Podcast appearances and mentions of tara rubin

Initially an actress ('Les Miserables', 'Aspects of Love', et al.), Merri found herself out West some years back where she quickly made a name for herself at Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, then Liberman/Patton Casting, working on such shows as Seinfeld, Party of Five, HBO's Band of Brothers, the feature film My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the Miramax feature film "Playing By Heart", starring Sean Connery and Angelina Jolie.  In 2000, Merri moved to Dreamworks Studios as the Casting Executive in charge of TV Pilots and Series- including "Spin City", “Freaks and Geeks” and the critically acclaimed "The Job", starring Denis Leary. She was then offered a position as the Director of Casting for Dramas and Movies at ABC Television, overseeing the casting of the series "Alias", "NYPD Blue", "The Practice" and the made for television movies "Gilda Radner - It's Always Something" and "The Music Man", starring Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth, to name just a few.  Merri then returned to the East Coast to teach and coach actors – something she still does (and loves) as time permits, when Tara Rubin offered her a Senior Casting Director position where she's been happily ensconced ever since, working on, among many others - the Broadway, touring and international companies of THE WHO'S TOMMY, COMPANY, AIN'T TOO PROUD, JERSEY BOYS,THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, SCHOOL OF ROCK, MISS SAIGON, A BRONX TALE, CLUELESS the Musical, TREVOR the Musical (2023 Artios Award) and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (2024 Artios Award) The TRC office is also responsible for the casting of Billy Crystal's series “Before” for Apple TV and the Broadway productions of The Outsiders, SIX and Death Becomes Her, just to name a few  Merri also casts for many theaters regionally – including The Papermill Playhouse, Lyric Opera of Chicago,  The Old Globe, Seattle Rep, The Goodman and The La Jolla Playhouse.  She is the very proud Casting Director of the critically acclaimed web series SUBMISSIONS ONLY and also boasts having cast many other independent TV & film projects, workshops and readings. In 2024, Merri took on some passion projects on the side, as well. These include the highly acclaimed and starry concert production of “FOLLIES” at Carnegie Hall for Transport Group's annual benefit gala, and a reading of a new play at The Actors Studio written by Lyle Kessler (“Orphans”) and directed by Academy Award winner Bobby Moresco – starring Chazz Palminteri, Tim Blake Nelson and Gina Gershon. In addition, Merri is now also the Casting Director at The South Carolina New Play Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Artist Exploration, Merri Sugarman from Tara Rubin Casting and MTCA Director, Charlie Murphy discuss:  How does a Casting Director has with Producer  How do build a relationship with a Casting Director  What makes a Casting Director bring an actor into the room  How to become a reader To purchase Merri's book visit: From Craft to Career: A Casting Director's Guide for the Actor- Available April 20, 2023  Looking to hear more about MTCA? Join us on February 27th, 2023 from 8pm-9pm for the JUNIOR WORKSHOP, rsvp HERE!  Just want to get started with MTCA? Join us on March 18th and 19th, 2023 for Junior Weekend! More information HERE!  Want to get yourself some MTCA Swag? Get your MERCH here!  If you have any questions about the college audition process, feel free to reach out at mailbag@mappingthecollegeaudition.com. If you're interested in working with MTCA for help with your individualized preparation for your College Audition journey, please check us out at mtcollegeauditions.com, or on Instagram or Facebook.  Follow Us!  Instagram: @mappingthecollegeaudition YouTube: @MTCA (Musical Theater College Auditions)  TikTok: @mtcollegeauditions  Charlie Murphy:@charmur7  Meghan Cordier:@meghanmarie2014 About MTCA:  Musical Theater College Auditions (MTCA) is the leader in coaching acting and musical theater students through the college audition process and beyond with superlative results. MTCA has assembled a roster of expert artist-educators who can guide students artistically, organizationally, strategically, and psychologically through the competitive college audition process. MTCA provides the tools, resources, and expertise along with a vast and strong support system. They train the unique individual, empowering the artist to bring their true, authentic self to their work. MTCA believes that by helping students reveal their potential it allows each school to connect with those who are truly right for their programs, which in turn guides each student toward their best college fit.  About Charlie Murphy:  Charlie is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's BFA program. As an Actor he has performed with theaters such as: NY Public Theatre's “Shakespeare in the Park”, The Pearl Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Kinetic Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre of DC. With MTCA [Musical Theater College Auditions -- mtca.nyc], he has been helping prospective theatre students through the college process for over 15 years. As a Teacher and Director, he is able to do a few of his favorite things in life: help students to find their authentic selves as artists, and then help them find their best fit for their collegiate journey. Through this podcast, he hopes to continue that work as well as help demystify this intricate process. This episode was produced by Meghan Cordier and Charlie Murphy. Episode theme music is created by Will Reynolds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have Micaela Lamas and Nikhil Saboo. In this episode we talk about the conversations that Dear Evan Hansen will have in the car ride home and more. Conversations about what it means to belong, and mental health and how both affect our daily lives............Today's podcast is sponsored by Athletic Greens. Athletic Greens is a scoop wellness that allows you to absorb 75 quality vitamins and minerals regardless of your health needs. Athletic Greens is giving you a Free 1 year supply of immune supporting Vitamin D with 5 travel packs with your first purchase. Go to their site www.athleticgreens.com/emerging to take ownership over your health needs....................Micaela Lamas-she/her is thrilled to join DEH fam. She is a recent graduate of the Texas State University BFA Musical Theatre program and a Texas native. All of the love and thanks to CGF, the DEH team, Tara Rubin casting, and every teacher along the way. Love to her friends, family especially mom, & her grandparents.....................Nikhil Saboo-is elated to join the tour of DEH-aligning in his purpose of creating space, opening others' perspectives, and lifting up all aspiring South Asian artist across the country. Prior, Nikhil was on tour with the Angelica Company of Hamilton and in the original Broadway cast of Mean Girls. Gratitude to Stewart Talent, the DEH company, and his tribe. Love to Mom, Dad, and Nisha. For Dada and Ama.............................Dear Evan Hansen will be at the Kimmel Center from August 16-August. This show will sell out so be sure to get your tickets now.Thanks to my podcast collaborate/round table Tomika Bryant of Life in Pumps. She is a Blogger, that covers Lifestyle, Wellness, and Travel. and Whitney Alese of The Reclaimed who is a writer, podcaster, and culture commentator.Special thanks to Hannah C. and Aliena W for setting this opportunity.I can be found on social media as Toitimeblog or on the blog.

