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Episodes
Join host Christiaan Abbott for "In the Holding Room". Produced for Performerstuff.com each episode features Broadway professionals in segments such as "Performer's Spotlight", "Professors Corner" and "Thank you 5" where they share real experiences while offering learned nuggets of knowledge for the listener to take away. For anyone dreaming of a life on Broadway or currently beginning that journey "In the Holding Room" will help give you the tools you need.
Episodes
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Episode Summary
Daniel Therrien, an American citizen, has spent the past 20 years traveling the world and talks us through some of the international auditions he has experienced. “Thank You 5” this week is about some common mistakes made on your headshots and resumes. “Professor’s Corner” features the world-renowned West End star Ria Jones giving us tips on the rehearsal process and getting “Into the bones of a character.”
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of “In The Holding Room” we are joined by performer Daniel Therrien. He has performed all over the world. From multi-million-dollar production shows in Las Vegas to Off-Broadway in Journey to the West. He has performed in Chicago in New Zealand, Wicked, Tap Dogs, and in Mystic Rhythms in Japan. He has also appeared in the German productions of Starlight Express, West Side Story, Cats, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He truly goes where the work is and has traveled the world on someone else’s dime. He dishes out some great advice based of his experience of not only going through so many auditions for amazing shows, but also being on the other side of the table hiring performers.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about some common mistakes people make on their resumes and with their headshots. You may think they are innocent or no big deal, but you could lose all credibility if you make them.
Ria Jones is back and this time she is in “Professor’s Corner.” I had such an amazing interview with her and she covered so much material that what I didn’t put into the “Performer Spotlight” segment in Episode 13, I put into this segment. With so much experience in some of the biggest shows in the world, she has amazing advice on the rehearsal process, fighting your nerves, and not being afraid to ask questions.
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
Instagram: @in_the_holding_room
Website: intheholdingroom.com
Daniel Therrien:
Instagram: @ddaniel_therrien
Ria Jones:
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Episode Summary
Daniel Therrien, an American citizen, has spent the past 20 years traveling the world and talks us through some of the international auditions he has experienced. “Thank You 5” this week is about some common mistakes made on your headshots and resumes. “Professor’s Corner” features the world-renowned West End star Ria Jones giving us tips on the rehearsal process and getting “Into the bones of a character.”
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room” we are joined by performer Daniel Therrien. He has performed all over the world. From multi-million-dollar production shows in Las Vegas to Off-Broadway in Journey to the West. He has performed in Chicago in New Zealand, Wicked, Tap Dogs, and in Mystic Rhythms in Japan. He has also appeared in the German productions of Starlight Express, West Side Story, Cats, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He truly goes where the work is and has traveled the world on someone else’s dime. He dishes out some great advice based of his experience of not only going through so many auditions for amazing shows, but also being on the other side of the table hiring performers.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about some common mistakes people make on their resumes and with their headshots. You may think they are innocent or no big deal, but you could lose all credibility if you make them.
Ria Jones is back and this time she is in “Professor’s Corner.” I had such an amazing interview with her and she covered so much material that what I didn’t put into the “Performer Spotlight” segment in Episode 13, I put into this segment. With so much experience in some of the biggest shows in the world, she has amazing advice on the rehearsal process, fighting your nerves, and not being afraid to ask questions.
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
Instagram: @in_the_holding_room
Website: intheholdingroom.com
Daniel Therrien:
Instagram: @ddaniel_therrien
Ria Jones:
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Episode Summary
Kim Criswell, Broadway and West End star tells us about some of her early auditions to get her equity card, as well as what it was like auditioning for Andrew Lloyd Webber to land the role of Grizabella in Cats. My "Thank You 5” segment is about how memorizing a deck of cards can help you in your acting career. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, three-time Olivier Award winner and Tony nominated choreographer for Mary Poppins, Stephen Mear, gives his advice not only for auditions but for the rehearsal process as well.
