black and Blue which she travelled with from Paris to Broadway, and get her hopeful response to the overdue changes that this civil rights movement is having on our industry.

Germaine’s Broadway credits include Play On and Black and Blue, which ran from 1989-1991 and won the Tony Award for Best Choreography, as well as Off Broadway in Back In the Big Time. Germaine was also a member of the world renowned tap duo and trio brought together by Cab Callaway called The Rhythm Queens. The Rhythm Queens performed on tours across Europe, with Ballet Tap USA, and even for the Queen of England. Germaine is an incredible teacher and educator and you can take her masterful class at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York, where she resides today. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s continue to move forward, together. 

Today on the pod we are going on mute and passing over our mics and platform to the powerful duo, Tara Jackson and Masini McDermott, the co-creators of Musical Tokens. The pair are also established actors and met while performing in The Colour Purple. Tara’s portrayal of Celie in this production earned her a Merritt Award, and a Sterling Award nomination. She was also a Season 1 guest on Tits and Teeth! Masini is a graduate of Sheridan College, and has had an exciting career, with credits spanning from stage to screen. Together they have created a virtual platform that highlights Canadian women of colour in Musical Theatre, recognizing and celebrating female talent! 

Masini and Tara dissect some of the hot topics and phrases that are filling our Instagram feeds, share with us what has been on their minds in respect to the recent social change happening around the world as part of the Black Lives Matter movement, and chat to us about systemic racism within our society and industry. We are beyond grateful to these amazing women as they host this episode of Tits and Teeth! 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s continue to move forward, together

Today on the pod we are hearing from 3 strong powerful women who are leading the way! Ayanna Sealey speaks with us to help elevate our mental training, and Stephanie Graham and Amy Wright are here to respond to some unanswered questions from our live QandA.

Ayanna Sealey is a mental performance, wellness coach, and  neuro emotional technique practitioner. Her company is called ‘Magic Makers’ where she helps her clients get out of their own way, figure out what their full potential is, and succeed by using their own ‘magic’. Ayanna was also a former musical theatre gal who performed at the Stratford Festival (South Pacific, Hello Dolly) in The Lion King (Mirvish) and even trained at the prestigious Alvin Ailey School in New York. During this interview with Ayanna we dive into topics like; creating daily practices and rituals, recognizing the purpose in our failures, and moving past our injuries. Ayanna is a complete ray of light, we can’t wait for you to soak up all her wisdom. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s get through this together.  

Today on the pod Kyla is being outnumbered by Aussies! Australian based choreographer, performer, and absolute legend, James Maxfield is with us today on Tits and Teeth!

James has an incredible musical theatre and performance resume, and is currently the Creative Producer on The Voice Australia! We chat with James about his journey from theatre to tv, hear a Hugh Jackman story (yes, please), and learn all about what being a Creative Producer on The Voice entails.

James is a self proclaimed musical theatre nerd like us all, and his hard work and dedication to the craft is apparent with his extensive resume. Some of his credits to date include; The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman, the Australian productions of Miss Saigon & Wicked, Sweet Charity (The Production Company)  A Chorus Line (TML Ent.) and My Fair Lady (Opera Australia). He has also danced on the Ke$ha Japan Promo Tour, with Taylor Swift (Aria Awards) X Factor Aus, Australia’s Got Talent, and Australian Idol.

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s get through this together.  

Richard J Hinds is a man that we've have had on our ‘hopefully one day’ list to interview ever since the beginning of Tits and Teeth. It is not ideal how our schedules have finally lined up, but WE WILL TAKE IT!

Ricky Hinds is a brilliant director/choreographer based out of New York and is the Associate Choreographer on the latest revival of Company, which is set to open once Broadway is lit up again. He often spends his time travelling the world, as he is also the Associate Choreographer on every production of Come From Away! Ricky challenges us to always put ourselves out there, and encourages us to be positive influences in our community, especially now.

