Ditch Your Backup Plan
111 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 58 ratingsStories of rewarding careers between starving artist and celebrity. Longtime professor, Jen Vellenga interviews creatives in arts and entertainment careers to give listeners the courage to ditch their backup plan.
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Episodes
51. A Future of Possibilities - Peter Royston
April 13, 2021 20:11 - 44 minutes - 42.4 MBPeter Royston (he/him) is an equity stage manager based in New York, and originally from the Bay Area area. His credits include: Blue Man Group, The Public Theater, The Lark, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Theatre Works, among others. Since 2017, Peter has become a vocal advocate and ally to the disabled community, specifically through his lived experience as a White Gay man with Cerebral Palsy. Peter hopes to see disabled stage management representation on Broadway...
50. Build Your Own Position - Elsie Escobar
April 06, 2021 19:20 - 54 minutes - 50.9 MBElsie Escobar is a 14 year veteran in the podcasting industry and inductee to the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame. She is the co-founder of She Podcasts, a podcasting community for women + non-binary that has over 19 thousand members with a corresponding podcast and conference. She's a podcasting advocate, pundit and mentor to primarily women podcaster leaders. She also has an MFA in Acting! Elsie is Libsyn’s Community Manager and co-host/producer of The Feed: The Official Libsyn Po...
49. While Waiting for Your Shot - Noah Lindquist
March 23, 2021 22:44 - 46 minutes - 43.7 MBNoah Lindquist is a member of AEA, a singer and actor, and the creator of the viral videos, "Wear a Mask," and "I Just Can't Wait for Vaccines." Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
48. Go Back into the Fire - Kimberly Doreen Burns
March 16, 2021 17:11 - 43 minutes - 41.3 MBKimberly is a New York City based award-winning singer, actor, performer, and educator who recently originated the role of Maya in the New York City premiere of Sideways (based on the Academy Award Winning film). Top theatre critics have dubbed her a "golden-voiced vocalist," "a luminous life-force with a crystalline soprano voice," and "one of the best voices I've heard in musical theatre." Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
47. We're Not in Competition with Each Other - Logan Rose Nelms
March 09, 2021 21:21 - 44 minutes - 42.2 MBLogan is an actor in NYC with a passion for social justice and human equity. Over the past almost ten years, Logan has crafted a pretty nifty little life for herself, filled with some very cool flexible side hustles that enable her to drop everything on a dime and take an audition or a booking.. and she’s like really proud of that. Most notably, she is an ambassador for a fair trade fashion brand, called Noonday Collection. Noonday partners with artisans across the globe to create dignifie...
46. Casting College - Alison Franck
March 02, 2021 23:16 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBAlison Franck (CSA) is a casting professional with over 20 years of Broadway, Off-Broadway, Touring, Regional Theatre, TV, Film, Commercial and Voice Over Casting experience. For a decade, she was the Casting Director for the prestigious regional theatre Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, where she cast over 50 productions with some of the theatre community's finest talent. Notable credits at Paper Mill include the Broadway transfer of I’m Not Rappaport starring Judd Hirsch and Ben Vereen, ...
45. See Yourself Being Successful - Damion Taylor
February 23, 2021 22:44 - 57 minutes - 53 MBDamion Taylor spent the last 15 years applying data and technology to entertainment. Both analytical and creative, he brings a unique skill set that’s in high demand for brands and media companies. He effectively translates data in a way that is meaningful to creatives talent and has become a respected leader in audience growth and producing data-informed creative. He has lead Audience Development for large traditional media companies (e.g., Warner Bros. and NBC Universal) as well as inn...
44. Strategize & Maximize - Elizabeth Nestlerode
February 17, 2021 04:39 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBElizabeth is a New York actor and teaching artist. She is the creator and instructor of the N2NYT: New to New York Theatre online course. Show notes at: DitchYourBackupPlan.com
43. Understand Where Your Limits Lie- Gianmarco Soresi
February 09, 2021 21:01 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBGianmarco Soresi is a stand up comic, actor and writer but the first line of his obituary will probably say “guy from all those General Electric commercials.” Check out his comedy special on Amazon Prime: "Shelf Life." Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
42. Death of the Diva Decade - Sherita Carthon
February 02, 2021 13:25 - 45 minutes - 42.6 MBSherita Carthon is a Celebrity Brand Precision Expert who has helped more than 3k celebrities, artists, entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate their brand. An award winning speaker, Sherita has been featured on VH1 | FOX | ABC | MARKET WATCH | ASK.COM and most recently Live with Les Brown discussing her innovative project: The Celebrity Sales Method. Show notes and links at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Making It: 2020 Guests Answer, "Have you made it?"
