Join Cynthia Kortman Westphal as she chats with Kevin Munhall, a Broadway performer turned stress, breath, and somatic educator. Kevin shares his unique insights into how performers can manage stress and anxiety, 😫 emphasizing the importance of understanding their nervous systems and emotions outside the context of performing. 😌 Discover practical strategies to reframe stress, avoid over-rehearsing, build resilience, and foster healthier social connections. Plus, learn why 'co-rumination' can be detrimental and explore the benefits of co-regulation. ❤️

📣 Want to work with Kevin? Starting April 14th: If you're a performer looking to transform your relationship to nerves, overcome performance anxiety, & befriend your inner artist, this 6 week virtual group cohort is for you! You'll learn research backed breathing, somatic & nervous system practices designed specifically to help you build resilience to stress, stay grounded under pressure & build lasting confidence. ⭐️ Plus, get 25% off with code BWAYVOCALCOACH.

02:04 Understanding Stress and Anxiety in Performers

05:16 Reframing Stress: From Threat to Challenge

06:58 Breathing Techniques for Managing Stress

14:45 The Pitfalls of Over-Rehearsing

18:54 Building Resilience and Social Support

32:26 The Importance of Nervous System Awareness

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Of all the musicals currently running on Broadway, all but 3 are firmly under the genre umbrella of Pop/Rock or are significantly influenced by pop/rock music. And that trend is felt in regional theaters and beyond. What does that mean for you? 80-90% of your auditions may be asking for a pop/rock song and you need to be ready!

The good news? It's not that deep! You need to develop a few simple skills to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in this area, instead of passing on opportunities because you don't sound like Beyonce (we wish!). "Not everyone can be Michael Phelps in the pool," and that's ok! 

Join us as we explore the industry's shift towards contemporary pop rock and discuss practical tips on achieving a level of proficiency that opens doors to exciting opportunities. 

01:12 The Evolution of Pop Rock in Musical Theater
02:53 Current Broadway Trends: A Pop Rock Analysis
09:56 Proficiency in Pop Rock Singing
18:39 Choosing the Right Audition Material

⭐️ Ready to finally sing pop music with CONFIDENCE? Here's how ⬇️

👩‍🎤 Introducing... Pop/Rock Essentials: Musical Theatre Edition! The step-by-step course that focuses on building the essential skills required for authentic pop/rock performances, with practical strategies and tools to help you succeed in today's industry. 

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

" You need that well-roundedness to bring new life, experience, and choices to the material that you're exploring as a singer!"

Discover how learning to sing in multiple styles can benefit your technique, artistry, and imagination. Whether you're a classic soprano, an aspiring pop star, or a musical theatre performer, vocal cross training can enhance your versatility and create new opportunities. We share examples of renowned Broadway performers who excel in diverse vocal styles and provide practical tips for incorporating cross training into your own vocal practice. 

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Join Co-hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson as they sit down with Joel Crump, Broadway's boy genius who's been interviewing stars on red carpets since the age of 12! Now 16, Joel shares how his love for Broadway led him to create his own company, Broadway Time, at just 12 years old and his experiences interviewing top celebrities like Denzel Washington, Alicia Keys, and Robert Downey Jr. 

This episode is packed with Joel's insights on pursuing your dreams, building connections, and maintaining enthusiasm in the face of challenges. His best advice? You can make yourself part of this industry yourself, don't wait for it to happen to you.

Connect with Joel and watch his interviews: https://bwaytime.com

Follow Joel on Instagram: @joelcrumpofficial

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Is "imposter syndrome" ruining your life? Are you clinging to it as a safety net, afraid to self-assess what's actually needed for your personal growth...? In this episode, hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson dive deep into the topic of imposter syndrome and how it affects performers. And share when it might be time to leave that term "in the waiting room!" 🎭🏅🌟

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- Realistic self-assessment vs. imposter syndrome

- The balance between confidence and humility

- How and why Olympic medalist Ilona Maher claims she doesn't have imposter syndrome

- Tips for accepting compliments gracefully

If you liked this episode, check out episode 31: "How To Battle Imposter Syndrome."

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Co-host Chelsea Wilson is joined by two very wise parents on today's episode! Rachel Hart Klayman is from Ann Arbor, MI and is the mom of a sophomore acting student at NYU. And Erica Fischer is from Ames, IA and the mom of a senior in high school. At two very different points in the journey (a sigh of relief for Rachel and deep breaths during a stressful waiting season for Erica!), they share their hard-won wisdom about the college musical theatre audition process. 