Ricky’s career is inspirational, and we can’t wait to see where he’ll go next! His other Broadway credits include Newsies! (Assoc. Director), Jekyll And Hyde (Assoc. Dir/Choreo) and Here Lies Love (Off Broadway, West End Assoc. Dir/Chore). Some of Ricky’s personal Director/Choreographer credits include Holiday Inn, Guys And Dolls (Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival) How To Succeed In Business… Evita (Flat Rock Playhouse) and Encore for Disney+ 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together.

Karla Garcia has a style and groove all her own. You can’t help but stop and take notice when she showcases her amazing choreography. Not to mention she’s incredibly kind, generous, and funny! We can’t wait for you to get to know Karla!

Karla is a New York based performer and choreographer who has spent the last 4 years as a swing in Hamilton on Broadway. We get to chat with Karla about choreographing the brand new musical, ‘Other World', which was set to make its world premiere at Bucks County Playhouse right before COVID sent us into isolation. We talk about how her sense of rhythm and musicality influences her choreography, and we hear some stories about her time with Hamilton. 

Karla is an award winning choreographer for her work on In The Heights (VA Repertory). She made her Broadway debut in Hot Feet, and been on the National Tours of Wicked and The Addams Family. Other Broadway credits for Karla include Hamilton: An American Musical, GiGi and West Side Story. Karla is a regular faculty member at Broadway Dance Center, was a top 7 female finalist on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 5), has a BFA in Dance and a minor in Journalism from NYU and in 2011 was named UNIpro Magazine’s ‘Top 30 Filipinos Under 30”.

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together.

Fellow human beings! The Queen, Kimberley Rampersad, is here on Tits and Teeth! Her incredible words are ready to flow through your ear buds and inspire you to HOLD YOUR SPACE!

Kimberley is a glowing force in this industry, who was recently appointed as the new Associate Artist Direct of the Shaw Festival. We chat with Kimberley about how she ‘schedules her balance’, the stories she wants to tell as a director, and a little bit about Gypsy, scheduled to play at the Shaw Festival, which she is both directing and choreographing. We also got to have a beautiful catch up with Kimberley because we had recorded her interview ‘pre-pandemic’. We needed to hear how Kim is continuing to inspire and lead while staying safely in her home, and in true Kim Rampersad fashion, she hit us with some incredible advice for this moment in time. 

Kimberley proudly hails from Winnipeg Manitoba and has been an asset to theatres all across Canada. Kimberley has been a performer in Holiday Inn, Grand Hotel, Pygmalion, Sweet Charity (Shaw Festival) Crazy For You, Man of La Mancha (Stratford Festival), has Directed The Colour Purple (Neptune Theatre, Citadel/MRTC) Man and Superman, O’Flaherty V.C. (Shaw Festival) How Black Mothers Say I Love You (GCTC), and Choreographed Matilda (RMTC/Citadel/Arts Club) Bittergirl (RMTC) and Seussical (Young Peoples Theatre). What we’re saying is…she does it all, and she does it all at the highest level.       

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together.

On Wednesday April 22nd Jen and Ky were thrilled to host a Q and A live on YouTube with two of our industries elites, Amy Wight and Stephanie Graham. We had a blast and answered your live questions about injury, choreography, and auditioning for both film/tv and musical theatre. We wanted to make sure this valuable content got to you so we needed to put it in PODCAST VERSION! 

Amy Wright is the Casting Director, Choreographer and a Producer of the television series The Next Step, watched around the world. Most recently Amy has choreographed dancers for Private Eyes (Global), Anne With An E (Netflix and CBC) Killjoys (Crave) American Gods (Amazon Prime) and Dare Me (NBC/USA pilot).

Stephanie Graham is one of our countries most sought after Directors and Choreographers. Stephanie won the 2015 Dora Award for Outstanding Choreography for her work on The Wild Party (Musical Stage Co.) She is also a twice nominated Merritt Award choreographer for Cinderella and The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre) Other Director credits for Steph include; Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia (Globe Theatre) Anne of Green Gables (Thousand Islands Playhouse) and The Last Five Years (YRG Productions) 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together

It’s crazy times out there right now friends, so why not take a break from the madness and hear a word from our incredible guest this week who is always working way past 9 to 5! International woman, Lisa Stevens is here to chat with Jen and Ky and take some of those blues away. 