Understanding how your child fits into the world of auditions and theatre can be challenging and difficult to navigate, but in this episode Merri Sugarman of Tara Rubin casting provides top insider advice to help demystify the process. Having worked in the industry for many years, she knows everything a parent should do to be the best support system and advocate for their child while also trying to navigate the business of show business. Join her and Denise as they walk you through all of the ins and outs of theatre auditions for young actors.

Michael Maliakel, lead actor of the Broadway show Aladdin, joins Jerry on the podcast to share his story of growing up South Asian in New Jersey where "never allowed himself to dream of being on Broadway" to how following his passions and dreams to find his way to one of the biggest stages on Broadway.  Meet MichaelMichael Maliakel (Aladdin) made his Broadway debut as Aladdin on Broadway in September 2021. He recently toured the country in the 25th anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera. His stage credits include the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera (Raoul u/s), Anything Can Happen: The Songs of Maury Yeston in New York, Other World at the Bucks County Playhouse; Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding at Berkeley Rep; She Loves Me at PlayMakers Rep; and Bernstein's MASS at the Ravinia Festival. He also appeared on “Bull” (CBS) and “FBI” (CBS). "Big thanks to my family, Michael Kirsten, HCKR, & the Tara Rubin team. Sarah – all my love. Look ma, we made it! Representation matters."(Source: Broadway.com)Connect with MichaelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmaliakel/Web: https://aladdinthemusical.com/About Aladdin:Aladdin opened on Broadway to critical acclaim at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years, breaking 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records. Worldwide it has welcomed more than 10 million people and grossed over $1 billion. By the end of 2021, it will be playing in Holland, Germany and Mexico, in addition to Broadway.Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin's journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film's two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.// Support Dear Asian Americans:Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/dearasianamericans/Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/jerrywonLearn more about DAA Creator and Host Jerry Won:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryjwon/// Listen to Dear Asian Americans on all major platforms:Transistor.fm: http://www.dearasianamericans.comApple: https://apple.dearasianamericans.comSpotify: https://spotify.dearasianamericans.comStitcher: https://stitcher.dearasianamericans.comGoogle: https://google.dearasianamericans.com  Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearasianamericans Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dearasianamericans Subscribe to our YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/dearasianamericans // Join the Asian Podcast Network:Web: https://asianpodcastnetwork.com/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianpodcastnetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianpodcastnetwork/Dear Asian Americans is produced by Just Like Media:Web: http://www.justlikemedia.comInstagram.com: http://www.instagram.com/justlikemedia