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room” we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Kim Criswell. Kim’s Broadway credits include starring as Lucy, opposite Sting, in The Threepenny Opera directed by John Dexter, and appearing in the original Broadway cast of the 1982 Best Musical Tony winner Nine, first as Francesca, then taking over the leading role of Claudia. Other Broadway original cast credits include The First, Baby and Stardust. On the West Coast, she was the original Grizabella in Cats, singing “Memory” at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, and also appeared as Lalume in Kismet for Opera Pacific. She starred in the original West End productions of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens and The Slow Drag, as well as the revival of Dames At Sea, and as the Mother Abbess in the acclaimed production of The Sound of Music at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Critically acclaimed for playing Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre, for which she earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, and for her role as The Old Lady in Robert Carsen’s productions of Candide at La Scala and the Théâtre du Châtelet, she has also won a Helen Hayes Award for her work in Side by Side by Sondheim. She was most recently seen in the US starring as Sally Adams in Call Me Madam at the Goodspeed Opera House, singing the role of The Old Lady in Candide at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, and co-starring with Joseph Fiennes and Charles Edwards in Happy Days in the Art World at NYU’s Skirball Center in New York. Recently, she played the Italian opera singer Mrs. Castellari in the feature film Hysteria (2013) opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, and Jonathan Pryce.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about a silly game you can play to improve your ability as a performer. This one game will sharpen your mind and help you with imagination, association, and memorization.
Stephen Mear C.B.E. is joining us in “Professor’s Corner” this week to offer his advice not only on auditioning, but for the rehearsals process as well. Honorary Doctor of Arts and three-time Olivier Award Winner, Tony Nominated Stephen Mear has been described by the Daily Telegraph as “The old-style master of the modern chorus line.” Stephen’s prolific career has taken him in all directions from musical theater on Broadway and the West End to opera at the ENO, Paris and the Met in New York. His varied and sought-after talent extends to well know TV programs as well, such as So You think You Can Dance, and The Tracy Ullman Show.
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook/IntheHoldingRoom
Instagram: In_the_holding_room
Website: https://intheholdingroom.com/
Kim Criswell: kimcriswell.net
Stephen Mear: https://www.stephenmear.com/
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Episode Summary
Kim Criswell, Broadway and West End star tells us about some of her early auditions to get her equity card, as well as what it was like auditioning for Andrew Lloyd Webber to land the role of Grizabella in Cats. My "Thank You 5” segment is about how memorizing a deck of cards can help you in your acting career. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, three-time Olivier Award winner and Tony-nominated choreographer for Mary Poppins, Stephen Mear, gives his advice not only for auditions but for the rehearsal process as well.
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room” we are thrilled to be joined by the amazing Kim Criswell. Kim’s Broadway credits include starring as Lucy, opposite Sting, in The Threepenny Opera directed by John Dexter, and appearing in the original Broadway cast of the 1982 Best Musical Tony winner Nine, first as Francesca, then taking over the leading role of Claudia. Other Broadway original cast credits include The First, Baby and Stardust. On the West Coast, she was the original Grizabella in Cats, singing “Memory” at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, and also appeared as Lalume in Kismet for Opera Pacific. She starred in the original West End productions of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens and The Slow Drag, as well as the revival of Dames At Sea, and as the Mother Abbess in the acclaimed production of The Sound of Music at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Critically acclaimed for playing Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre, for which she earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, and for her role as The Old Lady in Robert Carsen’s productions of Candide at La Scala and the Théâtre du Châtelet, she has also won a Helen Hayes Award for her work in Side by Side by Sondheim. She was most recently seen in the US starring as Sally Adams in Call Me Madam at the Goodspeed Opera House, singing the role of The Old Lady in Candide at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, and co-starring with Joseph Fiennes and Charles Edwards in Happy Days in the Art World at NYU’s Skirball Center in New York. Recently, she played the Italian opera singer Mrs. Castellari in the feature film Hysteria (2013) opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, and Jonathan Pryce.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about a silly game you can play to improve your ability as a performer. This one game will sharpen your mind and help you with imagination, association, and memorization.
