The Stage Rightside with James Whiteside – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I read my latest Substack essay aloud and share some of the DMs it sparked—thoughtful, funny, and occasionally surprising. I also talk about the feedback I just received from my literary agent on my new book and what it’s like to sit with notes, doubt, and excitement all at once. A behind-the-scenes look at the writing life, the reader response, and the messy middle of making something new.

This week on The Stage Rightside, James checks in from rehearsal season—with a purring cat, a recovering back spasm, and plenty of opinions. As ABT prepares for tour with Christopher Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale, he reflects on jealousy, insecurity, and how most Shakespearean disasters could be solved with better communication.

Along the way: unhinged New York subway behavior, thoughts on the ethics of Free Solo, recent reads, and a deep dive into Part Two of his Substack series 31 Years a Nutcracker Prince. From dancing The Bear in Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker(yes, with aerial cartwheels) to confetti cannons, beloved dressers, and onstage chaos, it’s a nostalgic, hilarious solo episode about ballet, books, and life in the theater.

James talks about his early years in dance, his training, and his first years as an apprentice in a big ballet company.

James and Reid talk about ballet costumes; faves, mishaps, and least faves!

James chats about which female roles he'd want to dance, what he did on his layoff from ABT, and why straight men at the gym annoy him.

James chats about Tr*mp's Kennedy Center, the WAP en pointe, and drunk gay people.

James talks about a typical rehearsal day, what he eats, and... poop in the tiles?!?!

James chats with himself about Smile 2, Rose Gray, and being a gay gay gay person who only plays straight people. Big wahhhh!

James and Reid talk noodles, circle j*rks, Beyonce, and Alien Romulus.

Michael returns for the first episode of 2025! We chat about Sasha DeSola, resolutions, Darci Kistler's beautiful penche, Unity Phelan, the Nutcracker, and more!