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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

Saturday Mar 27, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 5v Video
Saturday Mar 27, 2021
Saturday Mar 27, 2021
Episode Summary
Nicolette Hart in “Performer Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for Rent and landing in the Broadway cast as Maureen, as well as successfully auditioning for The Wedding Singer and Bette Middler, and what she means when she says “You are in the business of auditioning, and not of Broadway”. In “Thank You 5” I talk about how to find new cast album recordings that you might not be familiar with. Sean Michael Flowers in “Professors Corner” tells us about creating your brand and why you shouldn’t be singing and sounding like your idols.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of In The Holding Room we are joined by performer, Nicolette Hart for “Performer Spotlight”. Amongst notable performances in national tours, film and TV, Nicolette has been seen on Broadway in Rent, The Wedding Singer and Million Dollar Quartet. She is currently on the Faculty at Nazareth College, and is a highly sought-after audition coach.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I will be talking about getting a deeper understanding of Broadway cast recordings, and how to find more material than just the few albums you might be listening to.
Sean Michael Flowers is a musical director, composer, conductor, and teacher. He has been all over the world coaching students and professionals to reach new levels in quality and inspires them to achieve what they didn’t know was possible.
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
Nicolette Hart
https://www.nicolettehart.biz/

Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode7v Video
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Episode Summary
Matthew Goodgame in “Performers Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for some of the shows he has been in, on the West End and around the world, and some tips he uses to keep his cool. In “Thank You 5” I’ll be talking about the embarrassing situation I got put in as a young dancer, and how teachers and instructors can avoid doing this to others. In “Professor’s Corner”, Ralph Perkins will be getting real when it comes to your college program and why you need to earn the right for your teacher to give you notes.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of “In The Holding Room” we are joined by performer, Matthew Goodgame for “Performer Spotlight”. Recently, Matthew was Sky Masterson at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris, and he starred in 42nd Street atTheatre Royal, Drury Lane in London as Pat Denning and U/S Julian Marsh. Just a few of his other credits include: Billy Flynn in Chicago, Greaseball in Starlight Express, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, and Danny Zuko in Grease
In “Thank you 5” this week: Do you know what a dance belt is? Did you when you were 10? I didn’t. Man, I wish someone told me…here’s why.
Ralph Perkins has choreographed professionally for several regional theaters across the country, as well as 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, as well as 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 Theatre at The Hartt School,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:
https://performerstuff.com/
Engage with the Show
facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
Matthew Goodgame
https://www.nyfa.edu/musical-theatre/

Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 7
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Episode Summary
Matthew Goodgame in “Performers Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for some of the shows he has been in, on the West End and around the world, and some tips he uses to keep his cool. In “Thank You 5” I’ll be talking about the embarrassing situation I got put in as a young dancer, and how teachers and instructors can avoid doing this to others. In “Professor’s Corner”, Ralph Perkins will be getting real when it comes to your college program and why you need to earn the right for your teacher to give you notes.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of “In The Holding Room” we are joined by performer, Matthew Goodgame for “Performer Spotlight”. Recently, Matthew was Sky Masterson at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris, and he starred in 42nd Street atTheatre Royal, Drury Lane in London as Pat Denning and U/S Julian Marsh. Just a few of his other credits include: Billy Flynn in Chicago, Greaseball in Starlight Express, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, and Danny Zuko in Grease
In “Thank you 5” this week: Do you know what a dance belt is? Did you when you were 10? I didn’t. Man, I wish someone told me…here’s why.
Ralph Perkins has choreographed professionally for several regional theaters across the country, as well as 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, as well as 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 Theatre at The Hartt School,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:
https://performerstuff.com/
Engage with the Show
facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
Matthew Goodgame
https://www.nyfa.edu/musical-theatre/

Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
In The Holding Room Episode 6v Video
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Episode Summary
Kristy Cates in “Performers Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for the original Broadway Cast of Wicked, singing for Stephen Schwartz, and why it’s all about booking the room and not the gig. “Thank you 5” is all about why you can’t call any Broadway musical “bad.” In “Professor’s Corner” Kaitlyn Davis and Katie Travis, both former Christine Daaé’s from Phantom of the Opera, are here to give some tips to dancers for singing.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of “In The Holding Room”, we are joined by performer, Kristy Cates for “Performer Spotlight”. Kristy was a member of the original Broadway cast of Wicked (understudy to Idina Menzel). Kristy went on to open the National Tour as Elphaba and played the role for a year in the highly acclaimed Chicago sit-down production. Other Broadway roles include: Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Miss Bassett in Finding Neverland.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I will be talking about why you can, not like a Broadway show, but you can’t call it bad.
Kaitlyn Davis and Katie Travis are in “Professor’s Corner”. With many professional credits to their names, they met playing the role of Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera. They gave singing lessons to the dancers in the show, and the dancers gave them dance lessons. An Idea was born! They now teach “Group Singing for Dancers” and are here to give a few tips.
Resources
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues advice and so much more visit:
https://www.performerstuff.com/
Engage with the Show
facebook: facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
Kristy Cates
Professional Conservatory of Musical Theater at the New York Film Academy
https://www.nyfa.edu/musical-theatre/
Kaitlyn Davis
email: kaitlynnnicoledavis@gmail.com
instagram: kaitlynnnicole_davis
Katie Travis
instagram: katiejtravis
Book: Thinking Shakespeare by Barry Edelstein
https://intheholdingroom.com/services/

Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 6
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Episode Summary
Kristy Cates in “Performers Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for the original Broadway Cast of Wicked, singing for Stephen Schwartz, and why it’s all about booking the room and not the gig. “Thank you 5” is all about why you can’t call any Broadway musical “bad.” In “Professor’s Corner” Kaitlyn Davis and Katie Travis, both former Christine Daaé’s from Phantom of the Opera, are here to give some tips to dancers for singing.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of “In The Holding Room”, we are joined by performer, Kristy Cates for “Performer Spotlight”. Kristy was a member of the original Broadway cast of Wicked (understudy to Idina Menzel). Kristy went on to open the National Tour as Elphaba and played the role for a year in the highly acclaimed Chicago sit-down production. Other Broadway roles include: Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Miss Bassett in Finding Neverland.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I will be talking about why you can, not like a Broadway show, but you can’t call it bad.
Kaitlyn Davis and Katie Travis are in “Professor’s Corner”. With many professional credits to their names, they met playing the role of Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera. They gave singing lessons to the dancers in the show, and the dancers gave them dance lessons. An Idea was born! They now teach “Group Singing for Dancers” and are here to give a few tips.
Resources
For all your audition needs including sheet music, tracks, monologues advice and so much more visit:
https://www.performerstuff.com/
Engage with the Show
facebook: facebook.com/InTheHoldingRoom
Kristy Cates
Professional Conservatory of Musical Theater at the New York Film Academy
https://www.nyfa.edu/musical-theatre/
Kaitlyn Davis
email: kaitlynnnicoledavis@gmail.com
instagram: kaitlynnnicole_davis
Katie Travis
Instagram: katiejtravis
Book: Thinking Shakespeare by Barry Edelstein
https://intheholdingroom.com/services/

Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 5
Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
Episode Summary
Nicolette Hart in “Performer Spotlight” tells us what it was like auditioning for Rent and landing in the Broadway cast as Maureen, as well as successfully auditioning for The Wedding Singer and Bette Middler, and what she means when she says “You are in the business of auditioning, and not of Broadway”. In “Thank You 5” I talk about how to find new cast album recordings that you might not be familiar with. Sean Michael Flowers in “Professors Corner” tells us about creating your brand and why you shouldn’t be singing and sounding like your idols.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of In The Holding Room we are joined by performer, Nicolette Hart for “Performer Spotlight”. Amongst notable performances in national tours, film and TV, Nicolette has been seen on Broadway in Rent, The Wedding Singer and Million Dollar Quartet. She is currently on the Faculty at Nazareth College, and is a highly sought-after audition coach.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I will be talking about getting a deeper understanding of Broadway cast recordings, and how to find more material than just the few albums you might be listening to.
Sean Michael Flowers is a musical director, composer, conductor, and teacher. He has been all over the world coaching students and professionals to reach new levels in quality and inspires them to achieve what they didn’t know was possible.
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
Nicolette Hart
https://www.nicolettehart.biz/

Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 4
Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
Episode Summary
Tyler Murree walks us through his unique audition experience for the multi-million-dollar production of Lord of the Rings the Musical, that required him to get a physical trainer before a boot camp style audition and how he landed the role from the middle of the ocean. In “Thank You 5” I talk about how comparing cast albums or performances of the same songs is a fun and eye-opening experience. Kristy Cates tells us about the simplest mistakes people make at auditions and how to fix them, plus why you haven’t earned the right to sing the song like the character does in the show, at your audition.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of In The Holding Room we are joined by performer Tyler Murree for our “Performer Spotlight” segment. Amongst other notable performances, Tyler has been seen in the premiere Canadian casts of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and The Lord of the Rings the Musical, the US national tour of The Lion King, and Les Misérables on Broadway.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I will be talking about comparing cast albums and different versions of the same song.
Our “Professor’s Corner” segment features Kristy Cates. Kristy is an original member of the NYFA Musical Theatre Faculty and is a professional voiceover artist. She recently played Grandma Josephine in "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" on Broadway. Past productions include: Elphaba in "Wicked" (Broadway, First National Tour, Chicago), Miss Bassett in "Finding Neverland", "Jerry Springer: The Opera" at Carnegie Hall, a handful of Off-Broadway shows and many regional productions.
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
Tyler Murree:
http://www.tylermurree.com/
Kristy Cates:
@KristyCates
Professional Conservatory of Musical Theater at the New York Film Academy
https://www.nyfa.edu/musical-theatre/

Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 3
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of In the Holding Room we are joined by performer, David Silvestre for our “Performer Spotlight” segment. Amongst other notable performances, David has been seen at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 42nd Street and The Pirates of Penzance. He appeared on the Toronto stage in the productions of Kinky Boots. He understudied Ramin Karimaloo as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables and is currently in (although the show is on hiatus) Come From Away.
Our “Professor’s Corner” segment features composer, conductor, musical director extraordinaire, Sean Michael Flowers, back again talking about why you should write letters to your heroes.
In “Thank you 5” this week, I will be talking about the improv games you should be playing to better prepare yourself for your auditions.
Episode Summary
David walks us through some of his auditions including the one for Les Misérables where Cameron Mackintosh calls Boublil and Schonberg into the room to hear him sing. Sean drops value bombs as to why cultivating your network is incredibly important and what things to look out for when first starting out, as well as tips to find mentors to help you grow. I also discuss one of my passions, which is Improv, and the games that will help you better connect with your material, so you have a well thought out monologue and song performance for your auditions.
Quotable quotes from this Episode
“Don’t limit yourself, especially at an audition”
“Anything that makes my time in front of the piano less and in front of the casting director more.”
“Oh good! Now I’m going to sing Bring Him Home for Cameron Mackintosh, no biggie”
“You never know who you are standing next to, because they could go on to be stars!”
“You must have the audacity to believe the impossible is possible”
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
David Silvestre: Audition Coaching
https://www.silvestristudio.com/

Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 2
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Episode Summary
Gabrielle Reid describes the 4- year process for getting into Hairspray on Broadway as well as getting into Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. I’m also going to give you a list of shows that you will probably fight me over, but they are the shows that were recorded live on stage, besides Hamilton, that you should be watching. Yes, 4 of them are Sondheim musicals, and just because you’re not a Sondheim fanatic doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch them and I’ll tell you why. Nicolette Hart is going to school you today on why studying something other than theater is going to help your career and why you shouldn’t bother asking Siri for answers.
Intro to this Episode
This week our “Performer Spotlight” segment features Gabrielle Reid. She has been seen in the National Tour of Happy Days and Mama Mia in Las Vegas. She was in the National Tour and Broadway Casts of Hairspray. She was also an original cast member of Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. You will also want to check her out in the 2020 movie Estella Scrooge: A Christmas Carol with a Twist.
My “Thank You 5" segment this week is about the shows, besides Hamilton, that were recorded live on stage that you should be watching.
“Professor’s Corner” features Broadway TV and Movie Alumni Nicolette Hart, but she is also an accomplished voice acting coach, teaching college audition prep, and is a certified Rock the Audition Coach.
Quotable quotes from this Episode
“Your audition starts the second you touch the doorknob outside”
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
Gabrielle Reid
To get more info on coaching sessions from Gabrielle or more info on getting fit and healthy
@gabzreid
Nicolette Hart
https://www.nicolettehart.biz/

Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
In the Holding Room Episode 1
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Episode Summary
Mike walks us through some of his auditions including the one for the original revival cast of A Chorus Line on Broadway that was made into the documentary, Every Little Step. He discusses some of the pitfalls of rehearsals and the importance of being a hard worker over being talented. I tell you why you don’t need to bring dance shoes, why you do need a hoodie and that cough drops are good for you, though they can also hide your puke. Sean lays it out, that choosing the theater as a career means you have to read, see, and listen to everything you can.
Intro to this Episode
In this Episode of In the Holding Room we are joined by Broadway performer Mike Cannon for our “Performer Spotlight” segment. Mike has been seen on Broadway in All Shook Up, The Addams Family, Ghost, A Chorus Line, West Side Story and Aladdin.
In my “Thank you 5” segment this week, I will be talking about all the items you need to be packing in your bag to take with you to an audition.
Our “Professor’s Corner” segment features Composer, Conductor, Musical Director extraordinaire, Sean Michael Flowers, discussing why you need to have a voracious appetite.
Quotable quotes from this Episode
“Auditioning is a whole other tool. You can sing well, dance well, act well, but you also have to audition well.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself”
“When you accept the fact that you are going to walk the life of an artist, you then have to accept the fact that you are going to be a student of your craft for the rest of your life”
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
Mike Cannon
@Mikecannonhomesquad
Book: The Musical from the Inside Out
Book: The Longest Line
Movie: Every Little Step
Movie: A Chorus Line
For help moving to or moving in NYC give Mike Cannon a shout
https://www.newyorkhomesquad.com