Breaking the Fourth Wall: Recent Episodes
Ashlee and Tim Espinosa
Today’s theatre must strive for greater diversity, representation and inclusion. Every Monday, join Ashlee and Tim Espinosa, accomplished musical theatre teaching artists, as they engage in stimulating conversations on the current state of musical theatre and how they are advocating for positive change. Whether you are a musical theatre performer, actor, educator, student or patron who either wants to stay current with musical theatre news, expand your knowledge of the history of musical theatre, or gain insight on the changing landscape of today’s musical theatre, this podcast is for you.
Artistic directors and season selection committees should consider these 7 factors when determining their upcoming season programming.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Consider these 7 steps when entering the rehearsal and production process to support and advocate for greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Ashlee and Tim discuss actionable steps that program heads and faculty can immediately implement into their curriculum and teaching practices in order to affect the much needed positive change moving forward.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Are theatre programs adequately preparing students to meet the demands of the professional arena of theatre after graduation?
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Does working on Broadway and New York City serve as the sole definition of success in the theatre industry?
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How to avoid burnout in an industry built on more work and less pay.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How are self tape submissions evolving and creating equitable opportunities in musical theatre. Tim and Ashlee also discuss how self promotion is linked to your process and ways you can maximum your online presence.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Show Notes:
Essential Guide to Creating Musical Theatre Self-Tapes
YouTube for Artists + Educators Online Course
Read the blog post of this episode that includes additional photos, videos and resources.
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How we can begin to honor and acknowledge the benefits of creating a career in musical theatre that includes multiple steams of income, passion and value.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Read the blog post of this episode that includes additional photos, videos and resources.
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
It's time to reframe the narrative that surrounds cruise ship and theme park entertainment. Ashlee and Tim Espinosa talk about their experience meeting on a cruise ship as performers, how it enabled them to explore the world and multitudes of cultures, work with multi million dollar sets and costume, and why theme park are a valuable means of income within the entrainment industry.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Read the blog post of this episode that includes additional photos, videos and resources.
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Korrie Yamaoka, host of the podcast Studying the Song, joins us as we talk about changing the way we train singers, creating healthy boundaries, and audition thoughts from her perspective as a vocal coach and music director.
Read the blog post of this episode that includes additional photos, videos and resources.
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
Korrie Yamaoka is a musical theatre vocal coach and music director in San Diego, CA. A specialist in musical theatre repertoire and contemporary pop/rock performance styles, Korrie explores the intersection of rock music and musical theatre and has been a guest lecturer at Musical Theatre Educator’s Alliance (MTEA) and Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) as well as a guest teaching artist at universities across the United States.
Korrie is also the host of Studying the Song, a podcast for musical theatre actors about audition preparation and vocal styling. She helps singers create a powerful audition book that showcases their artistry and helps them achieve their artistic goals.
Selected music direction credits include White Christmas (Gateway Playhouse, NY), Phantom (Gateway Playhouse), Beth Malone: So Far (New York and San Diego), Everybody’s Talkin’ (San Diego Repertory Theatre), Violet (San Diego Repertory Theatre), Cabaret (AMDA College and Conservatory, LA).
M.F.A in Musical Theatre, San Diego State University; B.A. in Music, San Diego State University.
Studying the Song is a podcast for musical theatre actors who want to take their vocal artistry to the next level by going deep into the music of musical theatre. I’ll help you figure out WHAT to sing and HOW to sing it so that you SHINE in your audition, one-woman-show, or leading role. Specifically, we’ll be dissecting the songs, character and vocal archetypes, musical genres, and vocals styles of Broadway so that you can:
1) create a powerful audition book that showcases your artistry and actually gets you work
2) feel totally at home reading the musical score of a show
3) define your unique artistic voice
4) craft a performing career you love!
Follow Korrie on Instagram and learn more on her website.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
The history of American acting methodologies and ways that we can eliminate trauma when teaching acting fundamentals.
Reflecting on American Acting Training in 2021
- What is the history of teaching acting in musical theatre?
- How has it affected actors negatively?
- What can we do to better train actors without using trauma?
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Read the blog post of this episode that includes additional photos, videos and resources.
Visit the podcast website that includes a full transcript.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Ashlee (she/her) and Tim (he/him) interview Leo Yu-Ning Chang about his thoughts on the current state of musical theatre.
Visit the podcast website.
Leo Yu-Ning Chang is a bilingual performer and educator born and raised in Taiwan, where he co-founded an award-winning A Cappella Band-Guess What. Upon earning his M.F.A. degree in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University, Leo took the faithful leap. He moved to NYC and soon made his Off-Broadway debut in Revelation: The Musical. Leo is currently on faculty at Marymount Manhattan College and serving as a teaching artist at New York City Center.
His selected credits include Bubble Boy, Farewell My Concubine (Reading), Mr. Holland’s Opus (Reading), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Company, The Full Monty, and Enchanted April.