Initially an actress, Merri found herself out West some years back where she quickly made a name for herself at Liberman/Hirschfeld, then Liberman/Patton Casting, working on such shows as "NewsRadio", "The Larry Sanders Show" and the Miramax feature film "Playing By Heart", starring Sean Connery and Angelina Jolie. Merri then returned to the East Coast to teach and coach actors – something she still does (and loves) as time permits, when Tara Rubin offered her a Casting Director position where she’s been happily ensconced ever since, working on, among many others - the Broadway productions, touring and international companies of SPAMALOT, JERSEY BOYS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and LES MISERABLES for Broadway. The Broadway Mentors Program is a Celebrity based program that includes many Tony Award and Emmy Award recipients. Broadway and Hollywood actors, singers, producers, writers and casting directors bring to our students their passion for the arts with a sensitivity and sincerity that nurture each students artistic needs.  https://www.tararubincasting.com/blog-posts/merri-sugarman-on-humanity-perspective-and-casting Donation Link- https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=BCAKDNBKLRH9E Foundation Link- https://www.broadwaymentorsfoundation.org/

As artists, what do we talk about when the world's on hold? From Casting Director to Actor, we take a deep dive. This week, we're joined by Merri SugarmanMerri Sugarman- Casting Director, Tara Rubin Casting.Initially an actress ('Les Miserables', 'Aspects of Love', et al.), Merri found herself out West some years back where she quickly made a name for herself at Liberman/Hirschfeld, then Liberman/Patton Casting, working on such shows as "NewsRadio", "The Larry Sanders Show" and the Miramax feature film "Playing By Heart", starringSean Connery and Angelina Jolie.In 2000, Merri moved to Dreamworks Studios as the Casting Executive in charge of TV Pilots and Series- including "Spin City", and the critically acclaimed "The Job", starring Denis Leary. She was then offered a position as the Director of Casting for Dramas and Movies at ABC Television, overseeing the casting of "Alias", "NYPD Blue", "The Practice" and the 'made for television movies’"Gilda Radner - It's Always Something" and "The Music Man", starring Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth, to name just a few.Merri then returned to the East Coast to teach and coach actors – something she still does (and loves) as time permits, when Tara Rubin offered her a Senior Casting Director position where she’s been happily ensconced ever since, working on, among many others - the Broadway and Off-Broadway, touring and international companies of SPAMALOT, JERSEY BOYS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, SCHOOL OF ROCK, MISS SAIGON, A BRONX TALE, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, AIN’T TOO PROUD and the upcoming SIX and SING STREET.She also casts for many theaters regionally – including the Papermill Playhouse, The Alliance, Arena Stage,The Old Globe and The LaJolla Playhouse. She is the very proud CD of the critically acclaimed web series SUBMISSIONS ONLY and also boasts many TV & film projects, workshops and readings – including the new musical TREVOR – based on theOscar winning short film.In other news, Merri has been a Big Sister to Jenny via the amazing Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for the last 20 years. She is an alumni officer of the professional sorority Kappa Gamma Chi at Emerson College in Boston where Merri earned a BFA in Musical Theater and a coveted spot as a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.She has been a Tony Voter for the past four years, is an adjudicator for the Roger Rees Awards (high school theater competition that sends finalists to the Jimmy Awards) and a member of CSA (Casting Society of America).Merri currently teaches, coaches and advises for the theater programs at NYU, Emerson College, Elon, Point Park, Florida State, Manhattan School of Music, International Academy of Musical Theater, Indiana University, Oakland University, Baldwin Wallace and UNCSA.Link to Tara Rubin Casting Website: https://www.tararubincasting.com/our-teamFollow our Instagram page @jackofalltrades_podcast for updates on new releases, guests and more! Follow our host, Sarah Bishop on Instagram @sarahpbishop for more about what she does! Song: Strong- written by Sarah Bishop, arranged and played by Laura Lynn Crytzer

