Podcasts about theatre education

Alex Serino didn't take the “traditional” path to Broadway, but his journey is one fueled by community, heart, and hustle. A proud Boston native, Alex grew up surrounded by music, theater, and an extended family that felt more like a village. From band kid to puppeteering Audrey II, to a standout performance in The SpongeBob Musical and hosting Emerson's EVVY Awards, his love of performance kept evolving until it landed him on one of Broadway's biggest stages. We talk about the defining moments—from playing Uno with a Boston accent to discovering his passion for acting (with a little help from his cousins)—that led him to the role of Albus Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This episode dives into what it means to find your place in a new city, how to hold onto your authentic self in high-stakes environments, and why Alex never hesitates to ask for help. He opens up about the vulnerability of auditioning, the surreal experience of being cast in a Broadway show before even having an agent, and the ongoing journey of carving your own identity—both on and offstage. Oh, and yes, we go full nerd on spells, Polyjuice Potion, and the Hogwarts Legacy game. Alex Serino is an actor and musician making his Broadway debut as Albus Potter in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. A graduate of Emerson College, he studied Theatre Education and Performance before transitioning to a BFA in Acting. While at Emerson, he co-hosted the nationally recognized EVVY Awards and performed in numerous productions, including The SpongeBob Musical. Originally from Peabody, Massachusetts, Alex's creative foundation was shaped by a musically rich family and years of regional youth theater. This episode is brought to you by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard that let's you be a star for a day. Connect with Alex: Instagram: @alexfserino TikTok: @alex.f.serino Twitch: @hypeape Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 73, Brennan is joined by Broadway actor and writer, Nick Blaemire, as they talk about work/ life balance, and the best places to find fulfillment in your artistic career! "Winning" is temporary high, but the real joy comes from the memories and friends you encounter on the journey!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In Episode 72,  Brennan is joined by music director/ pianist/ vocal coach and founder of the Broadway Ensemble Project, Jacob Carll, as they discuss his path from opera student to founding is own musical theatre business! The Broadway Ensemble Project is a really cool, innovative new resource for performers to be able to practice something you can't otherwise do outside of a direct show context, and Jacob has created a really wonderful new way to form community through it! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the hit Broadway musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and we needed some extra help to do it! Yes, we are indeed joined by fan favorite guest, Brandon Walters to make this mini-sode a little less mini, and a little more chaotic! So tune in for a colorful coat and a colorful episode!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In Episode 71, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Julia Knitel, as they jump back to beginning of her days in New Jersey community theatre, and talk about the journey that led to her receiving a 2025 Tony nomination for "Best Featured Actress in a Musical"!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In Episode 70, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Jessi Kirtley as they discuss her wild timeline from Jimmy Awards finalist, to original Broadway cast member of Operation Mincemeat! Jessi shared a lot about what she's learned throughout her journey, but above all the most important thing is to embrace your unique kind of soup!!... We promise it makes more sense in context!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's extra long mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the 78th Annual Tony Awards! We're breaking down all the awards and performances, and giving you the hottest takes we got! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

 Listen to the Show Right Click to Save GuestsPenfold Theatre Anton Chekhov is a Tasty SnackCity Theatre Tartuffe What We Talked About   

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's new musical "Death Becomes Her"! Based on the 1992 cult-classic, this new musical instantly became a smash-hit thanks to the incredible performances of two of Broadway's most beloved divas: Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In Episode 65, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Emma Pittman as they talk about her trajectory coming from a small town with little theatrical exposure, to winning "The Search for Roxie" and taking the Broadway world by storm! Emma has carved her name into several Broadway shows by now and was more than ready to talk about all the avenues of her theatre education!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the hit semi-autobiographical musical "tick, tick.. BOOM!" by Jonathan Larson! Jonathan paved the way for so many new, dynamic pieces of theatre in this industry, and it's awesome that we have such a realistic depiction of that kind of inspiring journey!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy's mentor, Matt Webster, takes over and talks with Jimmy and Adam Carter about their new book, Trauma-Informed Practices in 9-12 Theatre Education! Order the book here!