Follow Leo on Instagram, Facebook and his website.
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Ashlee (she/her) and Tim (he/him) discuss the challenges associated with the role of the stage director.
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
podcast website
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Ashlee and Tim interview JoJo Siu and Sarah Timm about their thoughts on the current state of musical theatre through the lens of a costume designer. We also talk about their successful podcast The Costume Plot.
Join us on Clubhouse for our weekly podcast encore event with JoJo and Sarah on Thursday at 4pm PT.
JoJo Siu graduated from UCIrvine with her M.F.A. in Costume Design. She hails from Philadelphia, and has been working as a designer for film, opera, theatre and dance both nationally and internationally for over 10 years. She has worked with the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Santa Fe Opera, South Coast Repertory, Fullerton College, Chapman University, Backhaus Dance, OC Shakespeare Festival, Sierra Madre Playhouse, and Singapore Repertory Theatre, among many others. She is a huge advocate for Asian diversity within theatre, and loves when diversity and design can come together on the stage to represent storytelling. She loves theatre and film that is inspired by folklore and magic--a storytelling tradition that is inherent to her own Chinese heritage and history. She’s participated in the (CAATA) Consortium of Asian American Theatres and Artists, is a member of USITT, and has designed for several world premieres, including The Trial of Dedan Kimathi, The Madres, and W.A.S.P. Her repertoire includes Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Othello, and Twelfth Night, Importance of Being Earnest, Toys in the Attic, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Evita, Spring Awakening, Eurydice, Waiting for Godot, Never the Sinner, and Blood Wedding.
Sarah Timm is a costume designer and cutter/draper working in professional theatre in Orange County. She works primarily at South Coast Repertory and Fullerton College, and has twice competed in the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic Con.
Follow Jojo on and Sarah's podcast entitled The Costume Plot on Instagram and their Podcast website.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Ashlee (she/her) and Tim (he/him) discuss the problematic nature of, what is considered to be, the Golden Age of musical theatre.
Reflecting on the term “Golden Age” in 2021
- What is the Golden Age?
- Why have we put so much emphasis on it?
- What are the problematic concepts with these musicals?
- How do we approach these musicals now?
Plus, as always, your favorite weekly puzzler is included!
Join us on Clubhouse this week on Thursday, April 1 at 5pm PT for a post show conversation.
Click here to join the event
podcast website
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Ashlee (she/her) and Tim (he/him) interview Gwendolyn Walker (she/her) about her thoughts on the current state of musical theatre.
Join us on Clubhouse for our weekly podcast encore event with Gwen.
Gwendolyn Walker is an Assistant Professor of Voice and Alexander Technique in Penn State’s BFA Musical Theatre program. She is also a graduate of the Contemporary Alexander School and is a certified Alexander Technique teacher. Her unique approach to training young artists from a somatic perspective as well as from a contemporary commercial vocal perspective has made her a sought-after guest artist and private teacher around the world. Prior to coming to Penn State, she was the Coordinator of the Voice Department at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. Gwen’s areas of research all relate back to reducing mental and physical anxiety for today’s artists. A passionate antiracist and activist, her most recent articles and presentations have been about tools for educators to address the current mental health crisis on college campuses, training transgender and gender non-binary humans, and how to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the voice studio and in the greater theatre industry. Gwen is an Equity Actress who has performed in National Tours, major regional houses, and off-Broadway. She maintains an active Voice and Alexander Technique Studio in New York City and her students can be seen in most shows on Broadway today.
Follow Gwen on Instagram, Facebook and her website.
podcast website
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Ashlee (she/her) and Tim (he/him) discuss their lessons learned in both the educational and professional arena of musical theatre during 2020 and the early part of 2021.
- Will academia change course?
- How have we evolved as artists?
- Are we optimistic about the future of the craft?
- What actions are + can we continue to take as a community to make change happen?
We share our personal lessons learned that will shape our teaching and artistic decisions moving forward with the hope that the more we talk about this change the more others will join.
Podcast Encore Event in Clubhouse
podcast website
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Ashlee (she/her) and Tim (he/him) introduce Season 2 of their podcast, Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Podcast Encore Event in Clubhouse
New episodes every Monday morning.
Websites:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss the upcoming Broadway revival of 1776 directed by Diane Paulus with a focus on inclusive casting. How do we continue the movement of casting folx in a more inclusive and supportive way just like Diane is doing right now?
This is the final episode of Season 1. We will be taking a break and seeing everyone back again in July with a new season that is going to include interviews of folx in the musical theatre industry that are making positive change with their work, their voice and their actions.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss their favorite resources right now for creative outlets in quarantine isolation to further their creative outlets. The topic this week is focused on online teaching and how we can use distance education to continue to grow and learn as artists and educators. We share the tools we have found helpful when teaching online class and also coaching or consulting online for theatre and music theatre artists and students.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa encourage those artists that are at a creative crosswords to be confident in their skills. Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself. Here are some tips and tricks that we when we both made the leap to follow our dreams and be confident in putting ourselves out there to tell the world what job we wanted right now in our lives.