January 27, 2021 00:16 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBGuests from 2020 answer the question, “Have you made it?” 00:53 Becca Kötte- Broadway actress and recording artist 1:30 David Valentine - Puppet Builder at Jim Henson Co. 2:52 Lauren Hirsh- Broadway child guardian 3:27 Clyde Voce- Actor 4:14 Sarah Schreiber-WWE backstage correspondent 5:50 Ross Evans- Screenwriter 6:17 Katie McClellan- TV, film, theatre & voiceover 7:38 Tim Murray- Actor, comedian 8:42 Grace Douglas 9:42 Mariand Torres- Broadway actress 11:15 Logan Jon...
41. Making It: 2020 Guests Answer, "Have you made it?"
January 27, 2021 00:16 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBGuests from 2020 answer the question, “Have you made it?” 00:53 Becca Kötte- Broadway actress and recording artist 1:30 David Valentine - Puppet Builder at Jim Henson Co. 2:52 Lauren Hirsh- Broadway child guardian 3:27 Clyde Voce- Actor 4:14 Sarah Schreiber-WWE backstage correspondent 5:50 Ross Evans- Screenwriter 6:17 Katie McClellan- TV, film, theatre & voiceover 7:38 Tim Murray- Actor, comedian 8:42 Grace Douglas 9:42 Mariand Torres- Broadway actress 11:15 Logan Jon...
40. Risk: Guests of 2020 Share Their Biggest Risk
January 19, 2021 17:35 - 25 minutes - 23 MBGuests from 2020 answer the question, “What was your biggest risk?” 1:07 Becca Kötte- Broadway actress and recording artist 1:40 Lauren Hirsh- Broadway child guardian 2:16 Clyde Voce- Actor 2:55 Sarah Schreiber-WWE backstage correspondent 3:36 Ross Evans- Screenwriter 4:44 Katie McClellan- TV, film, theatre & voiceover 5:34 Tim Murray- Actor, comedian 6:32 Mariand Torres- Broadway actress 7:12 Logan Jones- General manager, About Face Theatre, Chicago 7:48 Jenna Rubaii- B...
39. Guests of 2020 Answer the Backup Plan Question
January 14, 2021 14:03 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBIn the first episode of 2021, guests from 2020 answer the question, “Did you have a backup plan?” 2:00 Becca Kötte- Broadway actress and recording artist 2:22 David Valentine- Puppet builder at Jim Henson Co. 2:56 Lauren Hirsh- Broadway child guardian 3:22 Clyde Voce- Actor 3:58 Sarah Schreiber-WWE backstage correspondent 4:07 Ross Evans- Screenwriter 4:44 Katie McClellan- TV, film, theatre & voiceover 5:36 Tim Murray- Actor, comedian 6:25 Grace Douglas- Story producer, un...
38. Give It Away to Keep It - Dr. Alisa Hurwitz
December 07, 2020 13:16 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBDr. Alisa Hurwitz is Dr. Drama! She gives away mental health advice for artists on her Mental Health Live Series on Instagram. In this episode, she discusses her consulting work for the stage, the importance of self care, boundaries and success, and the impact brain development has on the ability to process the challenges of an industry shut down. As a psychologist who has a lifelong passion for musical theater, Dr. Hurwitz offers her clinical insight into the characters you know from t...
37. Just Jen: Ditch Fear & Take Risks
November 30, 2020 14:41 - 6 minutes - 5.56 MBJen shares how artists register risk differently and how protocols in theatre lead to a fearless community that is accepting of risk and supportive to adjustments.
