Beltline to Broadway

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Legendary actor Glynn Turman joins the pod squad to reflect on his extraordinary career spanning theater, television, and film. Glynn shares personal stories about his friendship with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, his passion for horseback riding, and his dedication to mentoring young people through his Camp Giddy Up program. He also speaks candidly about the evolution of representation in entertainment and whether real progress has been made.

Glynn Turman is an Emmy-winning actor, director, writer, and producer with over 50 years in the industry. From groundbreaking television roles to critically acclaimed performances on stage and screen, he has become a beloved and respected figure in Hollywood. He has appeared in Fargo, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Queen Sugar, while also dedicating his time to advocating for Black storytelling and youth mentorship. A true Renaissance man, Turman’s legacy extends beyond acting—his love for horseback riding and his work with inner-city kids through Camp Giddy Up showcase his passion for uplifting and inspiring future generations.

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Dramaturg and literary manager Ken Cerniglia joins the pod squad to discuss dramaturgy's crucial role in theater. en shares insights from his work on Hadestown and Disney Theatrical’s Aladdin and The Lion King, reflecting on how storytelling evolves with time. The conversation also delves into theater criticism, audience engagement, and the evolving role of dramaturgy in today’s industry.

Ken Cerniglia is dramaturg and literary manager for Disney Theatrical Group, where he has developed over fifty shows for professional, amateur, and school productions, including Freaky Friday, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Peter and the Starcatcher, Newsies, High School Musical, Tarzan, and The Little Mermaid. Recent freelance projects include Hadestown (New York Theatre Workshop), Bud, Not Buddy (Kennedy Center), Passion Trilogy (Fisher Ensemble), and Bridges (Berkeley Playhouse). Ken holds a PhD in drama from the University of Washington and is president of Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas.

Links

https://hadestown.com/ (Hadestown Website)

https://www.nycgo.com/broadway-week/ (NYC Broadway Week)

Connect with Us

Facebook @beltlinetbroadway

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Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, known as Dr. Drama, joins the pod squad to discuss the impact of media representation on perceptions of gender identity. From analyzing Broadway’s approach to inclusion to dissecting the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s comedy special, this thought-provoking discussion challenges listeners to reconsider the narratives we consume and their real-world consequences.

Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist specializing in theater and mental health. Through her platform, Dr. Drama, she provides insight into the psychological aspects of storytelling, offering a deeper understanding of the ways media shapes public perception. In addition to her work as a therapist, she has collaborated with various theater productions to promote more accurate and inclusive representations of gender and mental health. Dr. Hurwitz also hosts Brain Lab, an online series that explores the intersection of psychology and performance, making her a leading voice in the conversation around equity and representation in entertainment.

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Kevin Tuerff joins the pod squad to discuss the remarkable generosity of the Gander community and how the kindness he experienced following 9/11 forever changed his outlook on the world.

Kevin Tuerff is an author, speaker, and social entrepreneur whose experience in Gander led him to create Pay It Forward 9/11, an initiative that encourages acts of kindness in honor of the lives lost on September 11. His book, Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11, recounts his journey and the lessons he learned from the people of Newfoundland. Kevin now dedicates his life to advocacy work, supporting refugees and promoting environmental sustainability, all while sharing the message that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the world.

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Bear Bellinger and Matt DaSilva join the pod squad to discuss the history of Equity membership, how the new Open Access policy aims to create a more inclusive industry, and why some theater professionals are skeptical.

Bear Bellinger is a central principal counselor for Actors’ Equity, working to advocate for fair policies and increased access for underrepresented artists. Matt De Silva, a delegate to the Actors’ Equity convention, is passionate about labor rights and the importance of union solidarity. Both are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within the theater industry, ensuring that the next generation of performers and stage managers have more agency and protection in their careers.

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