Episode 12 If you have seen a show on Broadway in the last 20 years its quite possible you have seen Aaron J Albano. We go back to the beginning of his career and talk about all of the shows he has performed in and some of the lessons he learned along the way.www.whatcanyoutellme.cominstagram @whatcanyoutellmefacebook @whatcanyoutellmetwitter @whatcanutellmehttps://www.instagram.com/aaronjalbano/https://twitter.com/aaronjalbanoCurrently stuck in Toronto with the Hamilton the Musical Tour- Phillip Companyhttps://hamiltonmusical.com/us-tour/tickets1st generation born and raised in San Jose to Philipino parents.Began performing at SJCMT after seeing a school performance and his very first show was Snow White.https://www.cmtsj.org/Started dance class at 13 with Marie Stinnett Dance in San Josehttps://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/06/dancer-81-closing-her-campbell-studio-after-58-years/Performed Music Man at American Musical Theater in San Jose while a freshman at Lincoln High School for the Performing Arts.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Musical_Theatre_of_San_JoseRent the Musical was what made Aaron realize there was a world of theater outside of San Jose.https://lincoln.sjusd.org/Starts auditioning for Colleges(Matt performing Romeo and Juliet at Presentation High School)While performing in a production of A Chorus Line at Sunnyvale Community Players Aaron realized he needed to take character work and therefore performing as a while more seriously. https://sunnyvaleplayers.org/Got into the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music majoring in Musical Theater.https://ccm.uc.edu/theatre/musical_theatre.htmlAt 21 in his junior year of college was cast in the Broadway production of Bombay Dreams and left school. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombay_DreamsTara Rubin Castinghttps://www.tararubincasting.com/2005 began performing in the original “Emerald City Tour” First National Tour of Wickedhttps://wickedthemusical.com/Was introduced to The Chicago Diner as a vegan restaurant and had his MIND BLOWN!  http://www.veggiediner.com/Auditioned for San Francisco Company of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeePerformed with that for 2.5 years in the cities of SF and Boston and then went to perform it on Broadway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_25th_Annual_Putnam_County_Spelling_BeeIn between Boston and Broadway with Spelling Bee, Aaron performed with the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line, covering multiple tracks as a swing and understufy of three main characters, Mark, Paul and Larry.https://amzn.to/2LY4K7P(Matt understudied Lookingglass Alice - never got to perform it - Anthony Fleming III)https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/lookingglass-alice-2020/Finished Spelling Bee and had a quarter life crisis- I've

Camp Broadway presents Develop Your Character hosted by Elysa Gardner who talks with theatre insiders about ideas to help culture-loving kids and aspiring artists become great performers at every stage of their lives. This episode features Tara Rubin, president of Tara Rubin Casting, who serves as the casting director of Disney’s Aladdin, Dear Evan Hansen, Ain’t Too Proud, Sing Street, The Phantom of the Opera and a very long roster of other Broadway and regional productions, films, television shows and concert events. Originally from St. Louis, MO, her instinct for talent was sparked by a progressive 3rd grade teacher who introduced her to films that showed her what “perform-ability” looks like. As a casting director her role is “to serve the imagination of the creative team and find the right person to tell the story they want to tell.” Having cast hundreds of actors of all ages, she stresses the importance of having fun—especially for child actors. She also encourages parents to remember that the process of having a good audition is success in and of itself—whether the child gets the job or not. And, not every child who is good at singing and dancing should pursue it professionally. Keep it fun. Develop Your Character is produced by Camp Broadway for the Broadway Podcast Network. For more information, visit campbroadway.com or post a comment about this episode on our Facebook page. A proud member of the Broadway Podcast Network. Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. Edited by Derek Gunther.

Tara Rubin began her casting journey as a 30 year old assistant at Johnson/Liff, a supportive, good humored office, but one where no one was married, let alone, had a child. Fifteen years later, with two young girls at home and wanting to push herself to accomplish more, she opened her own casting office. Tara speaks candidly with us about the double standards for mothers in the business, the advantages and pitfalls of technology in our industry, and how even she has had to shift her mindset as our society and culture has become more accepting of personal lives in the workplace. Find more info about the podcast via BroadwayPodcastNetwork.com/mamas.  Produced by Dori Berinstein and Alan Seales. Edited by Derek Gunther.