This week JImmy talks with Massachusetts teacher Sarah Palmer. She talks about the joy and community that theatre brings, product vs. process, and casting.

This week Jimmy talks with Florida theatre teacher Gail Chase. She talks about theatre changing her life, the need for play, and her Shakespeare experience that revolutionized her teaching.

This week Jimmy talks with Australian based teaching artist Cody Riker. He shares about the importance of passion in your work, the challenging climate of education in the US, and being willing to pivot when you need to choose to keep loving what you do.

Arts educators and practitioners witness daily how the arts elevate students' self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Yet, empirical evidence from scientific research has traditionally lagged behind these observations.In this insightful episode, Dr. Thalia shares findings from a nationally representative qualitative study highlighting the cognitive, social, and emotional benefits children gain from engaging in theatre classes. Drawing on developmental psychology and empirical research, she explains how theatre and playful artistic activities nurture emotional regulation, creativity, and overall well-being.Understanding these benefits is crucial for adults too. By fostering these skills early, we equip future leaders with essential tools to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of work and society. Join us to learn how to incorporate these strategies in your own life!Dr. Thalia Goldstein is an associate professor and director of the applied developmental psychology program at George Mason University, where she directs the Play, Learning, Arts, and Youth Lab, and co-directs the Mason Arts Research Center (a National Endowment for the Arts Lab). Her research focuses on children's and adolescent's social and emotional development through engagement with pretend play and the arts. Her most recent book is “Why Theatre Education Matters: Understanding its Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Benefits”.Learn more about Dr Thalia:www.thaliagoldstein.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/

This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Madison Gillis. She talks about the varied teaching load she has, settling into your career in the early years, and taking care of yourself and your kiddos.

This week Jimmy talks with the creator of The Drama Notebook, Janea Dahl. She talks about how theatre teachers impacted her life, seeing a need and filling it, and of course, The Drama Notebook and all its valuable resources!www.dramanotebook.com

In Episode 57, Brennan is joined by NYC-actress Jaime Lyn Beatty as they talk about her experience of theatre-education on multiple levels and ways to live life more creatively! Above all, when having a career in theatre, you have to make sure you're always following the happiness!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with New York theatre teacher Frank Barranca. He talks about his journey that led him to teaching, innovative ways to keep kids excited, and the importance of fun!

In Episode 56, Brennan is joined by actress Mariah Rose Faith Casillas as they talk about letting your guard down and letting some whimsy into your art! You fell in love with theatre for a reason, so don't let yourself lose sight of what that is!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on yet another Sondheim Broadway musical: Merrily We Roll Along! Although in recent years it has became a huge staple in musical theatre, it has a history fraught with stumbles and failure. So make sure you tune in to learn how exactly they turned everything around for this lovely show!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with Illinois dance teacher/teaching artist/educator Diane Rawlinson. She talks about her wonderful career in performing arts education, utilizing your global community, and dreaming again.

In Episode 55, Brennan is once again joined by fan-favorite: Brandon Walters as they break down the procedures of attending an EPA or ECC. Securing an audition slot can be hard enough, but you also need to know what times the different venues open, when you can sign up on certain lists, etc. So tune in to ensure your best chance of having a successful audition day!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with New York administrator Andrew Frey-Gould. He talks about starting a thespian parent association, technology in the theatre classroom, and school administration and the arts.

Happy Year 2! In Episode 54, Brennan is joined by David Dines (a.k.a. Hanukah Lewinsky) as they talk about David's journey as a New York City drag queen! Drag has always been such a beautiful, multi-faceted art form, and a staple in the queer community, and it walks hand in hand with theatre performance as a viable career!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with Hungarian teaching artist Ildikó Vojtek. She talks about language and literature, challenges with theatre companies, and motherhood.

This week Jimmy talks with Southern Oregon theatre teacher Julia Cuppy. She talks about creating community, new play development, and culturally responsive theatre education. 