Lisa is a Director/Choreographer who has taken her talents and tenacity from Canada, to The West End, Australia, Broadway and back again. We chat with Lisa about the journey she’s on putting up Dolly Parton’s musical adaptation of 9 to 5 all over the world, how to make yourself essential, and forging your own path. There is so much to learn from this boss woman!

Lisa’s performance career took her across the pond to the West End in London where she was part of Chicago and Bombay Dreams. Bombay Dreams brought her back to North America as the Associate Choreographer on both the Broadway and National Tour productions. Lisa has also choreographed the National Tours of High School Musical in the US, UK, and Australia. Some of Lisa’s regional credits include; The Little Prince (World Premiere Theatre Calgary), Mamma Mia! (Rainbow Stage and The New Theatre), Grease, Spamalot, Mary Poppins, and West Side Story (Drayton Entertainment). You may also recognize Lisa from appearing on Encore (produced by Kristin Bell) on Disney+

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together 

Today on the pod we have a forward thinking chat with the super compassionate, always passionate, David Connolly, who reminds us it’s always better to glitter than be bitter! 

David Connolly is the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, where he has helmed over thirty productions! David leads Drayton's Youth Training Program and is also an adjunct professor to many performing arts colleges across Canada. Having also been the only below knee double amputee performer to ever perform on Broadway, he is also a huge advocate for very-abled-actors within the community. In our discussion with David we talk about his new initiative that began in response to social distancing, Matinee to Z. We also have an important discussion about people with disabilities, that encourages us to broaden our thinking beyond any labels, and David gets us excited about our 'new normal' going forward.

David’s career has been vast and diverse. He was a cast member in the Broadway revival of Shenandoah, and from there become a company member of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. David then moved to LA  and spent 7 years working as an Associate Producer and Creative Director at Anita Mann Productions. He brought that knowledge back to Canada to choreograph, cast, and co-direct the CBC smash hit children’s series, The Doodlebops. Some of David’s other director/choreographer credits include; Newsies, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Hairspray, Singin’ In The Rain, Mamma Mia! First Wives Club, The Musical, and Disney’s High School Musical. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together. 

As we are all slowly adjusting to this socially distant world, it occurred to us that we needed to take a minute to look after our mental health. The stress and anxiety that is coming with these rapidly changing times can be overwhelming, so today on the pod we reconnect with past Tits and Teeth alum (and creator of The Dance Podcast) Lauren Ritchie to chat about our mental health and mindset during COVID-19. She helps us uncover tools, including using our breath and adjusting our habits to keep us connected to our goals, to come out resilient, grateful and perhaps more connected to our best selves on the other side. These practises are transferable throughout our careers and lives too... aka, there's a lot to take away this week! 

Lauren is a mental skills trainer, dance educator, writer, and unshakable optimist dedicated to helping dancers and performers become their best, and boy did she help us today! From her MEd in Coaching Studies, to a BA in Professional Communications, to multiple yoga certifications and an accredited Art & Science of Coaching Certification, Lauren is incredibly knowledgable and well spoken, and we are so grateful she was able to speak with us again. 

You’ll also hear from one of our industry's strong and mindful leaders, Stephanie Graham, with a message to us all, as well as an original song from the beautiful Jordan Bell to make you smile.

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together!

Hi friends. Is COVID-19 making you feel stressed, anxious, unsure of what tomorrow is going to bring? Well guess what! You are not alone because here at Tits and Teeth we feel THE EXACT SAME WAY!  

We have decided to do a bit of a different episode today, and why not? We are living in very ‘different’ times. 

Today you will hear from the lovely Ryan G Hinds, 2nd Vice President of Canadian Actors Equity, who has provided us with a synopsis of the March 17 CAEA meeting, along with other specifics you should know of coming from our union. Jen and Ky also have a conversation with the well spoken and elegant Anthony MacPherson. We discuss questions we still have going forward, coming together as a community, and we open up about our thoughts and feelings we’re experiencing during this time of uncertainty. We are also here to make you smile, so we will round off the episode with a fun story from the gem that is George Krissa. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink, and let’s all get through this together!