EVA NOBLEZADA previously starred in Hadestown at National Theatre in London. Last fall, she shot the lead role in the upcoming indie, Yellow Rose. In 2017–18, Noblezada starred on Broadway in the title role of the revival of Miss Saigon, receiving a Tony nomination. Variety called her Broadway debut performance “entrancing.” She previously starred in the London revival of Miss Saigon and played Eponine in the West End revival of Les Misérables. Noblezada was a high school student in Charlotte, NC, when she was discovered by casting director Tara Rubin at the 2013 Jimmy Awards in New York City. AMBER GRAY stared in Hadestown (London’s National, Edmonton’s Citadel: Sterling Award, NYTW: Lortel nomination); Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Broadway: Theatre World Award, Kazino, Ars Nova); Daniel Fish’s production of Oklahoma! (Bard SummerScape); An Octoroon (TFANA, Soho Rep, P.S.122); and Taylor Mac’s A 24 Decade History of Popular Music: 1900’s–1950s (NYLA/UTR). Gray is a member of The TEAM and has codeveloped and performed in their Mission Drift, Primer for a Failed Superpower and the upcoming Reconstruction. Gray can always be found with political activist group and show Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping. Recent television: “Escape at Dannemora.” MFA: NYU.

After winning the 2018 Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor, Andrew Barth Feldman found his way -- at the age of 16 -- into the title role of Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen, his first professional gig, ever. We cover his humble upbringings, falling in love with theatre, being discovered by Stacey Mindich and Tara Rubin, deciding to leave high school to be on Broadway, and beyond. Interview content begins at 2:57. Closing standards begin at 46:13. Connect with Andrew online:Instagram: @andrewbfeldman_Twitter: @andrewbfeldmanConnect with The Theatre Podcast:Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcastTwitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcastFacebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcastTheTheatrePodcast.comAlan's personal Instagram: @alansealesJillian's personal Instagram: @jillianhochmanEmail us at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. We want to know what you think.Thank you to our friends Jukebox The Ghost for our intro and outro music. You can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @jukeboxtheghost or via the web via jukeboxtheghost.com. A very special thanks to our patrons who help make this podcast possible! Paul Seales, David Seales If you would like to see your name in this show notes or get a shout out on the pod itself, visit ttp.fm/patreon to become a member and show your support!

Merri Sugarman is a casting director with Tara Rubin Casting and talk about it all. Merri shares her journey into casting, what brought her to the west coast and back! This conversation takes some wonderful twists and turns as we discuss what's important in life, what to have perspective on, and what Merri has learned as a result. Initially an actress ('Les Miserables', 'Aspects of Love', et al.), Merri found herself out West some years back where she quickly made a name for herself at Liberman/Hirschfeld, then Liberman/Patton Casting, working on such shows as "NewsRadio", "The Larry Sanders Show" and the Miramax feature film "Playing By Heart", starring Sean Connery and Angelina Jolie. In 2000, Merri moved to Dreamworks Studios as the Casting Executive in chargeof TV Pilots and Series- including "Spin City", and the critically acclaimed "The Job", starring Denis Leary. She was then offered a position as the Director of Casting for Dramas and Movies at ABC Television, overseeing the casting of "Alias", "NYPD Blue", "The Practice" and the 'made for television movies’ "Gilda Radner - It's Always Something" and "The Music Man", starring Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth, to name just a few. Merri then returned to the East Coast to teach and coach actors – something she still does (and loves) as time permits, when Tara Rubin offered her a Casting Director position where she’s been happily ensconced ever since, working on, among many others - the Broadway productions, touring and international companies of SPAMALOT, JERSEY BOYS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, HOW TO SUCCEED…, SCHOOL OF ROCK, MISS SAIGON & A BRONX TALE and the upcoming AIN'T TOO PROUD for Broadway. Her Off-Broadway casting credits include Clueless the Musical for New York's Signature Theater and Joe Iconis' The Black Suits for Center Theater Group in L.A. She also casts for many theaters regionally – including Chicago Lyric Opera, The Old Globe and The LaJolla Playhouse. She is the very proud CD of the critically acclaimed web series SUBMISSIONS ONLY and also boasts many TV & film projects, workshops and readings – including the new musical TREVOR – based on the Oscar winning short film.   In other news, she has been a Big Sister to Jenny via the amazing Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for the last 18 years, is an alumni officer of the professional sorority Kappa Gamma Chi (BFA in Musical Theater - Emerson College), a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, has been a Tony Voter for the past four years and is a proud member of CSA (Casting Society of America).     Enjoy! 

