The Black Business of Broadway

How can we leave an impact that will help shape the Broadway landscape? Marjaun Canady, Founder and Executive Director of the Canady Foundation for the Arts, joins the podcast to share her inspiring mission of empowering the next generation of change makers through storytelling. Marjaun takes us on her remarkable career journey, from embracing her Caribbean-American roots to creating her play turned children's book, Callaloo. Tune in to hear her discuss her work as a co-producer on The Wiz, where she is working to provide greater access in the arts to the next generation of artists. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can social media and influencer marketing contribute to making theatre more accessible to a wider audience? Ayanna Prescod, Director of Influencer Marketing at Relay, is leveraging her skills as a theatre professional, influencer marketer, producer, and social media specialist to address this question. Hear about Ayanna's journey, from making her Broadway debut as a co-producer on Pass Over, realizing her dreams, founding OurBkSocial, and her vision for influencer marketing's role in attracting new audiences to the theatre. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if you could build a career on Broadway while balancing family and life? From being hand-picked by the legendary Bob Fosse to performing in her first Broadway shows, Stephanie Pope Lofgren's journey to becoming a Broadway veteran has been shaped by the mentors and teachers throughout her career in show business. Now she is passing on the lessons gleaned from her 35-year career teaching the Fosse repertoire through The Verdon Fosse Legacy® LLC and serving as choreographer for the Jimmy Awards®. Listen as Stephanie shares her experiences working with Bob Fosse, navigating burnout, her advice to young performers on embracing their authenticity, and what it means to her to be reprising her role as one of the original Hunnies in Jelly's Last Jam at New York City Center. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you ever imagine that one could pursue a career as both a weather scientist and a Broadway music director? Alvin's journey to becoming the Associate Music Supervisor for "Merrily We Roll Along" was unconventional. As he emphasizes throughout his interview, "Everybody's path is a little different." Alvin shares his journey from studying Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard to becoming the music director on the national tour of "Dreamgirls", highlighting the moments where preparation met opportunity. Join us in this conversation, as Alvin shares how he is now cultivating the next generation of musicians through his work at MUSE and BMEP while creating opportunities for more inclusivity in the Broadway pit. MUSE (Musicians United for Social Equity) is committed to creating diversity within the music departments of the theatre industry by providing access, internships, mentorships, and support to historically marginalized people of color. Learn more at https://museonline.org/ BMEP (Broadway Musicians Equity Partnership) is providing access and learning opportunities for musicians from underrepresented communities to learn about playing in the musical theater industry. Learn more at https://www.broadwaymusiciansep.org/ You can learn more about opportunities relating to careers in the Broadway industry at https://careers.broadway/careers-jobs/   Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nana Mensah, a Ghanaian-American writer, director, producer, and actress, joins the podcast to discuss her Broadway debut in "Jaja's African Hair Braiding". She discusses her Ghanaian-American heritage, shares her experience of playing the role of Aminata, the community's response, and the importance of bringing a story about the Black immigrant experience to Broadway. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An inspiring conversation with Sade Lythcott, the CEO of National Black Theatre (NBT), about its history and how she is carrying on the legacy of her mother and founder, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. Tune in to hear her discuss NBT's mission "to produce transformational theater... through telling authentic stories of the Black experience," its emphasis on placemaking and holistic producing, and her vision for the future of NBT. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Christina Selby shares her career journey, from getting her start in arts administration to the many moments where mentors played a role in helping shape her career. Now as Vice President – Production and Touring at Nederlander Producing Company of America, she discusses what it is like coming full circle from mentee to mentor and what representation means to her. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this latest episode of The Black Business of Broadway, we are joined by James Ijames, a Tony-nominated playwright, and Pulitzer Prize winner for his play 'Fat Ham'. Tune in to hear James discuss how growing up in the rural South helped inform the creation of 'Fat Ham,' why he chose to adapt 'Hamlet,' and how writing became a transformative tool for manifesting his dreams. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Diana Moran Macuil, Director of Membership Services & Professional Development at The Broadway League, joins the podcast to share her career journey into arts administration. Listen to her breakdown her work in managing membership on Broadway, owning her identity as an Afro-Latina, and how cultivating meaningful relationships has enabled her to be successful. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with Jujamcyn's Vice President of People & Culture, Darrelle Johnson, about her career journey in human resources. She shares insights into her work as a People & Culture leader, navigating senior leadership roles as a woman of color, what skills enabled her to be successful, and offers advice to anyone interested in pursuing this field. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Black Business of Broadway, Gennean returns for season three with playwright, poet, and educator Candrice Jones to discuss her new play “Flex." Tune in to hear how growing up in rural Arkansas inspired the creation of her play, what was the impulse behind her mission to write love letters for and to women of the American South, and how she pays homage to the Black women who have helped paved the way. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of the 14th annual Jimmy Awards, tune into this special episode featuring two Jimmy Award alums, Amina Faye and John Clay lll. Amina, who won the Jimmy Award in 2016, is currently performing in the North American tour of “Six”. John Clay lll, a 2013 Jimmy Award nominee, can currently be seen on Broadway in “New York, New York.”   In this episode, you will hear about how Amina and John got their start, their journey to the Jimmy Awards, forging their own paths, and the lessons they have learned throughout their early careers. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tammie Ward, Theater Operations Director at The Shubert Organization, shares her journey in the theatre and how understanding a variety of jobs in the industry can help your career. Listen how she discusses what administering the day-to-day functions of 17 Broadway theaters is like as a Black woman and what community means to her. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical winner Giles Terera joins the podcast to discuss his start, explain some of the differences between working in New York and London, and share the story of the genesis of his book "Hamilton and Me: An Actor's Journal." Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Black Business of Broadway, Kim Shaw discusses her path to building a career as a Company Manager. Kim shares how building relationships and being a sponge helped shape her career. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gennean Scott sits down with actor, writer, director, composer-lyricist and playwright, Douglas Lyons. Currently on Broadway in Parade, Douglas shares what brought him to theatre, his journey so far with Chicken and Biscuits and Beau: The Musical, and how his work adds to the legacy of theatre for the Queer and Black communities. Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2017 Tony Award®-nominee, Michelle Wilson, stops by the podcast to discuss her latest work, starring in The Coast Starlight at Lincoln Center Theater. In this conversation, Michelle shares her journey into the industry, what it was like working with Dominique Morisseau and Lynn Nottage, and how the power of human connection can save us.  Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Whitaker, Head Treasurer at Jujamcyn's Walter Kerr Theatre (current home to Hadestown), joins the podcast. This trailblazing woman is the second Black woman Treasurer to rise to the role of Head Treasurer in all of Broadway history. Gennean and Michelle sit down to talk about what it is like to work in a Broadway box office, what brought Michelle to the arts, and the role mentors played in her career.   Edited by Justin Payne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Director and one of the American Theatre Magazine's 10 Rising Black Woman+ to Watch in Theatre, Danielle (Dani) Barlow talks about her career as an Arts Manager and the work of SDCF. Topics discussed include being in the room when it happens, networking, grad school, mentors, finding your purpose, and allowing yourself to be curious. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of THE BLACK BUSINESS OF BROADWAY, Lindsay Roberts Greene shares how she successfully navigates performing in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway while also being an international arts administrator and educator, working as the Deputy Executive Director of Arts Ignite.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gennean Scott sits down with The Black Business of Broadway's audio engineer, Justin Payne, to chronicle their journey together during the podcast's first year. Starting with episode one, they look back and reminisce, highlighting memorable guests and favorite moments, before turning toward the future of the podcast. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rashad V. Chambers and Adam Hyndman discuss their work in broadening the idea of a “standard” producer or investor and how they are accomplishing that with The Industry Standard Group and Second Act Theatrical Capital. They share their producing philosophy, how they are trying to disrupt the system, and some insights into the current trends on Broadway. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennie Harney-Fleming joins THE BLACK BUSINESS of BROADWAY to break down the real of what life is like as a performer. The current Angelica Schuyler in Broadway's Hamilton shares what it is like to have Tony Award®-winning lineage, the ups and downs of a performing arts career, while allowing for changes in your value system. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Gennean Scott welcomes T. Oliver Reid. Having spent the last 20 years working on Broadway, T. Oliver shares stories from his journey, starting as early as when he could walk and talk to his headline-making turn as a Fate in Broadway's Hadestown. Additionally, T. Oliver talks about the impetus of co-founding Black Theatre Coalition, what it's like being a Fellow, and how to get involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The busy actor, writer, producer, director, and creative, Marchánt Davis, from Broadway's “Ain't No Mo” and the upcoming “Good Night Oscar” shares stories about the community support he received while growing up in the church, catching the theatre bug, and what's going on with his many projects.