A glorious fearless fashionista is in our midst today. Her full beautiful name is Kimberly-Ann Truong, but she more commonly goes by KIMMY TRUONG! 

While being super classy ladies and sipping on some box wine, we chat with Kimmy about why she NEVER counts herself out! We also learn all about her time on Broadway with Miss Saigon and why good food is a mantra for a good life! 

Kimmy is truly a fearless actor who is never afraid of making bold choices. She will star in this season of The Stratford Festival of Canada as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot. Some of her incredible credits to date include; Miss Saigon (Broadway) The Rocky Horror Show as Columbia, A Little Night Music as Fredrika, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, Peter and Wendy (Stratford Festival) Into the Woods (TIFT) Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Drayton Entertainment) Mamma Mia!, Anne of Green Gables, and the premiere of Kronborg: The Hamlet Rock Musical (Charlottetown Festival) 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

The elegant, hard working, ultra talented Michael De Rose is our special guest this week on Tits and Teeth, and let’s just say, there are no thorns on this rose! 

Michael was recently recognized by NOW! Magazine as one of the ‘Top Ten Toronto performers in theatre and comedy of 2019' and we couldn't agree more! You may also recognize him from his starring role in Ross Petty Panto's Lil’ Red Robin Hood and The Wizard of Oz, or even in the Toronto production of Grease, where he appeared as Teen Angel. We chat with Mr. De Rose about these recent acknowledgements he’s received, his reoccurring role as SugarBum in the Ross Petty Panto, and his tenacious work ethic!

The already successful DeRose has an exciting future in this business and we can’t wait to see where this ‘Top Ten’ man is headed!  Micheal's epic vocals have had him touring across North America in Godspell and Saturday Night Fever, and he also received a Betty Mitchell Nomination for his role as Lonny in Rock Of Ages (Stage West). Other credits include Reprint (Musical Stage Co.) Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius), Juke Box Hero (Annerin Theatricals), and Return To Grace (RGA Productions), just to name a few! 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Get out your kitten heels folks, because the legendary Bruce Dow is our guest on Tits and Teeth Podcast this week!

It was truly an honour to share a glass of wine with Bruce Dow and hear his kind, generous and intelligent perspective about this crazy business! We chat with Bruce about his years at The Stratford Festival, breaking out of that body image box, and the new musical he is currently working on, called Diana: A True Musical Story, which begins previews on Broadway TODAY! 

Bruce has had a wide and illustrious career and it just keeps growing! His broadway credits include Diana: A True Musical and Jesus Christ Superstar, where he played King Herod. Some favourite Canadian credits include A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Mirvish Prod. and Stratford Festival) Les Miserables (Mirvish Prod) Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, The Tempest, Into The Woods, Man of La Mancha, Comedy of Errors (Stratford Festival) and Alice Through The Looking Glass (Charlottetown Festival). Bruce is also known for creating intimate and personal cabaret performances and is a member of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages

We are so lucky here at Tits and Teeth to be able to speak with the many talented and inspirational leaders across North America, and today is no exception with director, choreographer, actor and educator, Ray Hogg!

Ray completely PAMPERED your girls for this interview. He provided a stellar charcuterie board, and champagne glasses for our Perrier, all between his two shows that day! We chat with Ray over this luxurious spread about knowing our worth, longevity in this business, and fostering the love of theatre in our youngsters. 