In Episode 53, Brennan is once again joined by Cara Rose DiPietro, as they discuss "Audition Season" during their live podcast recording at BroadwayCon 2025! As we are in the midst of audition season right now, they're giving you the first hand perspective, so make sure you tune in to hear what's going on!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

In this week's mini-sode, we're shining the spotlight on Broadway's classic: Oklahoma! With Oklahoma being among the first book-musicals, it helped pave the way for what we know as modern musical theatre today!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with Connecticut based teaching artist Jamie Monahan. She talks about the value of consent based practices, working with intimacy professionals, and the low level intimacy challenges in our students post-COVID.

This week Jimmy talks with Dr. Lusie Cuskey! She talks about finding community in theatre, intimacy direction, and mental health coordination.

This week Jimmy talks with Jason Goldstein of BookTix! He talks about the teacher that field his entrepreneurial spirit, theatre teachers as producers, and how BookTix can help your program grow!www.BookTix.com

This week Jimmy talks with Texas theatre teacher Javon Rougely. He talks about filling a predecessor's giant shoes, DEIA work in theatre, and approaching lessons from a director's perspective.

In Episode 49, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Ally Bonino as they talk about her journey as a New York actress to her recent Broadway debut in Suffs the Musical. With recent events, theatre like this is so important now more than ever, and Ally got to experience that first hand through a very unique lens... along with a cold, salty walk to our studio! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with Portland, OR teaching artist Evan Tait. They talk about the role musical theatre played in their life, the down side of pigeon holing students, and holding on to our humanity. 

This week Jimmy talks with Texas teaching artist Pamela Vogel. She talks about her InterACTive classroom she has that goes in depth with performance, immersive theatre, and discussions about heightened texts through the play WIT.  http://www.pamelavogelhomepage.com

This week Jimmy talks with Illinois theatre teacher Danny Yuska. He talks about the community that theatre creates for students, finding balance, and the Illinois All State Production of The Prom.

This week Jimmy talks with Indiana theatre teacher and professor Mary Beth Frank. She talks about the beat cycle, taking care of our kids, and utilizing processes to make things run smoother.

This week Jimmy talks with SC theatre teacher Lauren Pilling. She talks about early career lessons learned, theatre competitions, and learning how to not doubt yourself. 

This week Jimmy talks with NC theatre teacher and teaching artist Sussanah Wagner. They talk about their work as a props artisan, being “village people,” and teaching in a military town.

In this week's mini-sode we're shining the spotlight on the Broadway classic: Annie the musical! Everyone knows the story of the little, red-headed orphan, but the production itself has a long, rich history, so make sure you tune in!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week JImmy talks with teaching artist and author Floyd Ruhmor. He talks about using developmentally appropriate pedagogy for students ages 9-12, his work with young people, and his new bookStage It: Making Shakespeare Come Alive in Schools!www.stageitplays.com

In Episode 43, Brennan is joined once again by NYC-based actor Brandon Walters as they have a VERY chaotic discussion about audience etiquette in theatre! Not sure if there's a whole lot of wisdom to be found in this one, but a lot of fun was certainly had!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway

This week Jimmy talks with Louisiana theatre teacher Kriti Jacobs-Stanley. She talks about her work in children's theatres across the country, student leadership, and the impact of the International Thespians.  

This week Jimmy talks with teaching artist Madison Williams. She talks about the impact of her mentor, building and running a meaningful school program, and being a working teaching artist. 

This week Jimmy talks with Missouri teacher William Palmer. They talk about dramaturgy, creativity and play, and dignity as DEI work.

This week Jimmy talks with Applied Developmental Psychologist Thalia Goldstein. She talks about her new book “Why Theatre Education Matter.” She talks about her research, the Eight Habits of Mind, and her future work in play! www.theatreedmatters.comwww.thaliagoldstein.com

This week Jimmy talks with California theatre professor Talya Klein. She talks about her work as an acting professor, the difference between being uncomfortable and unsafe, and intimacy work. 

This week Jimmy talks with Michigan teacher Shelley Bajorek. She talks about the power of supportive caregivers, world premiere productions, and student leadership.