We cover it all: Self-care for parents, parent Facebook groups, schools lists, passing prescreens, whether to travel to schools or attend Unifieds, what to wear and why it matters, whether to work with a coaching program, and how to deal with rejection. 

This episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice for parents and students alike. Subscribe to the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast and stay tuned for more inspiring episodes!

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Join Broadway Vocal Coach co-host Chelsea Wilson for an inspirational and candid conversation with Cara Rose DiPietro! 🌟 Cara opens up about her journey from community theater in Massachusetts to becoming a professional actor and prominent influencer with over 300,000 followers. 

She discusses the highs and lows of pursuing a theater career, her mental health advocacy, and how she ensures her social media remains authentic. Get insights into maintaining joy amidst the pressures of the industry, balancing personal boundaries, and the power of sharing real-life stories. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for aspiring performers and anyone navigating their creative path. 

🎤 Get tickets for Cara's solo show at 54 Below, "My Mother's Daughter." Stream it live! March 17th, 9:30pm. 

📲 Connect with Cara on Instagram and TikTok and her website.

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

In this episode, Cynthia sits down with the incredible Wendy Cavett— music director, supervisor, arranger, educator, conductor, pianist, and incredible vocal coach—to dive deep into the world of pop/rock in musical theatre.  With Broadway and Off-Broadway credits including Come From Away, Hamilton, Mamma Mia, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and more, Wendy brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.

Together, they unpack what makes a great pop/rock audition, the stylistic markers that music directors listen for, and how to bring authenticity to your performance while still honoring the genre. They also tackle one of the biggest challenges performers face: the pressure to "get it right" and anticipate what casting teams want—spoiler alert: you’re never going to guess!

Whether you're just stepping into pop/rock or refining your skills, this conversation is packed with insights to help you sing with confidence, embrace your unique artistry, and navigate the intersection of musical theatre and rock/pop storytelling.

Pop/rock skills are ESSENTIAL in our industry! Here’s the thing: You can’t approach a pop/rock audition the same way you do a traditional musical theatre audition. So, how do you know where to start?!👇

Pre-order Cynthia's Pop Rock Essentials course today! https://www.bwayvocalcoach.com/poprockessentials

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Join Cynthia and Broadway & TV performer Sydney Morton for a deep dive into how pop/rock has become a must-have skill in the Broadway industry. Sydney shares her journey—from classical theatre training to singing jazz and R&B at home—only to find that nearly 90% of her musical theatre career has been in pop/rock shows, reflecting the industry’s shift.

Fun fact: Sydney’s very first audition out of college (the morning after showcase)? A pop/rock show!

With Broadway credits including Memphis, Evita, Motown, and American Psycho, plus TV and film roles in Manifest, Three Women, The Sound of Music LIVE!, and Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace, Sydney offers an insider’s perspective on how pop/rock is reshaping auditions and performances on stage and screen.

Pop/rock skills are ESSENTIAL in our industry! Here’s the thing: You can’t approach a pop/rock audition the same way you do a traditional musical theatre audition. So, how do you know where to start?!👇

Pre-order Cynthia's Pop Rock Essentials course today! https://www.bwayvocalcoach.com/poprockessentials

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter

Self tapes are here to stay, whether we like them or not! They're part of the industry, whether you are auditioning for professional shows, applying to college, or anything in between. In today's conversation, we're laying out eight dumb mistakes that ruin your self tapes, because between the two of us, we've seen it all! Professional self tapes for everything from Broadway shows to regional theaters to summer stock to college application prescreens...

If you're making any of these eight mistakes, don't stress! They are easy to fix (we'll tell you how!) and are guaranteed to make a positive impact on your self tape game.

🎥 Step up your self tape game even further with our FREE Self-Tape Mini Course. Get it here! 

⭐️Use the code PODCAST15 to save 15% on BVC Academy & BVC Masterclass
🎓College MT Auditions? Save your spot for Aspire 2025 here!

6 ways to work with us:

• 🎭 BVC Academy: Online course to shed imposter syndrome and develop practical musical theatre skills
• 🗣 BVC Masterclass: The subscription that gets you 3, live classes each month
• 🎓 BVC Aspire: Full-service, boutique musical theatre college audition prep program.
• 💙 Master Your Mix: Build your mix voice so you can sing what you want, when you want.
• 🎤 Pop Rock Essentials: The must-have course if you've ever been told you sound "too musical theatre!"
• 🙌 BVC Studio: Exclusive membership for adult MT performers.

📱Connect with us @bwayvocalcoach
👩‍💻Find us at www.bwayvocalcoach.com
💌Get our free Wednesday newsletter