Your Moment Before

A very special re-release celebrating the 5th anniversary of Chicago Artist Circle. This premiere episode made its debut on January 24th, 2019. For the first time in podcast form- a gathering with Chicago's finest leading ladies. 

Director/Producer, Derek Van Barham, takes us through his journey to becoming one of Chicago Theatre's most prolific artists. From video store rentals and his time as a Christian Puppeteer to Grad School and directing one of the hottest tickets in town, Derek continues to raise the bar for what Theatre can do and be. Support the show

Recently married dream team, Landree Fleming (She/Her) and August Forman (They/Them), share tales of small town living, church plays and Celine Dion. From personal triumphs and proud moments shared to projects yet to come, Landree and August are well on their way to taking over the world. Support the show

Actor/Singer, Deanna Reed-Foster, born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, shares her journey from HS choir to seeing her first play at 21 to Laurence Fishburne playing her husband on the big screen. A Jeff Award winner for her lauded work in "The First Deep Breath" at Victory Gardens, Deanna let's us in on next steps and future projects. Support the show

Actor/Singer/Director, Rob Lindley(he/him), has called Chicago home for 25 years. From his church-going days in small-town Iowa to memorable performances in the big city, Rob continues to balance his life as an actor with an ever-growing director resume. Hear Rob's journey to his first National Tour, while he also graciously shares his time paying tribute to a Chicago Theatre legend gone far too soon- Hollis Resnik. Support the show

The dynamic dream team of Justin Brill and Shanna VanDerwerker share not only how they came to be as a couple, but also how they individually began their journeys as artists. From youth theatre days and dance competitions to Broadway debuts and touring the country, Justin and Shanna have called Chicago home for nearly a decade. They both teach, perform, direct and choreograph, all while keeping their love and respect for one another at the forefront. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Singer, Danielle Davis(she/her), takes us through her South Side of Chicago roots. From her all-girls Catholic High School days to understudying Felicia Fields to making a name for herself as one of the most dynamic artists in the city, Danielle continues to trust her instincts and advocate for what's right. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Singer/Filmmaker/Make-up Artist, Khaki Pixley(she/her), takes us through her multifaceted life and career in Chicago. From her break-out turn in a Sondheim musical, to her thriving Make-up business, to her first leading role in a feature film, Khaki continues to pave her own path. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Writer, Will Wilhelm (they/them), shares their experience creating multiple genderqueer characters as a resident actor for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, leading them to their current project- Gender Play, or what you Will- a debut solo show, co-created with Erin Murray. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Director/Choreographer, Brenda Didier(she/her), shares her journey from a life-changing ballet recital to being one of the most sought after artists in town. Between her most memorable shows, unforgettable auditions, and a chance meeting with Kenny Rogers, Brenda makes every moment count and takes none of it for granted. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Originally from Garfield Park, Actor/Singer, Lorenzo Rush Jr.(he/him), shares his journey from pre-teen Daddy Warbucks and honing skills at Western Illinois University to an award-winning career in Chicago. While he's already hit many highlights as a performer, Lorenzo is gearing up to finally make his mark behind the table. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

"America's live-singing, tap-dancing, roller-skating Queen of Camp", Alexis P. Bevels(she/her), shares her journey to glory and fame, via early Sarah Jessica Parker inspirations, shiny Musical Theatre beginnings and a desire to create her own work. Winner of Season One of Camp Wannakiki and Co-host of IMHO: The Show, Alexis is just getting started and lets us in on what could be next...Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Singer/Comedienne, Veronica Garza(she/her), dressed as Mary Catherine Gallagher in 7th Grade and the rest is history. From Christmas shows to wedding bells to a booming nail business, Veronica shares the importance of boundaries and believing in yourself enough to keep going.Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Singer/Director, Donterrio Johnson(he/him), though born and raised in the Chicago area, spent 10+ years in California falling in love with theatre, learning the craft, and honing new skills. He shares his journey away from Chicago and what brought him back, as he continues to dive deeper into the many facets this community has to offer. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

For Actor/Singer, Andrea Prestinario(she/her), NY is home, but she will always be “Chicago grown.”  From her early show choir days to theatrical break out moments in High School, College and beyond, Andrea also shares how Ring of Keys came to be- “an artist service organization that fosters community and visibility for musical theatre artists - onstage and off - who self-identify as queer women, transgender, and gender non-conforming artists.”Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Jesus Perez(he/him) shares highlights from his multi-faceted career as a designer, director, actor, and writer. Hear of Jesus's beginnings and breakouts as an actor, what led to his eventual work as an award-winning costume designer and how the long-standing Chicago Kids Company got their start- where he has served as Artistic Director for nearly 30 years. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