Let us know your fav resources right now! Post on our facebook or Insta or send us an email.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Youtube:
Ashlee Espinosa
Tim Espinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss utilizing video content for online purposes. How can we make a positive change in best practices to use technology and online popularity to maximize your visual presence.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss the process of building an online presence and the importance of branding yourself as an artist especially at this moment in time. Let's make the shift in embracing technology and discovering the ways it can offer you assistance in your career. How can we change the mindset that marketing ourselves is selfish? How do we us technology to build our brand? What steps can each of us take to increase our visibility online and offer value as a human being and an artist? What important questions must we ask of ourselves when building an online identity?
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss the current state of Broadway and theatre communities across the country. What steps can each of us take to make positive light of where we are and how we can move forward in our careers even in challenging times.
Ashlee's youtube for Actions for Actors series
Bornwen Burton's costume youtube channel
Sherie Sander's website with book link
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how performers and creatives can emotionally decompress from strong dramatic content or long technical rehearsals for a musical. How does a performer, creative effectively sustain a 5 to 8 show weekly schedule? How does someone on the creative team sustain themselves during an exhaustive technical rehearsal process?
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss the importance of intimacy training in the rehearsal process and how as performers we can navigate situations in musicals that might involve intimacy with another cast member.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss assumptions in musical theatre and the impact they have on us as artists. Three specific assumptions include type, skin color and gender identity. How can we be aware of the past and present a new future free from judging based on appearance?
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss examples of change that they have seen and experienced lately. Change is happening. Let's recognize the it and say thank you. Let's also ask for more because we are just at the beginning stages of making positive change in musical theatre. We have a long way to go but we do need to celebrate the steps as we walk forward.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How we use words today to describe actors and characters is drastically different than in the past.
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss the importance of discovering your authentic self and how we need to move away from the idea of type. We can no longer use the word "slut" to describe Ado Annie in Oklahoma! the musical. We can no longer rely on the outdated idea that type and archetype define a character. How can we move forward and encourage others to realize that words matter.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How can we promote greater diversity among our audience members?
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss "Blackouts" and a few examples of Broadway productions like Slave Play along with regional theaters that are holding space for exclusive audience members that are POC. How do we follow along in these examples and diversify audiences at musicals?
- What are factors that contribute to the lack of diversity among audience members?
- What are some solutions we can take to promote greater diversity?
- "Blackouts" article referenced in episode
- Britany Spears musical referenced in episode
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Learning to decide which projects to work on and which ones to say no to.
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss what to consider when choosing projects to work on in your career for those right out of college and also those that are further in their career.
- What are some red flags for projects?
- Is it wise to take every job?
- When do you say no to a job?
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How do we avoid burnout? Musical Theatre requires more than the everyday 9 to 5 job description. We often overwork ourselves and give too much. How do we take action and learn to say no.
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can take steps to avoid burnout in an industry that always asks for more. What aspects of your auditions can you control? What aspects can you not control in the room?
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Accepting that many aspects of our career in musical theatre are out of our control is a challenging aspect of this industry. We are one of the few career paths that require regular interviews, auditions and submissions since we live job to job and contract to contract whether you are an actor, designer, director, choreographer, music director, stage manager, and all of the other people it takes to create a musical.
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we all can learn to accept that some things are out of your control. What aspects of your auditions can you control? What aspects can you not control in the room? What can you control during a rehearsal process: as either a performer or creative? Ashlee and Tim both share their most embarrassing audition moments.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How do we change the perception of the way actors are viewed based on their physical appearance?
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can teach our audience to move past personal bias based on the color of an actor's skin or their physical appearance, and accept the illusion of reality onstage.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How can we let go of what does not serve us to create space for what WILL serve us.
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to free ourselves of negative emotions or events and pave the way for new found creativity and positive fulfillment. Tim shares what he is actively going to "let go" as a director to create space for 3 new tasks to include into his daily life in 2020. Ashlee shares what she is letting go that we can all relate to as a musical theatre performer so she can make space to be free of the constraints of "type" or fitting into the box for auditions and callbacks.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How can we address the stigma of body image in musical theatre?
- Starts with casting: Actively cast curvy performers for more roles that do not rely or refer to their physical appearance.
- Open Conversations: with young actors, high school level, college level to encourage them to audition for all roles and all musicals
- Creating a new norm with body image on stage: focusing on the content of the character and not the perceived physical appearance.
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to change the stigma of body image in musical theatre.