Stephen Mear C.B.E. is joining us in “Professor’s Corner” this week to offer his advice not only on auditioning, but for the rehearsals process as well. Honorary Doctor of Arts and three-time Olivier Award Winner, Tony Nominated Stephen Mear has been described by the Daily Telegraph as “The old-style master of the modern chorus line.” Stephen’s prolific career has taken him in all directions from musical theater on Broadway and the West End to opera at the ENO, Paris and the Met in New York. His varied and sought-after talent extends to well know TV programs as well, such as So You think You Can Dance, and The Tracy Ullman Show.
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook/IntheHoldingRoom
Instagram: In_the_holding_room
Website: https://intheholdingroom.com/
Kim Criswell: kimcriswell.net
Stephen Mear: https://www.stephenmear.com/
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Episode Summary
Ria Jones, West End star and leading lady tells us about some of her auditions, including auditioning for Hal Prince to become the youngest Eva Peron at just 19 years of age. My "Thank You 5” segment is about the importance of journaling. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, Broadway powerhouse, Kim Criswell gives advice on song selections for auditions and being brave enough to be yourself.
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room” we are thrilled to be joined by the incomparable Ria Jones. Ria is an internationally renowned West End star of the highest caliber. She has performed leading roles in numerous West End musicals and sung in theaters and concert halls worldwide. As well as performing as a soloist on three Royal Variety Shows, she has also sung, by Royal request at Buckingham Palace. At 19 she became the youngest actress ever to play the role of Eva Peron in the musical Evita followed shortly by her West End debut in the musical Chess, in which she played the roles of both Svetlana and Florence. She then went on to play Grizabella in Cats at the New London Theatre, (where she stayed for two years). Her next role was as Fantine in Les Misérables, at Manchester's Palace Theatre, followed by the national tour, and the West End. Then came the role of the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Apollo Hammersmith, and the national tour. Most recently Ria was seen performing the role of Norma Desmond in the West End production of Sunset Boulevard, a role that she originally created in the workshop production.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about the importance of journaling for performers. Yes we all know to take notes during rehearsals, but those notes can lead to some exceptional journal entries.
Kim Criswell is going to be with us in “Professors Corner” this week to talk about song selection and making brave and bold choices. Kim’s Broadway credits include starring as Lucy, opposite Sting, in The Threepenny Opera directed by John Dexter, and appearing in the original Broadway cast of the 1982 Best Musical Tony winner Nine, first as Francesca, then taking over the leading role of Claudia. Other Broadway original cast credits include The First, Baby and Stardust. On the West Coast, she was the original Grizabella in Cats, singing “Memory” at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, and also appeared as Lalume in Kismet for Opera Pacific. She starred in the original West End productions of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens and The Slow Drag, as well as revivals of Annie Get Your Gun and Dames at Sea, and as the Mother Abbess in the acclaimed production of The Sound of Music at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. And those are just some of her incredible credits!
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook/IntheHoldingRoom
Instagram: In_the_holding_room
Website: https://intheholdingroom.com/
Ria Jones: riajones.co.uk
Kim Criswell: kimcriswell.net
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Wednesday May 05, 2021
Episode Summary
Ria Jones, West End star and leading lady tells us about some of her auditions, including auditioning for Hal Prince to become the youngest Eva Peron at just 19 years of age. My "Thank You 5” segment is about the importance of journaling. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, Broadway powerhouse, Kim Criswell gives advice on song selections for auditions and being brave enough to be yourself.
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room” we are thrilled to be joined by the incomparable Ria Jones. Ria is an internationally renowned West End star of the highest caliber. She has performed leading roles in numerous West End musicals and sung in theaters and concert halls worldwide. As well as performing as a soloist on three Royal Variety Shows, she has also sung, by Royal request at Buckingham Palace. At 19 she became the youngest actress ever to play the role of Eva Peron in the musical Evita followed shortly by her West End debut in the musical Chess, in which she played the roles of both Svetlana and Florence. She then went on to play Grizabella in Cats at the New London Theatre, (where she stayed for two years). Her next role was as Fantine in Les Misérables, at Manchester's Palace Theatre, followed by the national tour, and the West End. Then came the role of the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Apollo Hammersmith, and the national tour. Most recently Ria was seen performing the role of Norma Desmond in the West End production of Sunset Boulevard, a role that she originally created in the workshop production.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about the importance of journaling for performers. Yes we all know to take notes during rehearsals, but those notes can lead to some exceptional journal entries.