36. Your Journey is Perfect - Vincent J. Cardinal
November 23, 2020 15:41 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBJen's longtime mentor, Vincent J. Cardinal is the Arthur and Martha Hearron endowed professor of musical theatre, chair of the department of musical theatre, and professor of music at the school of music, theatre, and dance at the University of Michigan. Vince shares the importance of goals and what purpose they really serve and how to find "your people." Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.Com
35. Just Jen: Ditch Resistance & Adapt
November 16, 2020 14:27 - 11 minutes - 11 MBHost, Jen Vellenga goes solo and talks about adaptation in the digital moment and how she's owning her digital space. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
34. Go Confidently in Pursuit of Your Dreams - Laura Camien
November 09, 2020 15:09 - 1 hour - 58 MBLaura Camien is a Broadway producer, playwright and screenwriter, and, along with Susan Blackwell, Laura is Co-host of the popular creativity podcast, The Spark File. She was a long time VP of Communications for Blue Man Group, as well as Creative Director and Head Writer for Blue Man Group's book, Blue Man World. As a teacher, she specializes in public speaking, media training, writing and communication. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
33. Just Jen: Ditch Complacency & Show Up
November 02, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.2 MBJen talks about the dangers of complacency for an artistic life and some strategies for overcoming embarrassment and resistance in order to show up.
32. Be Kind & Do Good Work - Jerry Jay Cranford
October 26, 2020 03:14 - 52 minutes - 48 MBJay has made his career as an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, and educator. He has performed on Broadway (Les Miserables), international and national tours (Les Miserables, Evita European Company as featured dancer, Singing in the Rain as Don, Anything Goes as Billy), regional stages, television and spent 3 years as the Genie in Disneyland's stage musical Aladdin. He is currently an Associate Professor at Kansas State University. Jay has been a proud member of Actors Equity ...
31. Just Jen: Ditch Doubt & Believe
October 19, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 13.3 MBJen shares some research on Imposter Syndrome and advises listeners to ditch doubt, identify a super fan, and believe in themselves. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
30. Speak Your Truth - Kiki Rivera
October 12, 2020 14:14 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBKiki Rivera (she, they, we, wrasse) is an internationally produced, award-winning theatre artist, educator, and arts activist with her BA in Theatre and MFA in Playwriting from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM). Original plays include Puzzy (featuring award-winning New Zealand Playwright Victor Rodger), and Faʻalavelave: The Interruption. Their work focuses on cultural and sexual identity and the effects of colonization. Kiki is one of many voices for Pacific Islanders in the diaspora...
29. Just Jen: Defining the Backup Plan
October 05, 2020 15:03 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBJen talks about how to define the Backup Plan, the career pivot, the survival job, the side hustle, and the dream job. What does your mindset need to be to DitchYourBackupPlan?
28. When Plan "A" Shifts - Bliss Griffin
September 28, 2020 05:48 - 55 minutes - 52.1 MBBliss Griffin's career is driven by a deep belief that the societal benefit of art is immeasurable. She believes that too often we value the art above the artist, trading their safety and well-being for our own entertainment. She is committed to creating an arts & entertainment industry culture that uplifts artists in their employment relationships. SHOW NOTES at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
27. Create What Doesn't Exist- Chantal Bilodeau
August 10, 2020 05:53 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBPlaywright Chantal Bilodeau is the founder and artistic director of the Arctic Cycle organization and close friend and collaborator of host, Jen Vellenga. Chantal dives into her impactful work as a storyteller who uses theatre to encourage communities to take action on local and global climate change. Show notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
26. Celebrate Failure - Qui Nguyen
August 03, 2020 04:15 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBQui Nguyen is a TV and film writer, playwright, and self-identified geek. His career has gone from co-founder and artistic director of the Obie award-winning Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company to Daytime Emmy award winning Hollywood screenwriter. Qui believes in celebrating failure, working hard, and he prefers climbing mountains with a team over a solo journey.
25. Follow Your Passion - Michael McElroy
July 27, 2020 12:31 - 46 minutes - 43.3 MBTony and Grammy nominated Broadway performer, Michael McElroy is the founder of Broadway Inspirational Voices, for which he won a 2019 special Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre. He recently founded Black Theatre United to combat systemic racism within theatre institutions and beyond. He believes in following your passion, but putting in the work. Process is part of the journey when you ditch your backup plan. For Michael, this is what has led to a lifetime of growth. Show Notes at Ditc...
24. Be the Change - Maya Lynne Robinson
July 20, 2020 14:23 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBFilm, TV, stage actress, and writer/producer, Maya Lynne Robinson plays Michelle on the sitcom The Unicorn on CBS. She spent 13 years working off and on in human resources before she made her living completely as an actress. Her long road to success from humble beginnings has taken courage, discipline, and perseverance. Maya Lynne shares how she made the big move to Los Angeles and all the ways her early actions helped her to succeed. Show notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
23. Hone Your Craft - Shaun J. Brown
July 13, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBShaun J. Brown from the CBS TV show The Great Indoors shares his personal journey starting with training in musical theatre to his pivot to the screen. A writer and producer, Shaun has learned how to continually hone his craft to stay relevant in the fast-paced industry of TV and film. Show notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
22. Avoid Burnout - Theresa Squire
July 06, 2020 12:58 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBTheresa Squire, Broadway costume designer never knew her job existed when she started her undergraduate degree in Business with a focus in Fashion Merchandising. She eventually received her M.F.A. in Costume Design from NYU and designed The Lieutenant of Inishmore and High Fidelity on Broadway. She served as the resident costume designer for Keen Company for 10 years. She’s a Pilates instructor and a mom and she learned how to avoid burnout by setting clear boundaries.
22. Avoid Burnout
July 06, 2020 12:58 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBTheresa Squire, Broadway costume designer never knew her job existed when she started her undergraduate degree in Business with a focus in Fashion Merchandising. She eventually received her M.F.A. in Costume Design from NYU and designed The Lieutenant of Inishmore and High Fidelity on Broadway. She served as the resident costume designer for Keen Company for 10 years. She’s a Pilates instructor and a mom and she learned how to avoid burnout by setting clear boundaries.
21. Read Like a Storyteller - Nick Francone
June 29, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBNick Francone on Wicked as his lucky start, answering the phone, and reading like a storyteller. Nick is a scenic designer for theatre and an art director for television and film. This husband and dad of twins takes us on a brisk run-through of his career with insights from his 15 years as an assistant designer on Wicked to his more recent work as a production designer for New Years Eve with Carson Daly in 2019 and 2020. Fathers in June final episode. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
21. Read Like a Storyteller
June 29, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBNick Francone on Wicked as his lucky start, answering the phone, and reading like a storyteller. Nick is a scenic designer for theatre and an art director for television and film. This husband and dad of twins takes us on a brisk run-through of his career with insights from his 15 years as an assistant designer on Wicked to his more recent work as a production designer for New Years Eve with Carson Daly in 2019 and 2020. Fathers in June final episode. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Nick Francone, Designer and Art Director
June 28, 2020 20:25 - 1 hour - 58 MBNick Francone is a scenic designer for theatre and an art director for television and film. This husband and dad of twins takes us on a brisk run-through of his career with insights from his time as an assistant designer on WICKED for 15 years to his more recent work as a production designer for New Years Eve with Carson Daly in 2019 and 2020. Fathers in June final episode. S1 E21. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
20. Practice, Practice, Practice - Travis Cloer
June 22, 2020 12:08 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBTravis Cloer from Jersey Boys on making "real" money, and taking initiative. He's a Broadway actor and the Longest Running Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. This Las Vegas performer, recording artist, husband and father of two talks about the risks he's taken, leaving it all in the audition room (or on the audition tape), and how to turn times of uncertainty into opportunity. Father's Day episode. S1 E20. Show notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
20. Practice, Practice, Practice
June 22, 2020 12:08 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBTravis Cloer from Jersey Boys on making "real" money, and taking initiative. He's a Broadway actor and the Longest Running Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. This Las Vegas performer, recording artist, husband and father of two talks about the risks he's taken, leaving it all in the audition room (or on the audition tape), and how to turn times of uncertainty into opportunity. Father's Day episode. S1 E20. Show notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Travis Cloer, Longest Running Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys
June 22, 2020 12:08 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBTravis Cloer is a Broadway actor, Las Vegas performer, recording artist, husband and father of two. He talks about taking risks, leaving it all in the audition room (or on the audition tape) and how to turn times of uncertainty into opportunity. Father's Day episode. S1 E20. Show notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Josh Fielder, Broadway Producer