Articles and videos referenced in this podcast episode:
- The Rockettes Discuss Diversity in new hires
- Antonio Banderas Interview on The Big Ticket podcast
- Alysha Umphress Broadway World Article in Response to NY Times Critic
- News Video with Interviews of Alysha Umphress regarding NY Times Critic
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How can we advocate for effective collaboration and communication within the creative team? What factors go into a fully developed concept when directing a musical?
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can effectively collaborate within the creative team and how to work together in a positive, productive atmosphere. Shout out to all the amazing designers and stage managers out there. Your work does not go unseen.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
What is the reaction when a musical is reimagined or is different than the original concept? How do we keep an open mind, encourage creativity and express new ideas that relate to the current audience?
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to advocate for supporting new versions of old concepts with highlights of Broadway and regional theatre news from the week and a puzzler question for all of you musical theatre lovers out there.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
Since it's a holiday weekend: Enjoy a rerun of Breaking the Fourth Wall! Taking it back to our very first episode where it all began.
Tim and Ashlee discuss female representation in the role of director in musicals on Broadway and in regional theatre. Where are we after last Tony Awards season and what changes are currently being made? Is it enough? Are we making progress and what we can do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
How do we make auditions more inclusive? What steps can casting directors, directors, choreographers, music directors, and producers (all of those at behind table) take to provide an environment that supports all people.
Casting breakdowns:
- Utilize “person first” language in casting breakdowns
- Incorporating gender neutrality in casting breakdowns
Open calls and callbacks:
- Make sides and songs accessible for all
- Large print font
- Audio recordings of sides
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to advocate for a more inclusive and supportive environment at auditions with highlights of Broadway and regional theatre news from the week and a puzzler question for all of you musical theatre lovers out there.
Visit our podcast website for a transcription of this episode and all previous episodes of Breaking the Fourth Wall.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Twitter:
@AshleeLEspinosa
@TheTimEspinosa
Email us at: team@AshleeEspinosa.com
What's the best way to deal with toxic, unhealthy, unsafe work situations within theatre? We've all been there. We all know it exists. Know what can we do about it?
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to advocate for a more positive and healthy work situation along with highlights of Broadway and regional theatre news from the week and a puzzler question for all of you musical theatre lovers out there.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
What’s the pathway to Broadway for shows featuring complex leading roles for women. Who bears the responsibility for promoting and producing these kinds of works?
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to advocate for shows being produced that feature stories of female identifying, transgender, and those other than the "conventional" story line along with highlights of Broadway and regional theatre news from the week and a puzzler question for all of you musical theatre lovers out there.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
How do we define love between two characters in a musical? Let's start working to normalize all forms of love and relationships on stage. In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss how we can begin to advocate for relationships that represent all types of people along with highlights of Broadway and regional theatre news from the week and a puzzler question for all of you musical theatre lovers out there.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
What is a multi hyphenate artist? Is it possible to participate in multiple creative arena's within musical theatre? How do we invest equal time and energy into being a multi-hyphenate artist? In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee Espinosa discuss highlights of Broadway and regional theatre news from the week along with a puzzler question for all of you musical theatre lovers out there.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
How can we create more opportunities for performers within the Deaf community and follow the path of companies like Deaf West? In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss ways to promote greater representation for musical theatre performers within the Deaf community and those with abilities.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss ways to promote greater representation for musical theatre performers within the Latinx community. Are we making enough of an effort to create further opportunities for performers of color, especially those from Latinx culture? Are we making progress and what can we do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss ways to promote greater representation for musical theatre performers within the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Are we making enough of an effort to create further opportunities for performers of color, especially Asian and Pacific Islander's? Are we making progress and what can we do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss ways to promote greater representation within a creative team for a musical. Are we making enough of a concerted effort to hire and recruit a more diverse pool of talented creative female artists and artists of color? Are we satisfied with the status quo of the creative teams we see in musical theatre? Are we making progress and what can we do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss what it means to be successful in musical theatre. Are we content as artists with the creative journey that we are all on? Do we only value success based on the amount of awards we receive our the depth of your resume? Are we making progress and what we can do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss non-traditional casting in classic and contemporary musicals both on Broadway and in regional theatre. As directors how can we step outside of traditional casting choices in order to support greater representation on stage? Is it enough? Are we making progress and what we can do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
In this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall, Tim and Ashlee discuss female representation in the role of director in musicals on Broadway and in regional theatre. Where are we after last Tony Awards season and what changes are currently being made? Is it enough? Are we making progress and what we can do to advocate for the change we want to see?
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial
Email us at: ashlee@AshleeEspinosa.com
Ashlee and Tim introduce their new podcast, Breaking the Fourth Wall. New episodes each week.
Visit our online homes:
AshleeEspinosa.com
TimEspinosa.com
Podcast
Instagram:
@ashleelynnespinosa
@timespinosaofficial