Kim Criswell is going to be with us in “Professors Corner” this week to talk about song selection and making brave and bold choices. Kim’s Broadway credits include starring as Lucy, opposite Sting, in The Threepenny Opera directed by John Dexter, and appearing in the original Broadway cast of the 1982 Best Musical Tony winner Nine, first as Francesca, then taking over the leading role of Claudia. Other Broadway original cast credits include The First, Baby and Stardust. On the West Coast, she was the original Grizabella in Cats, singing “Memory” at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, and also appeared as Lalume in Kismet for Opera Pacific. She starred in the original West End productions of Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens and The Slow Drag, as well as revivals of Annie Get Your Gun and Dames at Sea, and as the Mother Abbess in the acclaimed production of The Sound of Music at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. And those are just some of her incredible credits!
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook/IntheHoldingRoom
Instagram: In_the_holding_room
Website: https://intheholdingroom.com/
Ria Jones: riajones.co.uk
Kim Criswell: kimcriswell.net
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Episode Summary
Desireé Davar, Anita in the World Tour and on Broadway, tells us about her audition for West Side Story. My "Thank You 5” segment is about my go-to cast album for inspiration. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, Ralph Perkins is back once again, keeping it real, as he talks about “Doing the work!”
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room,” we are joined by performer Desireé Davar. She has performed all over the United States in some of the most prestigious regional theaters, and all over the world in the world tour of West Side Story. She performed the role of Anita in West Side Story and with the release of Steven Spielberg’s theatrical trailer of West Side Story we thought it was the perfect time to hear what it was like auditioning for this show on Broadway.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about my go-to Broadway cast album for finding inspiration. They always say, “Write what you know.” well these guys did and their show speaks to my heart, speaks to my creativity, and gets me motivated!
Ralph Perkins has choreographed professionally for several regional theaters across the country, and Las Vegas venues. Among his credits are La Cage Aux Folles, Camelot and 1776 for Goodspeed Musicals, South Pacific for The Asolo Repertory Theater and Papermill Playhouse, The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly! (nominated for best choreography St. Louis Critics Circle Awards) South Pacific and The King and I for The Muny in St. Louis, and Sweet Charity for The Barrington Stage Company. Ralph also choreographed Follies and Sunday in the Park with George (winner of the "Louie" Award for best musical) for The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, Urinetown: The Musical and Kiss Me Kate in which he received Kevin Kline Award nominations for outstanding choreography. Residing and working in Las Vegas, Nevada for many years, Ralph was choreographer for EFX starring Tommy Tune at the MGM Grand, Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur and he also worked with Siegfried and Roy at The Mirage, to name a few. In 2002 Ralph relocated to West Hartford, CT to become Director of Dance for the Theatre Division at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Ralph is also on the adjunct faculty of The Hartt School Dance Division teaching the Martha Graham Technique
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook/IntheHoldingRoom
Instagram: In_the_holding_room
Website: https://intheholdingroom.com/
Desireé Davar
http://www.superheroesinlove.com/
Instagram @SuperheroesinLove, @DesireeDavarDromard
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Episode Summary
Desireé Davar, Anita in the World Tour and on Broadway, tells us about her audition for West Side Story. My "Thank You 5” segment is about my go-to cast album for inspiration. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, Ralph Perkins is back once again, keeping it real, as he talks about “Doing the work!”
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of “In The Holding Room,” we are joined by performer Desireé Davar. She has performed all over the United States in some of the most prestigious regional theaters, and all over the world in the world tour of West Side Story. She performed the role of Anita in West Side Story and with the release of Steven Spielberg’s theatrical trailer of West Side Story we thought it was the perfect time to hear what it was like auditioning for this show on Broadway.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about my go-to Broadway cast album for finding inspiration. They always say, “Write what you know.” well these guys did and their show speaks to my heart, speaks to my creativity, and gets me motivated!
