In this episode of Enter Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark sits down with Broadway performer, producer, director, and founder Anthony Wayne for an honest conversation about the journey behind the spotlight.

Anthony takes us back to Norfolk, Virginia, where his artistic path began through childhood theater and the mentors who saw something special in him before he saw it himself. He shares how years of training in music, dance, and theater slowly became the “gumbo” that shaped him into the multifaceted artist audiences know today.

The conversation dives into finding purpose in the industry, creating opportunities when doors aren’t open, and what it means to build something bigger than yourself. Anthony opens up about producing his own work, launching Black Broadway Men, mentoring the next generation, and protecting his emotional well-being in an industry that often demands everything from performers.

We also get stories from Broadway, lessons from legends like Ben Vereen, the surprising origin of his clogging skills, and a powerful discussion about community, self-care, and understanding who truly deserves access to your energy.

If you're an artist, creator, performer, or someone navigating purpose and passion, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real talk.

✨ In this episode:

• Growing up in Norfolk and discovering theater
• Training as a true triple-threat performer
• Finding inspiration through Fosse
• Broadway life and creating your own opportunities
• The creation of Black Broadway Men
• Advice from Ben Vereen: “Keep working”
• Mental health, boundaries, and protecting your peace
• Producing original work and building Mighty Real

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What does it really take to play one of the hardest instruments in the orchestra?

In this episode of Enter Stage Left Podcast, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with a professional French horn player to talk about the hidden world of orchestras, Broadway pits, Carnegie Hall, and the physical discipline behind life as a working musician.

From why the French horn is considered one of the most difficult instruments to master, to the pressure of counting dozens of silent measures before one perfect entrance, this conversation pulls audiences behind the curtain of what musicians truly experience.

The episode also dives into: • Performing at Carnegie Hall • The emotional full-circle moment of returning to Carnegie as a professional musician • Broadway pit culture and networking • The physical demands of brass playing • Stress management, endurance, and musician wellness • Teaching the next generation of performers • The realities of working in New York’s music scene

Whether you’re a theatre lover, musician, performer, educator, or just fascinated by the artistry behind live performance, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look into the unseen work that powers the stage.

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, two seasoned performers reflect on their journeys through the entertainment industry — from Brooklyn beginnings and legendary mentors to life on the road with Smokey Joe’s Cafe.

They discuss the realities of touring, navigating iconic roles, the evolution of auditions and self-tapes, artistic authenticity, mentorship, burnout, and finding identity beyond the stage. Along the way, they share unforgettable stories about Gregory Hines, Dance Africa, one-nighter tours, and the importance of collaboration in theater and performance.

This episode is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and staying true to yourself in an ever-changing industry.

✨ Topics Include:

• Growing up in dance and performance
• Mentorship from industry legends
• The legacy of Smokey Joe’s Cafe
• Self-tapes vs live auditions
• Burnout and self-care for performers
• Authenticity in creative work
• Life on the road as touring artists

On this episode of Enter Stage Left, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with performer, choreographer, director, and teaching artist Michael Anthony Sylvester for a powerful conversation about artistry, survival, leadership, and creating safe spaces in theater.

Michael shares how a public school theater program in Fort Worth, Texas changed his life, how Michael Jackson videos sparked his love of dance, and how his unconventional path led him from choreographing school shows to working professionally right out of high school. Together, Yvette and Michael talk about imposter syndrome, rehearsal-room culture, collaboration, ego, mentorship, and why the arts remain a lifeline for so many young people.

This episode is a love letter to the process, the people behind the work, and the magic that happens before the lights come up.

Host Yvette Monique Clark opens Into Stage Left with her signature relaxed, living-room-style vibe—pulling listeners into candid conversation about life in theater, from onstage to backstage and everywhere in between.

This episode features music director and educator Drew Wutke, who immediately brings humor, chaos, and charm into the room, joking his way through the interview while grounding it in a deeply honest story of his path through music, ministry, and musical theater.

Drew traces his journey from small-town Girard, Kansas, where he grew up in a deeply community-centered, sports- and church-driven family, to discovering music through church organ playing and early piano lessons. Originally on a path toward teaching, he detoured through landscaping, church work, and even pastoring before realizing his deeper pull toward music direction and musical theater.

He describes a pivotal shift during grad school in Oklahoma City, where mentorship under Jan McDaniel helped him realize that professional music directing and vocal coaching were viable careers—not just academic roles. That revelation ultimately pushed him toward New York City with no job lined up, limited savings, and one connection who helped him start working immediately in the industry.

From there, Drew reflects on building a career as a Broadway music director and coach, emphasizing that his approach is rooted in individualized collaboration, deep listening, and understanding both the voice and the storytelling inside the music. He describes his method as “de-mystifying” scores for performers, connecting musical structure to emotional and narrative clarity.

A major theme of the conversation is trust in the rehearsal room—between performers and music directors, and within the creative process itself. Drew emphasizes that his job is not only musical execution but storytelling leadership, guiding performers through complexity while protecting their confidence.

