Theatre Corner

Today we sit down with Award-Winning Actor, Director & Playwright Margo Hall and Juilliard graduate Philip Andre Botello. Hall (Soul, Blindspotting) joins us in discussing authenticity onscreen and committing to a character. She also speaks to the incomparable training of onstage acting--a foundation for her rich and multi-faceted career. Botello (Criminal Minds, Sunset on the River Styx, The Art of Self-Defense) speaks on his talents as an actor, as well as the challenges he faced as a mixed race performer and the difficulties it produced in finding his place.

Sit down with two remarkable artists paving their own way in the entertainment industry with no shortage of skill and talent. Kia Leiani joins us from Texas as a rapper fresh off her newest single, “Balloons.” Kia and Michael discuss some of the technical aspects of rap and its similarities to theatre performance. Matthew Elam (Chicago P.D., The Many Saints of Newark, Fargo) dives into the process of getting bitten by the acting bug, and his nomination for an NAACP Image Award. This episode explores young blossoming talent and their trajectory in the changing landscapes of their respective industries.

Meet up-and-coming gifted performer Faithe Nibbe and Director and Lyricist Viviana Peji. Nibbe (AGT, Spine Chilling Stories, Rebels) discusses the focus and energy it takes to balance her interests and talents, and her recent achievement of signing with NBCUniversal at such an incredibly young age. Peji joins us from San Diego, where she shares some of her experiences as both a young actor, and now an instructor and educator for young talent in need of a little shaping. Each guest also gives us a peek into their budding interest to operate behind the camera.

Today we sit down with two powerhouses of talent in the theatre, television, and film scene. Dedrick Weathersby and Tisha Campbell join us to chat about their trials and tribulations in our industry. Weathersby (2020 Broadway Worlds Award Winner for Best Lead Actor), speaks to us about his titular role as James Brown, soul and spirituality onstage, and his guilty pleasure of karaoke. Campbell (Martin, My Wife and Kids, Little Shop of Horrors) discusses her incomparable career and where she feels most comfortable in her vast variety of talents and skills.

In this episode, we catch up with two giants at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Delicia Sonnenberg, founder of the Moxie Theatre in San Diego, discusses her unique path to following her passion of emotionally moving audiences with performances on the stage. Perez, head of an MFA program along with many other feathers in his cap, discusses the individual experiences of the effects of BIPOC performers onstage. Each guest provides their own take on making their way through the maze of entertainment and cornering their passion.

Today we sit down with two individuals that are no short on talent, onstage actor Rene Thornton Jr. and singer-songwriter Maline Moye. Thornton Jr. speaks with us about the importance of diversity on stage, and what it's like to be a unicorn in the theatre world. Moye chats about her impenetrable will to fuse pop and funk with the guitar, while reflecting on her time as #1 on the Billboard charts.

Today we sit down with Phillip Andre Botello, a Julliard graduate already making his mark on the film industry. Fresh out of films such as "The Art of Self-Defense," "Pledge," and "Sunset On The River Styx," Phillip talks about his experiences, training, and how acting literally saved his life.

Sit down with Kia Leiani, a rapper based out of Texas who has just released her new single, "Balloons." Kia and Michael discuss some of the technical aspects of rap and the similarities of rap performance and theatre. Learn more at www.theatrecorner.org

Faith Nibbe has done a lot in 15 years, from theatre performances to signing contracts with NBC Universal. Sit down with Theatre Corner as we delve into a new segment we like to call, the "Youth Actor Series," exploring child actors on their journeys to follow their dreams. www.theatrecorner.org

Today, we sit down with two legendary figures in the entertainment industry, director Sheldon Epps (Frasier, Girlfriends) and Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show). Epps discusses his tenure at the Pasadena Playhouse, his favorite pieces he directed, and what it takes to tackle important issues through art. Rashad provides her advice to young actors and details her first acting experience.

In this episode we sit down with two incredible actors, Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Steve Harvey Show, The Game) and Ro Boddie. Robinson, an NAACP Image award winner, talks about her career, her conservatory, and the difference between performing for a live audience versus a camera. Boddie discusses his performance in the one-man-show, “Every Brilliant Thing,” and what it means to have illegal fun.

Today, we travel up to the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles to speak with actors DB Woodside (Lucifer, 24) and Kelly McCreary (Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19), who are both performing in Dominique Morrisseau’s play, “The Skeleton Crew”. Woodside discusses slipping into a character’s skin, and how he accidentally became an actor. McCreary talks about what consistently draws her back to the stage.

