Dear Multi-hyphenate – Details, episodes & analysis

Many people go to college for theatre so one can become an educated actor. Through technique and tools, this will help the actor sustain a healthy and rich career. But what are students getting in terms of theatre business? My NYU student, Natalie Rebenkoff, graduated and took off with flying colors by digging into her multi-hyphenate potential and producing her first piece of work, The Nursery, an unpublished Clifford Odets one-act. The production co-stars Cameron Monaghan from the ever popular television show, Shameless. So how does one graduate and produce their own work? What comes easy? What comes hard? What do we learn along the way? This episode is a great resource for actors who are deep in learning their technique but can also understand how to produce their own work – and not let each artform distract the other.  Natalie Rebenkoff is a New York-based actor, writer, and producer from Hermosa Beach, California. Her recent theater credits include Smokeshow (Edinburgh Fringe), Hamlet (RADA), MotherBoard (Experimental Theatre Wing), and I’m Sorry for Your Troubles (Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute). Her film credits include Don’t Look Up opposite Leonardo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. She would like to thank Walt Odets, Robert Ellerman, her family, and friends for all the support in bringing The Nursery to life and is excited to finally share this story. Cameron Monaghan is an American actor, writer, director, and photographer. With a career of over 25 years, he is perhaps best known for his series regular roles as Ian on ‘Shameless’ and ‘The Joker’ on Gotham. In addition, he stars in the ‘Star Wars: Jedi’ game series. Supporting roles include ‘The Giver’ with Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges, ‘Paradise Highway’ with Juliette Binoche and Morgan Freeman, and the lead role in ‘Jamie Marks is dead’ which premiered at Sundance, amongst countless other projects. He studied screenwriting at SNHU and has attended directing courses at the Australian Film and Television School (AFTRS), The Actors Studio at Pinewood UK, and Marjorie Ballentine Theatre Company. He most currently filmed TRON: ARES for Disney. Clifford Odets' The Nursery will be staged Off-Broadway October 10-12 at The Sam Theatre, with Stella Diji directing. The unpublished one-act will be presented by Point 5 Collective, in collaboration with The Lee Strasberg Creative Center.  Set in the 1950s, The Nursery follows an upper-middle class couple who are forced to confront the long-simmering fault lines in their troubled marriage. When the suppressed emotions of their union explode during a pivotal conversation, the strength of their love is tested. The Nursery was discovered in the archives of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Visit TheNurseryPlay.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hannah Solow is probably one of the funniest people on the planet. She creates hysterical characters on social media, is a stand up comic, and musical theatre performer. In this very funny episode, we dive into specific social media practices, grabbing control of your career, how getting cast in Broadway’s hit OH, MARY! came to be, and brilliant gems of stories from being in the industry – including what it was like to tour the country in Daniel Fish’s OKLAHOMA!, for instance.  Hannah Solow is currently understudy to Mary Todd Lincoln and Mary’s Chaperone/Bill in Oh, Mary!, written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, at The Lyceum Theatre on Broadway.  She received her BFA in drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and has performed everywhere from The Kennedy Center to a hostel in Chinatown. She traveled to over 20 cities across the country performing as “Gertie Cummings” in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” directed by Daniel Fish. She performed on Broadway at The Cort Theatre as the “understudy” to Mike Birbiglia in his show, The New One.  For many years she performed weekly at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade with musical improv team, Rumpleteaser, and monthly with house sketch teams. She has performed her original standup, characters and songs at The Bell House, Caroline’s, Club Cumming, Littlefield, and many more places/basements. She has taught improvisation to students pre-K through fifth grade across both Manhattan and Brooklyn. They were way funnier than she is. @babymcgoo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I don’t give you a trophy for showing up. I don’t applaud a bird for flying or a fish for swimming. You chose to be here and so you got to eat a little sand from the sandbox because it builds up your immunity.” In this episode we discuss… What do you do when you start to become a leader? What happens after you’re told no? What is good teaching? Hope Boykin, a two-time "Bessie Award" winner, is an acclaimed dancer, choreographer and artistic advisor known for her 20-year tenure with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and her choreography for various companies worldwide. With a passion for pushing artistic boundaries, she has co-directed Off-Broadway and regional theater productions, while her virtual works have earned acclaim from institutions like Carolina Performing Arts and theGuggenheim Works And Process Virtual Commissions initiative. As a motivating force, Hope has served as a keynote speaker for Lincoln Center Activate and received a grant for her Covid Safe residency #BoykinBubble. Hercreative endeavors extend to filmmaking, including the Emmy-nominated short film "Beauty Size & Color." Frompremiering "An Evening of Hope" at 92nd Street Y to directing performances like "The Other Side" for the KennedyCenter, Hope's artistry knows no limits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael talks with DeAnne Stewart (Jagged Little Pill) and Ryan Mac (Anastasia National Tour) 38 days into quarantine during the CoVid-19 Outbreak. The three of them have been best friends since Freshman year at Ithaca College. All the three have had busy, stable routine before quarantine and each have found their own way to stay focused and happy while the theatre community is finding a temporary new normal. Listen to this episode for positive outlooks, helpful resources, and inspiration. Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After three weeks into quarantine, life has changed big time for us artists. In this episode with JJ Maley, one of the youngest producers in NYC, there are plenty goodies to implement in your life that will help with the busiest of schedules, or schedules that have been turned upside down because of CoVid-19. A non-binary actor and producer, JJ is the kindest soul who will leave you feeling inspired.  Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael speaks with Angela Grovey (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Joyful Noise, Newsies, Escape to Margaritaville) on balancing art and serving. On top of performing on stage and screen, Angela works with Covenant House and Broadway Inspirational Voices - two opportunities for Angela to inflict change. Angela is embracing all 2020 has to offer, while sharing amazing words of wisdom to ensure a life of discovery, health, and happiness.  Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael talks with Liz Flemming and Tina Scariano, two powerhouse women changing the face of how we produce theatre. Straight from a full day of planning a colorful season at Out of the Box Theatrics, Liz and Tina join for a bright and engaging conversation on fate, family, and the 5x5 rule.  Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael talks with Erin Kommor (NBC's Rise) about tools that help balance the stresses of multi-hyphenation. This episode is balanced with humor, truth, and lots of talk about food. Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael talks with Adam Hyndman, a multi-hyphenate whose work as a performer can be found in Hadestown and as a producer in The Inheritance. Yes, Adam has two shows on Broadway at once, both using two different proficiencies. This heartfelt, heady episode elaborates on self worth, privilege, and self focused energy.  Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael talks with Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, the brains and bodies behind (or under) The Skivvies. In this episode, they discuss creating something out of nothing and turning a small youtube video into a Broadway band with thousands of fans! This episode is hysterical, energetic and full of inspiration. Connect with Michael: @themichaelkushner @thedressingroomproject dressingroomproject.com Produced by Alan Seales and the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices