Ditch Your Backup Plan
111 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 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
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
16. Plant Seeds
May 18, 2020 18:34 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBCarrie Compere on SHREK, City on a Hill with Kevin Bacon, The Color Purple, and Shout, Sister, Shout! This Broadway and TV/Film actor and super-mom shares her incredible story of how her mother's death fueled her passion, how she worked to put food on the table, the ways she finds family balance- all while not relying on a "Plan B." Mother’s Day episode 3 of 4. S1 E16. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
16. Plant Seeds - Carrie Compere
May 18, 2020 18:34 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBCarrie Compere on SHREK, City on a Hill with Kevin Bacon, The Color Purple, and Shout, Sister, Shout! This Broadway and TV/Film actor and super-mom shares her incredible story of how her mother's death fueled her passion, how she worked to put food on the table, the ways she finds family balance- all while not relying on a "Plan B." Mother’s Day episode 3 of 4. S1 E16. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Carrie Compere, Actor and Mom
May 18, 2020 18:34 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBBroadway and TV/Film actor and super-mom, Carrie Compere shares her incredible story of risk-taking, working to put food on the table, and finding family balance. Mother’s Day episode 3 of 4. S1 E16. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
15. Let Go of the Performer Identity - Lindsay Levine
May 11, 2020 13:16 - 52 minutes - 48 MBLindsay Levine, casting director on Cats choreography and giving up her character shoes. This former musical theatre actor, educator, and mom shares the importance of persistence and how she ditched performing for casting. Mother’s Day episode 2 of 4. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Lindsay Levine, Casting Director and Educator
May 11, 2020 13:16 - 52 minutes - 48 MBLindsay Levine--New York-based casting director, educator, and mom--describes her transition from performer to casting director and her journey through the theatre world--including how she’s found parenting along the way. Mother’s Day episode 2 of 4. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
15. Let Go of the Performer Identity
May 11, 2020 13:16 - 52 minutes - 48 MBLindsay Levine on Mamma Mia!, Cats choreography, and giving up her character shoes. This casting director, educator, and mom shares the importance of persistence and how she ditched performing for casting. Mother’s Day episode 2 of 4. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
14. Know Who You Are - Anne Cofell Saunders
May 04, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 60 MBAnne Cofell Saunders on Star Trek: Discovery, Battlestar Galactica, The Boys and working as a television writer and executive producer while raising two daughters. She shares her stories of taking risks when there are no safety nets, the importance of failure, and never letting others tell you who you are. This mom gives the whole perspective from growing up in a small town in South Dakota to becoming an award-winning and respected television writer and producer in Hollywood. Mother’s Day...
Anne Cofell Saunders, TV Writer and Executive Producer
May 04, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 60 MBAnne is a television writer, executive producer, and mom of two daughters. She tells her story of growing up in a small town in South Dakota to becoming an award-winning and respected television writer and producer in Hollywood. Mother’s Day episode one of four. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
14. Know Who You Are
May 04, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 60 MBAnne Cofell Saunders on Star Trek: Discovery, Battlestar Galactica, The Boys and working as a television writer and executive producer while raising two daughters. She shares her stories of taking risks when there are no safety nets, the importance of failure, and never letting others tell you who you are. This mom gives the whole perspective from growing up in a small town in South Dakota to becoming an award-winning and respected television writer and producer in Hollywood. Mother’s Day...
Bonus: Advice for Youth from College Creatives
April 29, 2020 19:27 - 36 minutes - 29.4 MBCollege theatre students share how they are staying creative and productive during times of isolation and uncertainty. They share activities that elementary through high school students can try out for themselves. SHOW NOTES AT DitchYourBackupPlan.com 1:14 STERLING OLIVER, Kansas State University 4:39 OLIVIA CARTER, Kansas State University 8:09: JACKSON BERLAND, Kansas State University 11: 25: KATIE HAYES, Rockford University 13:29: TRACE CAMPBELL, Kansas State University 16:48...
College Creatives - Advice for Youth
April 29, 2020 19:27 - 36 minutes - 29.4 MBCollege theatre students share how they are staying creative and productive during times of isolation and uncertainty. They share activities that elementary through high school students can try out for themselves. SHOW NOTES AT DitchYourBackupPlan.com 1:14 STERLING OLIVER, Kansas State University 4:39 OLIVIA CARTER, Kansas State University 8:09: JACKSON BERLAND, Kansas State University 11: 25: KATIE HAYES, Rockford University 13:29: TRACE CAMPBELL, Kansas State University 16:48...
13. Show Up and Do the Work
April 27, 2020 15:05 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBAlanna Saunders on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and losing herself in order to find herself. She shares how she keeps a routine, shows up and gives her best, and the importance of self care. This Broadway actor takes us from growing up as a young performer with her twin sister and siblings in Seattle to getting her first gig as Tiger Lily on Peter Pan Live! to the international journey that led to her becoming her own person. SHOW NOTES at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Alanna Saunders, Broadway Actor
April 27, 2020 15:05 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBAlanna shares her experience as a New York-based Broadway actor--from growing up as a young performer in Seattle to getting her first gig almost immediately after graduating college, to now getting used to life without the constant audition hustle as our global crisis continues to impact theatre professionals. SHOW NOTES at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
13. Show Up and Do the Work - Alanna Saunders
April 27, 2020 15:05 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBAlanna Saunders on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and losing herself in order to find herself. She shares how she keeps a routine, shows up and gives her best, and the importance of self care. This Broadway actor takes us from growing up as a young performer with her twin sister and siblings in Seattle to getting her first gig as Tiger Lily on Peter Pan Live! to the international journey that led to her becoming her own person. SHOW NOTES at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Jenna Rubaii, Broadway Actor
April 20, 2020 04:45 - 45 minutes - 42.7 MBJenna Rubaii shares what it’s like to be on the 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, the importance of flexibility during inevitable career ups-and-downs, and what she's learned along the way. S1 E12. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
12. Embrace Your Uniqueness - Jenna Rubaii
April 20, 2020 04:45 - 45 minutes - 42.7 MBJenna Rubaii on the Jesus Christ Superstar 50th anniversary tour, Groundhog Day, and American Idiot. This Broadway actor shares the importance of flexibility during inevitable career ups-and-downs and continually loving your own individuality. From her start singing in an all-girls group as a youth, she takes listeners on her career journey as a singer and actor. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
12. Embrace Your Uniqueness
April 20, 2020 04:45 - 45 minutes - 42.7 MBJenna Rubaii on the Jesus Christ Superstar 50th anniversary tour, Groundhog Day, and American Idiot. This Broadway actor shares the importance of flexibility during inevitable career ups-and-downs and continually loving your own individuality. From her start singing in an all-girls group as a youth, she takes listeners on her career journey as a singer and actor. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
11. Say Yes Until You Can't - Logan Jones
April 13, 2020 06:35 - 34 minutes - 33 MBLogan Jones on About Face Theatre- Chicago, asking for what you want, and doing your best work. He shares how he went from being an unpaid apprentice to becoming a full-time theatre artist and general manager in the Chicago theatre scene in the span of just five years. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Logan Jones, General Manager and Production Stage Manager- About Face Theatre Chicago
April 13, 2020 06:35 - 34 minutes - 33 MBLogan Jones shares how he went from being an unpaid apprentice to becoming a full-time theatre artist in the Chicago theatre scene in the span of just five years; spoiler–it has a lot to do with saying yes to every opportunity, and finding mentors who support a path of lifelong learning. S1 E11. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
11. Say Yes Until You Can't
April 13, 2020 06:35 - 34 minutes - 33 MBLogan Jones on About Face Theatre- Chicago, asking for what you want, and doing your best work. He shares how he went from being an unpaid apprentice to becoming a full-time theatre artist and general manager in the Chicago theatre scene in the span of just five years. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
10. Find Your Why
April 06, 2020 04:04 - 59 minutes - 55 MBMariand Torres on playing Elphaba in Wicked and never saying, "Never!" This Broadway actress shares her incredible journey from starting out not knowing that musical theatre was a career to working on Broadway with her musical theatre heroes and being inspired by powerful women in artistic leadership. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Mariand Torres, Broadway Actress
April 06, 2020 04:04 - 59 minutes - 55 MBMariand Torres shares her incredible journey--from starting out not knowing about musical theatre to hopping from broadway show to broadway show, working with her musical theatre heroes. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
10. Find Your Why - Mariand Torres
April 06, 2020 04:04 - 59 minutes - 55 MBMariand Torres on playing Elphaba in Wicked and never saying, "Never!" This Broadway actress shares her incredible journey from starting out not knowing that musical theatre was a career to working on Broadway with her musical theatre heroes and being inspired by powerful women in artistic leadership. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Mariand Torres, Broadway Actress- Episode 10
April 06, 2020 03:30Donate to Broadway Cares SHOW NOTES- Mariand Torres, Episode 10
9. Love to Learn - Grace Douglas
March 30, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBGrace Douglas on unscripted (reality) TV and working in Los Angeles. She talks about self-comparison being the thief of joy and the importance of curiosity and building community. This associate story producer shares her journey from BFA actor to feeling confident and creatively fulfilled in her work in television where she uses her theatre degree every day. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
9. Love to Learn
March 30, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBGrace Douglas on unscripted (reality) TV and working in Los Angeles. She talks about self-comparison being the thief of joy and the importance of curiosity and building community. This associate story producer shares her journey from BFA actor to feeling confident and creatively fulfilled in her work in television where she uses her theatre degree every day. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Grace Douglas, Story Producer for Unscripted TV
March 30, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBThe LA-based Unscripted TV and Associate Story Producer, Grace Douglas shares her journey to feeling confident and creatively fulfilled in her work. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Grace Douglas, Story Producer- Unscripted TV- Episode 9
March 30, 2020 04:46donate to broadway cares SHOW NOTES: GRACE
Tim Murray, Actor and Comedian, Episode 8
March 23, 2020 05:37Donate To Broadway cares Donate to Tim's Patreon Tim Murray, an LA-based actor and comedian, tells of his journey from disappointment to forgiveness--starting over, creating opportunities, and never stopping the hustle. What’s inside: 2:35 : Where are you calling from? 3:00 : You’re doing Voldemort the Musical in London, is that your show? 3:48 : Did you take the opportunity of being in London to also do some stand-up? 4:45 : Were the audiences in London different from ...
8. Create Your Own Opportunities - Tim Murray
March 23, 2020 05:28 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBTim Murray on stand-up comedy, Voldemort the Musical and moving from NYC to LA. Tim shares his journey from disappointment to forgiveness--starting over and ignoring the voice in your head that says, "You can't." Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
8. Create Your Own Opportunities
March 23, 2020 05:28 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBTim Murray on stand-up comedy, Voldemort the Musical and moving from NYC to LA. Tim shares his journey from disappointment to forgiveness--starting over and ignoring the voice in your head that says, "You can't." Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Tim Murray, Actor and Comedian
March 23, 2020 05:28 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBTim Murray, an LA-based actor and comedian, tells of his journey from disappointment to forgiveness--starting over, creating opportunities, and never stopping the hustle. S1 E8. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Katie McClellan, TV/Film/Theatre and Voiceover Actor
March 17, 2020 00:11LA-based actor and voiceover artist Katie McClellan explains how one can survive and thrive in the artistic field without running out of fuel; Using her experience in the arts, she shares how upholding one’s self worth can lead to a healthy outlook and the potential to find one’s own “bread and butter.” What’s inside: 5:14 : Where are you calling from/located? Where were you before that? 6:38: Did you plan on moving to LA after school? 6:53 : What’s the latest project you’ve been wo...
Katie McClellan, TV/Film, Theatre, and Voiceover Actor
March 16, 2020 23:57 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBLA-based actor and voiceover artist Katie McClellan explains how one can survive and thrive in the artistic field without running out of fuel; Using her experience in the arts, she shares how upholding one’s self worth can lead to a healthy outlook and the potential to find one’s own “bread and butter.” S1 E7. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
7. Know Your Self Worth
March 16, 2020 23:57 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBKatie McClellan on voiceovers, J.J. Abrams, and working between NY and LA in TV/Film and Theatre. Katie shares how she survives and thrives as an actor without running out of fuel (self care!), finding a flexible and fulfilling side job, and how upholding one’s self worth can lead to a healthy outlook. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
7. Know Your Self Worth - Katie McClellan
March 16, 2020 23:57 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBKatie McClellan on voiceovers, J.J. Abrams, and working between NY and LA in TV/Film and Theatre. Katie shares how she survives and thrives as an actor without running out of fuel (self care!), finding a flexible and fulfilling side job, and how upholding one’s self worth can lead to a healthy outlook. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Sarah Schreiber, WWE Backstage Correspondent- Episode 5
March 09, 2020 04:56Sarah Schreiber shares the twists and turns of her career--from performing in theatre to hosting on the Home Shopping Network to now announcing for WWE backstage--highlighting the importance of experiencing everything, being proud of your work, and finding your “sweet spot.” What’s inside: 2:40 : Where are you located? What brought you there? 3:42 : What’s a typical day-in-the-life for you? 4:45 : How did you end up on David Letterman? 10:15 : What is the story behind your unexpe...
Ross Evans, Screenwriter
March 09, 2020 04:25LA-based screenwriter Ross Evans tells of his journey from actor to director to writer and every step in between--illustrating how changing paths brought him to his current career. What’s inside: :56 WME/William Morris Endeavor 1:10 WGA/Writers Guild of America 2:10 AEA Agreements/99 Seat Theatres/Showcase Code 6:00: Where are you calling from? 6:20 : What’s a typical day in your life like? 8:53 : What type of musical are you working on? 9:20 : What’s the difference betwe...
Ross Evans, Screenwriter
March 09, 2020 04:11 - 59 minutes - 55.4 MBLA-based screenwriter Ross Evans tells of his journey from actor to director to writer and every step in between–illustrating how changing paths brought him to his current career. DYBP SHOW NOTES-Ross Evans
6. Get Specific
March 09, 2020 04:11 - 59 minutes - 55.4 MBRoss Evans on screenwriting, the transition from NYC's Broadway scene to the Hollywood writer's hustle, and how his degree in musical theatre led him to making his living as a screenwriter. Ross shares his perspective on "sellouts" and why getting specific leads to finding success in a career you will love. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan
6. Get Specific - Ross Evans
March 09, 2020 04:11 - 59 minutes - 55.4 MBRoss Evans on screenwriting, the transition from NYC's Broadway scene to the Hollywood writer's hustle, and how his degree in musical theatre led him to making his living as a screenwriter. Ross shares his perspective on "sellouts" and why getting specific leads to finding success in a career you will love. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan
Sarah Schreiber, WWE Backstage Correspondent
March 02, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBSarah Schreiber shares the twists and turns of her career--from performing in theatre to hosting on the Home Shopping Network to now working as a WWE backstage correspondent--highlighting the importance of experiencing everything, being proud of your work, and finding your “sweet spot.” What’s inside: 2:40 : Where are you located? What brought you there? 3:42 : What’s a typical day-in-the-life for you? 4:45 : How did you end up on David Letterman? 10:15 : What is the story beh...
Sarah Schreiber, WWE Backstage Correspondent
March 02, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBSarah Schreiber shares the twists and turns of her career--from performing in theatre to hosting on the Home Shopping Network to now working as a WWE backstage correspondent--highlighting the importance of experiencing everything, being proud of your work, and finding your “sweet spot.” Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
5. Open the Right Doors
March 02, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBSarah Schreiber on WWE announcing, hosting on the Home Shopping Network, and telling off David Letterman. She shares how Shakespeare and musical theatre prepared her for the wrestling entertainment world and how important it is to sell yourself as your own business. She stresses the importance of experiencing everything, being proud of your work, and self care. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
5. Open the Right Doors - Sarah Schreiber
March 02, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBSarah Schreiber on WWE announcing, hosting on the Home Shopping Network, and telling off David Letterman. She shares how Shakespeare and musical theatre prepared her for the wrestling entertainment world and how important it is to sell yourself as your own business. She stresses the importance of experiencing everything, being proud of your work, and self care. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
4. Up Your Game - Clyde Voce
February 24, 2020 05:54 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBClyde Voce on making history in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the first black actor to play the role of Willy Wonka on the Broadway tour. He describes the different duties of understudies and swings and shares how health, wellness, and personal finances need to be in order to survive as a working actor with no regrets. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
Clyde Voce, Actor- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Color Purple
February 24, 2020 05:54 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBClyde Voce makes history as the first black actor to play the role of Willy Wonka on the Broadway tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He describes the different duties of understudies and swings and shares his wisdom about health, wellness, and finances while maintaining a life as a working actor at the highest level. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
4. Up Your Game
February 24, 2020 05:54 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBClyde Voce on making history in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the first black actor to play the role of Willy Wonka on the Broadway tour. He describes the different duties of understudies and swings and shares how health, wellness, and personal finances need to be in order to survive as a working actor with no regrets. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com
3. Learn All the Jobs - Lauren Hirsh
February 17, 2020 05:43 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBLauren Hirsh on Disney's Frozen on Broadway and her surprising career as a Child Guardian. This Broadway veteran describes how stage management led her to child wrangling and she give tips on how to break into this unique industry to find a job you will love. Show Notes at DitchYourBackupPlan.com