Theatre Corner sits down with actor/comedian Mark Christopher Lawrence (Chuck, The Pursuit of Happyness) and artistic director L. Peter Callender. Lawrence talks about his career, getting started in the industry, and how he killed a guy with comedy. Callender discusses his role at the African-American Shakespeare Company and Blacks in theatre.

Today on Theatre Corner, we catch up with actor Alimi Ballard (Queen of the South, Numb3rs) and opera singer Michelle Bradley. Ballard discusses his past roles, introduction to acting, and discovering the key players in his life. Bradley speaks on her experiences training abroad and her role as “Aida” in her U.S. debut.

Actors Dulé Hill (Psych, The West Wing) and Daniel J. Watts (Hamilton) sit down with Michael Taylor at the Geffen Playhouse to discuss their roles in the new hit musical, “Lights Out: Nat ‘King’ Cole”.

Skeeta Jenkins is an actor and voice-over artist from Louisiana known for his role as Cuddly Bear in "Puppet Master" and Keith Smith in "Vindication", available now on Amazon Prime Video. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

Dr. Lisa B. Thompson is a celebrated playwright who is currently teaching at University of Texas at Austin. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

In this special interview filmed in front of a live audience, Michael Taylor sits down with Wren T. Brown during the Distinguished Speaker Series at the University Club atop Symphony Towers to discuss his life, career, and influences. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

Wrekless Watson is a local San Diego actor. He sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss his recent projects, his love for the stage, and how music and acting intertwine. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

Michael Taylor sits down with San Diego actor Terrell Donnell Sledge in the beautiful Versailles Ballroom at the Westgate Hotel. The two discuss Terrell's Ivy-league education, career, and future endeavors. Mr. Sledge is currently running RE:ACT (Re:Imagining and Elevating: Artistic Concepts and Talent), a nonprofit organization bringing the arts to underserved communities. New episode every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

Ro Boddie is performing in "Every Brilliant Thing" at the Cygnet Theatre in San Diego, a one-man show about a boy who creates a list of 'every brilliant thing' worth living for after his mother attempts suicide. New episode every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

Mark Christopher Lawrence (Chuck, Terminator 2, The Pursuit of Happyness) sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss his career, show business, and how he killed a guy with comedy. New episode every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday www.theatrecorner.org

In the Versailles Ballroom at The Westgate Hotel, Theatre Corner sits down with Shakespearean Actor Rene Thornton Jr. He recently performed as Antonio in The Old Globe's productions of "The Tempest" and "Much Ado About Nothing." From 2004 to 2017, he was a resident company member at American Shakespeare Center in Virginia, where he appeared in more than 137 roles and 118 productions, performing in every play in Shakespeare's Folio. Mr. Thornton has an M.F.A. in Theatre, Professional Theatre Training Program at University of Delaware, and a B.F.A. in Theatre, University of Utah. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday

We sit down with the phenomenal Shakespearean Actor L. Peter Callender, Artistic Director of The African-American Shakespeare Company. A professional actor for over 30 years, he received his formal training in theatre at the Juilliard School in NYC and the Webber/Douglas Academy in London, England. He has appeared on Broadway, off-Broadway, in regional theaters across the US, and has performed internationally in Japan, England, and France.

Caroline Stefanie Clay is an inspiring actress performing in Dominique Morisseau's "Skeleton Crew." She sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss her role, career, and how the director fought for her being cast instead of a "big name." New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Amari Cheatom (Roman J. Israel, Esq., Detroit) is proud to make his Geffen Playhouse debut with Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew. His credits include The Temple Bombing (Alliance Theatre), Dutch Masters (Labyrinth Theater Company), On the Levee (Lincoln Center Theater) and The Book of Grace (Public Theater). Cheatom is a graduate of The Juilliard School’s Drama Division and the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Kelly McCreary (Grey's Anatomy) sits down to discuss her training, career, and performance in Dominique Morisseau's play, "Skeleton Crew." New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