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cessalee Smith-Stovall, founder of the Australian organization Stage A Change, sits down with Gennean Scott to talk about what is going on with EDI around the world, specifically with First Nation communities and how that work contrasts with what is happening in America. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While on tour with Hamilton, John Devereaux talks about catching the theatre bug, the urge to get a “real” job, unspoken pressures, and following the path that is placed before you. The conversation covers his joy for creating on TikTok and being featured as a notable alumnus of TCU in a mural in New York City. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Matthis and Greig Sargeant discuss their new show from Elevator Repair Service, "Baldwin and Buckley at Cambridge." Highlights from the conversation include a deep discussion on the impact of James Baldwin, the importance of debate in the world today, and the challenges of creating as Black artists. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angela Johnson, Founder and CEO of Invest in Access, shares what it takes to create an inclusive environment, her mission in starting her own company, and her experience as a person with a disability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gennean Scott returns for season two with dancers/choreographers Gregory Butler and Ray Mercer as they dig into topics such as fear, shame, value, and what it takes to find your path. Take a listen to learn the wise words from Ray's Grandma Emma Turner: ”If you can't beat fear, do it scared.” Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christina Alexander, Director of Social Responsibility for productions of Wicked, Cassandra James, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at The Shubert Organization, and your host, Gennean Scott, Director of EDI at The Broadway League, breakdown what ED&I means in the arts, get personal about their role, and offer advice on staying optimistic for the future. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black to Broadway commemorates Juneteenth with the 2nd annual Broadway Celebrates Juneteenth on June 19th, 2022, in Times Square. Before heading to the concert, hear Director Steve H. Broadnax III and Musical Director Rashad McPherson discuss putting together a celebration of Black joy & unity and what's next for the duo.  Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Payne and James Jones, the creators behind the music and art of The Black Business of Broadway, share their journey as they start out as Black creatives on Broadway. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An episode with 2022 Tony-nominated Director Lileana Blain-Cruz on her latest work, "The Skin of Our Teeth," and the resilience of the Black Community. Edited by Justin Payne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A talk with Black Theater Coalition's Program Director, Nik Whitcomb and Jourdan Miller, Fellow, and TaNisha Fordham, recent BTC Alum about its mission to remove the “ILLUSION OF INCLUSION” in the American Theatre, by building a sustainable ethical roadmap that will increase employment opportunities for Black theatre professionals. Please visit btc.smapply.io to access BTC's Application Portal where you can find both Fellowship and Apprenticeship information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with Donna Walker-Kuhne, an award-winning thought leader and owner of a boutique marketing firm. The discussion focuses on how Donna created her own path in the industry, as well as arts administration, audience development, and community engagement as she works to “fill in the gaps” as it relates to DEI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A discussion about navigating the CEO role of a performing arts center as Black executives in a largely white environment. Focusing on support systems, mentorship and strong relationships that help lead an organization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary press agent and Tony Award®-winning producer Irene Gandy and theatrical producer/marketing guru Toni R. Isreal visit with Gennean to talk about how they got started on Broadway—and how Black women are working together to forge careers in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An intimate conversation with James Monroe Iglehart on his journey to becoming a Broadway actor and star, and what he is doing now. From accepting the Tony Award for his role in Aladdin and playing the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago to performing the voices of many wonderful cartoon characters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cody Renard Richard and Nzinga Williams are young backstage Broadway professionals who are shaking up the theatre world, both within and beyond their career paths. Broadway stage manager, producer and educator Cody Renard Richard is the founder of a scholarship program honoring, uplifting and supporting the next generation of BIPOC theatrical leadership. Nzinga Williams is the Assistant General Manager at Moulin Rouge! and the founder of NEW Black Mutual Aid Fund. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ASU Gammage Executive Director Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, one of the Touring Broadway community's brightest stars, joins with Broadway general management associate Kevvin L. Taylor to talk about careers on Broadway and making change permanent.

Hear from producer Brian Moreland and Broadway ad exec Aaliytha Stevens about how they have crafted careers on Broadway, and what the future of Broadway holds. Brian Moreland was the lead producer of Keenan Scott II's Thoughts of a Colored Man, and is producing American Buffalo on Broadway in the Spring of 2022. Aaliytha Stevens is the Chief Operating Officer at SpotCo, and the highest-ranking advertising executive of color on Broadway.