Yvette and Drew also connect over the intensity of rehearsal life, shared “I’ve lost it in rehearsal” moments, and the reality of live performance chaos—keys changing, entrances missed, and the unpredictable nature of theater. Both reflect on how community, instinct, and survival shape artists who keep showing up anyway.

The episode closes with humor, honesty, and a shared recognition: theater is built on time pressure, trust, and a little bit of beautiful chaos—and everyone in the room is learning how to stay in the groove together.

What does a music director actually do in musical theater—and how do you even become one?

I sat down with a multifaceted music director, pianist, and copyist to talk about their unexpected journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to working in New York City’s theater scene.

Starting in community theater at just six years old and playing piano for productions by age ten, their path wasn’t linear—but it was driven by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep love for music. He shares how he discovered music direction (almost by accident), worked with major industry professionals, and built a career shaping the sound of live theater.

We also dive into: Wh at a music director really does behind the scenes 🎭 How music influences acting choices 🎼 Balancing a composer’s intent with an actor’s individuality 🎧 The process of learning and interpreting a score 📝 What a music copyist is—and why it’s such a crucial skill. The unsung heros of musical theatre!

Whether you’re an actor, musician, or theater lover, this episode gives you a deeper look into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—roles in the industry

On this episode of Into Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark sits down with composer, writer, and performer Brandon James Gwinn for an in-depth conversation about the art and reality of creating musical theater.

From his early beginnings in Tennessee to building a career in New York, Brandon shares how he found his voice as a composer and what it takes to turn an idea into a fully realized musical. They dive into his creative process, writing both music and lyrics, collaborating on new works, and adapting stories for the stage.

Brandon also opens up about creative blocks, the discipline behind the craft, and the tough but necessary process of cutting material—even the songs you love.

Insightful, honest, and full of behind-the-scenes wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about theater and storytelling.

In this episode of Enter Stage Left, we dive into the journey of an artist who turned early inspiration into a lasting career in theater—as an actor, director, and an artistic director of his own theatre

From growing up immersed in New York’s vibrant theater scene to navigating the realities of building a sustainable career, this conversation explores the passion, discipline, and evolution required to stay in the game.

We discuss the transition from acting to directing, and why it’s less about changing paths and more about expanding your creative voice. You’ll hear insights on collaboration, leadership in the rehearsal room, and how great directors create space for artists to do their best work.

The episode also tackles the changing landscape of theater—embracing new voices, adapting to modern demands like content creation, and staying open to innovation without losing the heart of storytelling.

Ultimately, this conversation redefines success in the arts—not as numbers or visibility, but as the ability to move an audience and spark meaningful connection.

Whether you’re an actor, director, or creative navigating your own path, this episode offers wisdom, honesty, and inspiration from someone who’s lived it.

In this episode, a dynamic theater artist shares their journey from early musical struggles to a career in musical theater, cabaret, and touring productions. They reflect on pivotal influences, career-defining moments, and the creation of a deeply personal cabaret show born from real-life experiences.

The conversation dives into the realities of the industry—financial instability, rejection, lack of feedback, and the emotional toll performers face—balanced by unforgettable highs like touring and major performances.

We also explore how artists are adapting to a changing landscape shaped by self-tapes, social media, and content creation.

An honest, funny, and insightful look at what it truly means to build a life in theater.

Host Yvette Monique Clark interviews Kenny M. Green-Tilford, a Fresno-born, NYC-based performer and director, about his journey into theater, from choir to professional stages. They explore his evolution into directing, his fast-paced collaborative process, and how he balances vision with actor and designer input. Kenny shares insights on storytelling, leadership, creative conflict, and working under constraints, while reflecting on standout projects and dream roles. The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and a candid, humorous look at life in theater.

Reunited after The Wiz, Broadway performer Paris Nix joins the show to talk about his journey from Philadelphia to New York, standout roles in Hamilton, and creating award-winning original work. From audition struggles to self-tapes and survival jobs, he keeps it real about the highs and lows of the industry.

A funny, honest, and inspiring conversation about letting go of perfection, staying authentic, and finding joy in the work.

Kicking things off is the brilliant Katherine Castellanos—an acclaimed performer known for her powerful, nuanced work on stage. In this episode, Katherine opens up about taking on the iconic role of Macbeth in a bold new adaptation set in 1977 New York, where the story is reimagined through a queer lens and a deeply human perspective.

Together, Yvette and Katherine explore what it means to fully embody a character, the rituals and discipline behind the craft, and the magic that happens when rehearsal transforms into performance. Katherine shares her personal journey into acting—from a life-changing high school performance to building a career rooted in authenticity rather than tradition.

They also get real about:

• The highs and chaos of live theatre (including onstage mishaps)
• Finding confidence in spaces that can feel elitist
• The emotional and mental work behind performance
• How the industry is shifting with self-tapes, social media, and AI

At its core, this episode is a celebration of storytelling, resilience, and the irreplaceable human connection that makes theatre so powerful.

Whether you’re an artist, a theatre lover, or just someone chasing your passion—this conversation will leave you inspired.