DB Woodside was last seen as God’s favorite son, Amenadiel on Lucifer on the Fox network. Concurrently, he has been starring as Jeff Malone on the USA Network drama Suits. Prior to that, he was a recurring regular on Parenthood and played Wayne Palmer on the critically acclaimed Emmy Award-winning series 24. Other TV credits include The Temptations, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, Private Practice and Castle, to name a few. Additionally, he was featured in the independent movie Mississippi Damned and in Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 with Kevin James. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Woodside made his New York theater debut as Martin Luther King Jr. in the Off-Broadway production of The Conscientious Objector at the Harold Clurman Theater. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Nathan Alan Davis is a playwright from Rockford, Illinois. He sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss his beginnings and the second play he's written, "The Wind and the Breeze." New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Recognized for her beautiful timbre and stunning stage presence, soprano Angel Blue's voice has been hailed for its shining, agile upper register and "smoky" middle register. A regular BBC Proms presenter who is equally at home on the concert or operatic stage, Angel is quickly establishing herself as one of the best singers in her generation, having performed in over 35 countries in the last 6 years. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Freedome Bradley-Ballentine is the Director of Arts Engagement at The Old Globe Theatre. He sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss his role at the Globe and the programs that they have to connect with the community. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Debbie Allen (Grey's Anatomy, Fame) is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and NAACP award winning actress. She sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss her career, dance academy, and annual production of "The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker". New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game, Steve Harvey Show) is one of the most talented, professional actors in the entertainment industry. She is known for her groundbreaking role as the sexy and feisty sports manager ‘Tasha Mack’ from BET’s #1 rated scripted series, “The Game.” Ms. Robinson earned a 2015 and 2016 NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series” and is the recipient 2014 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.” New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Dea Hurston is a Playwright and Philanthropist based in San Diego. She sits down with Michael Taylor over some tea at The Westgate Hotel to discuss her upcoming plays and the arts. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show, Empire) sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss her career, directing, and what inspired her to become an actress. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Ian Lassiter (King Richard II, Hamlet) has appeared on Broadway in The Cherry Orchard (Roundabout Theatre Company) and War Horse (Lincoln Center Theater). His Off Broadway credits include Ring Twice for Miranda (New York City Center), Pericles and An Octoroon (Theatre for a New Audience), Antony and Cleopatra (The Public Theater, Royal Shakespeare Company), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Kazino), and, as co-writer and performer, The TEAM’s Mission Drift (Connelly Theater, National Theatre in London). His regional credits include Oliver!(Arena Stage), The Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare & Company), An Iliad: Guerrillas at Troy (The Continuum Company in Florence), and Henry V (Two River Theater). Mr. Lassiter received his B.A. from Fordham University and his M.F.A. from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Sheldon Epps (Frasier, Friends) is Artistic Director Emeritus of the renowned Pasadena Playhouse. Before beginning his tenure at The Playhouse in 1997, he served as Associate Artistic Director of the Old Globe Theatre for four years. Mr. Epps has directed both plays and musicals at many of the country’s major theatres including the Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, the Guthrie, Playwrights Horizons, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, and the Goodman Theatre. He conceived the highly acclaimed musicals Play On! and Blues In the Night, which both received Tony Award nominations. He directed productions of both of those shows on Broadway, in London, and at theatres around the world. Mr. Epps has also had a busy career as a television director, helming episodes of shows such as “Frasier,” “Friends,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Girlfriends” and many others. Under his leadership, The Pasadena Playhouse has earned distinction for productions of artistic excellence, critical and box office success, and highly praised theatrical diversity. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Michael Boatman (China Beach, Spin City, Anger Management) is an Image Award-nominated American actor and writer. In this episode, he sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss his role in Ken Ludwig's "Robin Hood" and his unique splatter-punk novels. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Michael Genet is an award winning writer and producer of such films as TALK TO ME (FOCUS Features), HALLELUJAH (American Playhouse), and SHE HATE ME (Sony Picture Classics) for Director Spike Lee. His upcoming film THE CAPE ISLAND AFFAIR (Stolen Sky Productions), is a magical romance based on a short story by renowned British novelist, Joanne Harris (Chocolat). New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

J. Bernard Calloway (Memphis, Guys and Dolls) is an Alabama State University football player turned Broadway star who has performed in the original casts of two Tony Award-winning productions. He’s shared the silver screen with Denzel Washington in The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and he just wrapped up filming a new television series, The Breaks. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Leigh Scarritt is a San Diego director and a voice/acting coach. Her clients attend some of the finest universities in the country, appear on stage and the big screen, and continue to excel at their craft. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Justin Emeka is a director committed to creating high-quality, innovative storytelling in theater--engaging writers whose work is known and unknown--as well as finding new approaches to "classic texts". He has worked at theaters including: Seattle Children's Theater, Intiman Theater, ACT, Yale Repertory, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Karamu House, and the Seattle Theater Group. He is a Professor of Theater and Africana Studies at Oberlin Colllege and teaches acting, directing, and Capoeira Angola. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Daniel J. Watts is playing Sammy Davis Jr. in "Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole", which runs at the Geffen Playhouse thru March 24, 2019. He discusses playing this legendary role, tap dancing, and receives a special gift from Michael Taylor. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Dulé Hill (Psych, Suits) sits down with Michael Taylor at the Geffen Playhouse to discuss his role in the hit new musical, "Lights Out: Nat 'King' Cole!" The two talk about what it's like to portray an American icon, preparing for the role, and his background in tap dance. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