Ralph Perkins has choreographed professionally for several regional theaters across the country, and Las Vegas venues. Among his credits are La Cage Aux Folles, Camelot and 1776 for Goodspeed Musicals, South Pacific for The Asolo Repertory Theater and Papermill Playhouse, The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly! (nominated for best choreography St. Louis Critics Circle Awards) South Pacific and The King and I for The Muny in St. Louis, and Sweet Charity for The Barrington Stage Company. Ralph also choreographed Follies and Sunday in the Park with George (winner of the "Louie" Award for best musical) for The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, Urinetown: The Musical and Kiss Me Kate in which he received Kevin Kline Award nominations for outstanding choreography. Residing and working in Las Vegas, Nevada for many years, Ralph was choreographer for EFX starring Tommy Tune at the MGM Grand, Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur and he also worked with Siegfried and Roy at The Mirage, to name a few. In 2002 Ralph relocated to West Hartford, CT to become Director of Dance for the Theatre Division at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Ralph is also on the adjunct faculty of The Hartt School Dance Division teaching the Martha Graham Technique
Resources:
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues, advice and so much more visit:
Engage with the show:
Facebook: Facebook/IntheHoldingRoom
Instagram: In_the_holding_room
Website: https://intheholdingroom.com/
Desireé Davar
http://www.superheroesinlove.com/
Instagram @SuperheroesinLove, @DesireeDavarDromard
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Episode Summary
Clare Halse, West End leading lady, in “Performer Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for shows like Wicked. “Thank you 5” is all about being likable so people want to keep working with you. In “Professor’s Corner” Sean Michael Flowers and I have a discussion about keeping your mental wellness in check.
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of In “The Holding Room” we are joined by performer Clare Halse. She has performed on some of the biggest West End and European Stages as Judy Haynes in White Christmas at Dominion Theatre, London. Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls at Théâtre Marigny, Paris. Peggy Sawyer, 42nd Street at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London. Kathy Selden, Singin’ in the Rain at Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. and in Gypsy at Savoy Theatre, London…just to name a few.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about staying likable. So many guests talk about being the kind of person people want to work with so you get hired. Well, once you’re hired there are a few things to keep in mind so people want to keep working with you, or work with you again.
In “Professor’s Corner”, Sean Michael Flowers and I have a discussion about keeping an eye on your mental wellness in this crazy industry as well as going on artist dates with yourself to keep that creative spark burning, and some other tips for staying positive.
Resources
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues advice and so much more visit:
https://performerstuff.com/
Engage with the Show
facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
@in_the_holding_room
Clare Halse
https://www.clarehalse.com/
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Episode Summary
Clare Halse, West End leading lady, in “Performer Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for shows like Wicked. “Thank you 5” is all about being likable so people want to keep working with you. In “Professor’s Corner” Sean Michael Flowers and I have a discussion about keeping your mental wellness in check.
Intro to this Episode
In this episode of In “The Holding Room” we are joined by performer Clare Halse. She has performed on some of the biggest West End and European Stages as Judy Haynes in White Christmas at Dominion Theatre, London. Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls at Théâtre Marigny, Paris. Peggy Sawyer, 42nd Street at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London. Kathy Selden, Singin’ in the Rain at Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris. and in Gypsy at Savoy Theatre, London…just to name a few.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about staying likable. So many guests talk about being the kind of person people want to work with so you get hired. Well, once you’re hired there are a few things to keep in mind so people want to keep working with you, or work with you again.
In “Professor’s Corner”, Sean Michael Flowers and I have a discussion about keeping an eye on your mental wellness in this crazy industry as well as going on artist dates with yourself to keep that creative spark burning, and some other tips for staying positive.
Resources
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues advice and so much more visit:
https://performerstuff.com/
Engage with the Show
facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
@in_the_holding_room
Clare Halse
https://www.clarehalse.com/