On this week's episode, Rob, Jennifer, and Jamie talk to Broadway casting director, Tara Rubin. For over thirty years, Tara has been casting Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jersey Boys, Dear Evan Hansen, and this season's hit Ain't To Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. We talk to Tara about how she got her start, what it's like working on The Phantom of the Opera for so many years, and what makes a good audition. A little bit later, Rob gives us a closer look into the Casting Society of America (the “C.S.A.” you often see after a casting director's name). This week's music: “Putting It Together" from Sunday in the Park with George, “Opening, I Hope I Get It” from A Chorus Line, “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera, “The Theme from Another World” by Crystal Gayle and Garry Morris and “A Beat Behind” from The Goodbye Girl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara Rubin is a casting director with her own casting company since 2001. Before that, she was a casting director at Johnson-Liff Associates. During those years she worked on productions of Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Jerry Zaks' revival of Guys and Dolls and Miss Saigon. At Tara Rubin Casting, she and her colleagues cast the musicals School of Rock, Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, Spamalot, The Producers, Young Frankenstein for Broadway as well as The Country Girl, The Heiress, The Farnsworth Invention and A Time To Kill. They have worked with many regional theaters including La Jolla Playhouse, The Williamstown Theater Festival, Dallas Theater Center, Arena Stage, and The Westport Country Playhouse. She serves on the board of the Casting Society of America. It takes quite a diplomat, and there aren’t many better than our guest this week, Tara Rubin of Tara Rubin Casting. Just in the past few months Tara has been casting Cats, Miss Saigon, Dear Evan Hansen, and all those kids in School of Rock. Talk about a diverse bunch of actors . . . and creative teams! That’s why I cast Tara in this week’s podcast. So listen in and hear Tara talk about . . . The most important thing she learned when she worked for a Producer. How casting has changed in the past 20 years, and how that helps newcomers. Whether agents have more or less power now than they did before. The biggest mistake Actors make when walking into the room (and the mistake they make when marketing themselves). How are we doing on diversity . . . and what else we should be doing. Keep up with me: @KenDavenportBway www.theproducersperspective.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tara Rubin Broadway’s Backbone is a podcast dedicated to the men and woman of the ensemble: the chorus of dancers, singers, and actors that are the foundation of every Broadway musical. These often-unsung gypsies are the hardest working people on the boards and are Broadways backbone. Each episode interviews a Broadway vet about their life, career and dreams, but also delves into the real topics that aren’t always shared. The life of a gypsy maybe full of passion, but not always filled with glamour. Each guest shares intimate details about their journey. There is no mud slinging, but a maybe a little dirt. It’s hosted by Brad Bradley, a Broadway Performer himself, he has worked with most of the guests, so he knows what questions to ask. It’s a real look into the life that so many kids dream of. This podcast is in honor of the folks of the ensemble and the people who plan to be them. Artwork by-Guy Smith

Theater Talk is joined by Broadway casting directors James Calleri, Tara Rubin and Bernie Telsey, who discuss their important profession as gatekeepers for actors to get parts in theater, television and films.

Casting Directors David Caparelliotis, Tara Rubin and Daniel Swee and moderator Patrick Pacheco discuss the role of the casting director; their collaboration with directors; recasting shows; and whether stars are necessary for success on Broadway today.

Casting Director Tara Rubin talks about the casting process, working with the director and creative team; her career beginnings at Johnson & Liff casting the original company of "Les Miserables", and seen here holding auditions for its 25th anniversary tour; the excitement of casting a variety of shows; and how the biggest challenge is replacing celebrities.

Casting Director Tara Rubin talks about the casting process, working with the director and creative team; her career beginnings at Johnson & Liff casting the original company of "Les Miserables", and seen here holding auditions for its 25th anniversary tour; the excitement of casting a variety of shows; and how the biggest challenge is replacing celebrities.

Casting Directors Tara Rubin ("Spamalot", "The Producers"), Laura Stanczyk ("Translations", "Sweet Charity"), Daniel Swee ("The Coast of Utopia", "The Vertical Hour"), and Bernie Telsey ("Wicked", "Hairspray") explore and explain the work of the casting director, touching on issues from the best advice they can give actors about auditioning, how they work with directors and writers in the casting process, the challenges of luring stars to the stage, how they feel about stunt casting and televised casting competitions, and why judiciously mailing head shots and resumes can be an effective job-seeking strategy for aspiring actors.