We sit down with Alimi Ballard (Queen of the South) over a glass of champagne, discussing his past roles, introduction to acting, and inspirations. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

You may recognize Marcus Henderson from his unforgettable performance as Walter the groundskeeper in Get Out, the satirical horror film that crushed box office records and sparked a national conversation on race relations in the United States. Prior to landing this standout role in one of the most talked about films in recent memory, Henderson built a solid acting resume spanning theater, television, and other critically acclaimed films, such as Django Unchained and Whiplash. Originally from Jennings, Missouri, Henderson became involved in the theater scene at Alabama State University, and went on to earn an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama. He’s now based in Los Angeles, where he recently performed in the world premiere of Good Grief at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. We’re thrilled to meet up with Marcus Henderson on theatre corner at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City to talk about his unstoppable career, and the hard work and passion that made it all possible. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Barry Edelstein, Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director of The Old Globe theatre in San Diego, sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss their upcoming 2019-2020 season of productions. NEW Theatre Corner Podcasts, every Thursday! Spotify: bit.ly/TheatreCornerSpotify Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/TheatreCornerPodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner www.theatre-corner.com #TheatreCorner #TheatreCornerThursday

Michelle Bradley is an extremely talented soprano making her U.S. debut at the San Diego Opera. She sits down with Michael Taylor to discuss her training, influences, and upcoming role in "Aida". NEW Theatre Corner Podcasts, every Thursday! Spotify: bit.ly/TheatreCornerSpotify Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/TheatreCornerPodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner www.theatre-corner.com #TheatreCorner #TheatreCornerThursday

Dominique Morisseau is a prominent force in the American theater scene whose work is bringing the richness and complexity of the African American experience into the spotlight. Morisseau got her start as a performance poet in her hometown of Detroit, and began writing while she was studying acting at the University of Michigan. Her writing career flourished after moving to New York City, and she is now one of America’s most-produced playwrights with a rapidly expanding list of prestigious awards, honors, and fellowships to her name. Morisseau is Co-Producer for the hit Showtime series, Shameless, and has written a substantial body of plays, including her award-winning trilogy, “The Detroit Project.” The first play, Detroit ‘67 takes place during the riots and rebellion of 1967; the second, Paradise Blue, explores the city’s jazz community in 1949. The third play, Skeleton Crew, focuses on a group of auto plant workers during the Great Recession of 2008. Theater Corner is honored to welcome the exceptionally talented and accomplished Dominique Morisseau to talk about art, activism, and the power of community. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Hal Linden is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, singer, musician, and all around class- act whose prolific career has spanned television, film, the stage, and the recording studio. Among his many memorable roles on the big and small screens, it was his award-winning portrayal of the police precinct captain Barney Miller in the hit ABC TV series that made him a household name. Linden has also appeared in more than 20 Broadway and Off Broadway productions, and received widespread critical acclaim for his cabaret-style variety show that he tours nationally. Although his career has spanned more than 65 years, Linden is not even close to slowing down. He performed in the Old Globe’s record-breaking revival of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and is in San Diego to film a light-hearted drama, The Samuel Project. Today on Theater Corner, we’re fortunate to catch this show business legend between takes to ask him a few questions about his distinguished career and lifelong love for the arts. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner

Marcel Spears (CBS's The Neighborhood, ABC's The Mayor) is an up-and-coming actor, singer, and writer to watch. Originally from New Orleans, Marcel studied the theatrical arts at Prairie View A&M University before earning an MFA in acting from Columbia University in 2015. He’s performed extensively in the Houston and New York theater circuits, and recently made his Old Globe debut as part of the starry and notably diverse cast of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, the hit intellectual comedy penned by Steve Martin. New episodes every Thursday! #TheatreCornerThursday Website: www.theatre-corner.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theatrecorner YouTube: www.youtube.com/theatrecorner Instagram: www.instagram.com/theatrecorner