For Actor/Singer, Tommy Bullington(he/him), Theatre has always been a bright spot, a saving grace. Originally from Franklin, IN and a graduate of Ball State University, he shares his determined journey to Chicago and the moments that have since defined his life and career. Once you listen here, catch his very own podcast- An Absolute Gag- for the moments or performances that left us speechless. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Singer, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis(he/him) and Actor/Composer, Kathleen Butler-Duplessis(she/her), share tales of early inspirations, high school musical stardom, first Chicago credits, and how their love blossomed thanks to one of the most popular holiday shows on earth. Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=1837075473104896781&created=1645757023.227347&printed=1)

Actor/Singer/Songwriter, Bethany Thomas, kicks off Season 2 with memorable moments from her youth theatre days in Kenosha, WI, to balancing a life in the Theatre with an ever evolving music career. 

In this Season One finale, another ultimate "moment before", Christopher Chase Carter takes us through his next step- as the new Artistic Director of Mercury Theatre Chicago, sharing all that led to this moment and his hopes for the future.

Actor/Singer, Christine Bunuan, takes us on her journey to and through the most recent National Tour of MISS SAIGON. A graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University, she has played a wide variety of roles, and shares two of her most challenging to date.

Originally from NY, currently residing in LA, Behzad Dabu's Chicago connection is strong and everlasting. He shares tales of theatrical success in his youth and what inspired him to not only go to college in Chicago, but also make a name for himself in the theatre community. Now in LA, Behzad fills us in on his journey with ABC's How to Get Away with Murder, and his hopes and plans for the future. 

Originally from Chattanooga, TN, John Marshall Jr., landed in Chicago for college and hasn't stopped singing, acting and dancing his way through the Theatre scene since. He shares his earliest memories as a singer, as well as vocal inspirations, theatrical inspirations and why the 1999 Made for TV ANNIE led him to where he is today. 

Casting Director and Dramaturg, Catherine Miller, shares their journey from San Diego Junior Theatre to DePaul University to Chicago's Theatre scene- where they are currently one of the most prolific Casting Directors in town. 

Actor/Singer/Cabaret Artist, Michael Kingston, has worked in Chicago for 30+ years, continually adding to his eclectic resume, willing to take on new projects, exciting challenges and develop his own material. He takes us through a few career highlights- including a big leap of faith that led him to leave behind his trusty 9 to 5 of 14 years.

Actor/Singer, Melody A. Betts, shares her journey through entertaining audiences as a child to changing majors in Undergrad, which eventually led to joining the Graduate program in Acting at Western Illinois University, that would then take her to a successful Theatre career in Chicago. She has spent the past several years working regionally, in national tours and on Broadway, making her debut in WAITRESS the musical. She's back in town now, ready to share some laughs, wisdom and secrets to her success...

Jermaine Hill is a master of all trades. He's a teacher, vocal coach, music director, actor, singer, conductor, pianist... He shares his journey through all of these facets and more. From his 8 years with Royal Caribbean Productions to his teaching at Columbia College Chicago to his music direction of Mary Zimmerman's Music Man, he is having too much fun covering it ALL.

Director/Choreographer, Linda Fortunato and Actor, Sean Fortunato, have been married for nearly 18 years. Hear how they first met, what moments have defined their careers, and who they have been inspired by along the way. The love and respect they have for one another is always clear and this episode is no exception.

Chicago native, Lili-Anne Brown, takes us through her early days as an Actor/Agent/Casting Director to her recent triumphs as one of the most prolific Theatre directors in town.

Actor/Musician, Tiffany Topol, grew up in the surrounding burbs of Chicago, eventually making a name for herself in the theatre scene. She discusses everything from early inspirations and life-changing gigs to big breaks- locally and nationally. Though she currently resides in NYC, it is clear why she will always consider herself a Chicago Artist at heart.

Actor/Singer/Playwright, Aaron Holland, shares many memorable moments from his adventurous and varied life in the Arts- from T.V. fame in his teens to a chance meeting with Billy Porter to taking a step away from it all the past 3 years and what has him slowly dipping his toes back in...

Dianne Sizemore shares highlight moments from her past 8 years as the Asst. Wig, Hair and Make-up Designer, Stylist and Show Runner at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL.

Actor/singer, Sharriese Hamilton, talks about her first New York audition and her first time overseas, as well as her singular performance as Delores Van Cartier.

Grand Dame and Second City Diva, Iris Lieberman, shares a couple of unique audition moments from her long and lauded career in the theatre, which began with a national tour and her Equity card at the age of 12.

It all began with an unexpected phone call. Actor/singer, Missy Aguilar, shares an ultimate career-defining moment. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Chicago’s own, Rachel Rockwell.