Ray Hogg is a force in Canadian theatre. He is currently the Artistic Liaison in Toronto for Neptune Theatre, and most recently he has been appointed Artistic Consultant at The Musical Stage Company. He was the Artistic Director of Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg from 2012-2017 and has directed and choreographed at reputable theatres spanning across Canada, including The Shaw Festival in Ontario to The Arts Club Theatre Co in Vancouver! Some of Ray’s performance credits include; Cats (Stuttgart, Germany) My One and Only, Oklahoma!, South Pacific (Stratford Festival) Sweet Charity, Spelling Bee, Elf The Musical (Drayton Entertainment) and West Side Story (Vancouver Opera) 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Dan is a stunning dancer, teacher, and choreographer who works hard to give back to his community and inspire acceptance. We chat with this beautiful human about his journey as a choreographer, where he draws inspiration from, and the events he co-ordinates across NYC, particularly his ‘Night Of Life’ events, which raises money to benefit ‘The Trevor Project’, a foundation aimed at saving LGBTQ youth lives.

Dan is a New York based artist and faculty member of Steps on Broadway and a regular guest teacher at Broadway Dance Centre. Dan has recently had a successful off Broadway choreography debut with Good Morning New York (The Players Theatre) and also choreographed the regional premiere of The Bodyguard (White Plains Performing Arts Centre) starring LaToya London (American Idol Finalist). Other choreography credits include Young Frankenstein (Phoenix Productions) and The Mystery Of Edwin Drood (Liberty University). Some of Dan’s theatre performance credits include; Miss Saigon, Beaty and the Beast (National Tours), Loch Ness: A New Musical (Merry Go Round Playhouse), Young Frankenstein (North Shore Music Theatre) and My Fair Lady (Lyric Opera Of Chicago).

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Joel Cumber, (aka. the 'young gun' of this season's roster), is here to have some gin and tonics with Jen and Ky! There are lots of laughs as we listen to Joel as ‘the voice of a generation!'

Joel is an incredible asset to the Canadian musical theatre scene, he is wonderfully funny, and a recent graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance program at Sheridan College. We chat with Joel about where his love of musical theatre comes from, what excitement comes from being in on the ground floor of a brand new musical, and the challenges and thrills that our younger coworkers are facing coming out of theatre school.

Joel’s career is just beginning and we expect big things from him throughout it. We can’t wait to watch him flourish! Some of his credits to date include; The Adventures of Pinocchio (Young Peoples Theatre) Every Silver Lining (Next Stage Festival) Kelly vs. Kelly, In Real Life (Musical Stage Co. workshops) My Fair Lady, The Little Mermaid (Capital Theatre) How to Succeed In Business, Footloose, Shrek (Theatre Sheridan)

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Tits and Teeth podcast. Jen and Ky are thrilled to be back with another stacked roster for this season. Kicking things off is a true superwoman and gem of the industry, Julie Tomaino!

Julie is a remarkable Director/Choreographer who continuously delivers beautiful story driven work that every actor wants to perform. We hear Julie’s incredible story of recovery after a devastating stroke, what she does outside the business that brings her joy, and her goals for the future. We DARE you get through this episode without shedding a tear. 

Julie was a stunning performer and New York City Rockette, and has since switched her focus to direction and choreography. She recently choreographed Idina Menzel in the movie Beaches, and has worked alongside industry legend Tim Rice on his new musical, From Here to Eternity. Julie has worked at theatres all across North America including; Young Peoples Theatre (Pinocchio) Citadel Theatre (Once) Chemainus Theatre (Grease, Footloose) Magnus Theatre (We Will Rock You, Shout!) Finger Lakes MT Festival (On the Town, Cabaret). Julie’s next projects in 2020 include; Marvellous Wonderettes (Chemainus Theatre) Kinky Boots (Arts Club) and Once (Thousand Islands Playhouse) 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, humans and aliens, this is the final episode of Season 2 of Tits and Teeth! We couldn’t be more proud to close this season off with none other than, Stephen Cota!

Steve has a cold Cowbell Brewery Session IPA in hand while we chat with him about his years of growth at the Stratford Festival of Canada, his choreography inspiration and style, and we even get to hear a love story from the man himself. 

Steve has spent many wonderful seasons with the Stratford Festival starting as a performer (My One and Only, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, Music Man, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Evita, Tommy, 42nd Street, Crazy For You) and has now moved into a assistant and associate position (Sound of Music, Rocky Horror Show, Chorus Line, Music Man, Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors). Coming up, Stephen will be choreographing Mary Poppins (Grand Theatre) this Christmas and Billy Elliot (Neptune Theatre) next spring.   