June 20, 2020 21:49 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBProducer for Broadway and Bucks County Playhouse, Josh shares how he found his way to producing early in his career. With insights into how he and his casting director husband manage busy careers while also raising their twin daughters, episode 19 celebrates fathers in June and Gay Pride. S1 E19. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
19. Trust Your Instincts - Josh Fiedler
June 20, 2020 21:49 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBJosh Fiedler on Avenue Q, letting go of fear, and avoiding complacency. This Producer for Broadway and Bucks County Playhouse shares how he found his way to producing early in his career. With insights into how he and his casting director husband manage busy careers while also raising their twin daughters, episode 19 celebrates fathers in June and Gay Pride Month. S1 E19. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
19. Trust Your Instincts
June 20, 2020 21:49 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBJosh Fiedler on Avenue Q, letting go of fear, and avoiding complacency. This Producer for Broadway and Bucks County Playhouse shares how he found his way to producing early in his career. With insights into how he and his casting director husband manage busy careers while also raising their twin daughters, episode 19 celebrates fathers in June and Gay Pride Month. S1 E19. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Bonus: DYBP Blackout - Just Jen
June 08, 2020 13:06 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBAmplifying the voices of BIPOC without silencing them and learning from mistakes made as an ally. A Just Jen bonus episode after a week of pause and protests. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
DYBP Blackout Episode
June 08, 2020 13:06 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBA Just Jen bonus episode. After a week of pause and protests, thoughts on protesting, using your voice to amplify the voices of others without silencing them, and checking your gut when getting things wrong as an ally. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Bonus: DYBP Blackout
June 08, 2020 13:06 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBAmplifying the voices of BIPOC without silencing them and learning from mistakes made as an ally. A Just Jen bonus episode after a week of pause and protests. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Joshua Henry
June 01, 2020 11:31 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoshua Henry is a three-time Tony award nominee, musician and TV/Film actor. In the first of five "Fathers in June" episodes, this husband and father shares how his fulfilling career was built from a deep investment in training and intentional focus on personal growth. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
18. Focus on Growth - Joshua Henry
June 01, 2020 11:31 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoshua Henry on Hamilton and coming up alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, on patience, growth, and working your mind along with your craft. This three-time Tony award nominee, musician and TV/Film actor, husband and father shares how his fulfilling career was built from a deep investment in training and intentional focus on personal growth. First "Fathers in June" interview. S1 E18. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
18. Focus on Growth
June 01, 2020 11:31 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoshua Henry on Hamilton and coming up alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, on patience, growth, and working your mind along with your craft. This three-time Tony award nominee, musician and TV/Film actor, husband and father shares how his fulfilling career was built from a deep investment in training and intentional focus on personal growth. First "Fathers in June" interview. S1 E18. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Joshua Henry, Artist and Performer
June 01, 2020 11:31 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBJoshua Henry is a three-time Tony award nominee, musician and TV/Film actor. In the first of five "Fathers in June" episodes, this husband and father shares how his fulfilling career was built from a deep investment in training and intentional focus on personal growth. S1 E18. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
17. Get Your Foot in the Door - Sara Andreas/Julie Fleischer
May 25, 2020 14:04 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBSara Andreas and Julie Fleischer talk Will and Grace, The Big Bang Theory, Legally Blonde, and the Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary tour. They both found ways to get a foot in the door on Broadway (Sara) and in TV (Julie). They share their career risks, terrifying New York apartments, finding success with family support, and the importance of lifting up other women. Mother's Day episode 4 of 4. S1 E17. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
17. Get Your Foot in the Door
May 25, 2020 14:04 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBSara Andreas and Julie Fleischer talk Will and Grace, The Big Bang Theory, Legally Blonde, and the Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary tour. They both found ways to get a foot in the door on Broadway (Sara) and in TV (Julie). They share their career risks, terrifying New York apartments, finding success with family support, and the importance of lifting up other women. Mother's Day episode 4 of 4. S1 E17. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com