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Jordan Bell, the man with the infectious smile, serious drive and determination, and the voice of an ANGEL, is here to have some bubbly and fantastic chats with your girls.

We get to hear all about the process Jordan took to get his Green Card in order to pursue his dream in New York, Pride in the Big Apple, and we get a hilarious recantation of Jordan’s famous serious of monologues from ‘The Sign Says No.’ 

While in Canada Jordan worked for incredible companies such as The Stratford Festival (West Side Story, Evita, Kiss Me Kate) Mirvish Productions (A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Wizard of Oz) and the Charlottetown Festival (Full Monty, Anne of Green Gables) Since moving to the US Jordan has been a part of the world premiere of Calamity Jane (The Lion Theatre at Theatre Row) From Here to Eternity (Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival) and West Side Story (Orlando Shakespeare Festival)

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages. 

Robert Markus, loyal human, hilarious gent, and star of Toronto’s Dear Evan Hansen is here with Jen and Ky!

While enjoying a vodka soda and lime, we chat with Robert all about his journey with Dear Evan Hansen. We learn about his process and how he keeps Robert mentally and physically healthy so that he can play the demanding role of ‘Evan’ every night. We also learn that Robert is a talented song writer, and that he can do an Aussie accent way better than Ky will ever be able to do. 

Robert is a Canadian treasure. He is currently playing Evan in Dear Evan Hansen, he has played title roles at the Stratford Festival including Tommy in Tommy, and Riff Raff in Rocky Horror. He’s had a season at the Shaw Festival (Sweeney Todd, Our Town), and played iconic roles such as Gabe in Next to Normal (Theatre Calgary/Citadel Theatre), and Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Mayfield Dinner, Drayton Entertainment)   

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages. 

Plucked from Pickering Ontario and placed on the Broadway stage, Shannon Lewis is a true legend!  

We meet up with Shannon after a busy day, at Pearl studio in New York, get a drink in hand to decompress and chat about her initial move from Canada to the US. We also hear about all the incredible women she’s had the privilege to work with over the years, including Gwen Verdon herself, being part of the Fosse Verdon Legacy, and Shannon ‘gives her secrets back’ as a director/choreographer.

Shannon is the choreographer of the groundbreaking and inventive new musical The Secret Silk by Stephen Schwartz and John Tartaglia. Her critically acclaimed choreography recently appeared in the re-imagined Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), as well as the new musical film Stuck starring Amy Madigan, Giancarlo Esposito and Ashanti. As a performer, Shannon starred in I Gotcha in the original Broadway cast of Fosse and is featured singing I Gotcha on the Original Cast album. She starred as “Ursula” opposite Christina Applegate in the Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, and as “Miss Krumholtz” with Daniel Radcliffe, Darren Criss and Nick Jonas in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Other Broadway credits include: The Mystery of Edwin Drood; The People in the Picture; Curtains; Look of Love; Contact; Candide; Crazy for You. Broadway National Tours: A Chorus Line as “Sheila” and Pippin as “Fastrada”.

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving) and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter, with beverages.

Steven Guy-McGrath is an actor, a renovator, a foodie, a boat enthusiast, a playwright, a musician, dad extraordinaire, and the perfect guest to celebrate Canada Day with! 

We have ‘Spindrift’ cocktails and chat with this lovely Newfie about summers at the Charlottetown Festival, his one-person show, Spinning Yarns, playing this year at Charlottetown’s second stage, and being a dad and family man while in this fast pace business. 

Stephen is a performer and writer. You’ve seen him on stages all across this country including Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet (Charlottetown Festival), Once (Mirvish Prod.) A Christmas Carol, Glengarry Glen Ross (Soulpepper Theatre) and No Great Mischief (Tarragon Theatre). Stephen is the writer of Spinning Yarns and also Bully, a play about astrophysics, broken homes and chocolate bars. 

Come hang with us, grab a drink (if you’re not driving), and get your weekly fix of musical theatre banter with beverage