Clayton Howe’s Entertainmentx

Justin Giddings (thekickstarterguy.com) and Nathan Reid (IG: @nreid276) are both forces to be reckoned with. We discuss their lives paths and what has brought them to their current endeavors. The three of us have some wonderful banter as we explore what is really holding one back from reaching their potential. Enjoy!

Stephanie Cowan (IG:@stephaniecowan)(theblondewiththesmile.com) is a photographer and social media strategist. We discuss her life path to this self made career. Stephanie has some wonderful stories regarding creating your own future. There are some excellent take-aways regarding your own instagram account and ways to maintain a "presence" on social media. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Rory McGregor (IG:@rorydmcgregor) is in the next generation of directors. He is currently working on Sea Wall / A Life as the associate director and much more. Rory has a wonderful outlook on life that is extremely beneficial to working in the entertainment industry. We cover the beginning of directing for him and what subsequently led to him working in NYC as a director. I hope you enjoy!

Merri Sugarman is a casting director with Tara Rubin Casting and talk about it all. Merri shares her journey into casting, what brought her to the west coast and back! This conversation takes some wonderful twists and turns as we discuss what's important in life, what to have perspective on, and what Merri has learned as a result. Initially an actress ('Les Miserables', 'Aspects of Love', et al.), Merri found herself out West some years back where she quickly made a name for herself at Liberman/Hirschfeld, then Liberman/Patton Casting, working on such shows as "NewsRadio", "The Larry Sanders Show" and the Miramax feature film "Playing By Heart", starring Sean Connery and Angelina Jolie. In 2000, Merri moved to Dreamworks Studios as the Casting Executive in chargeof TV Pilots and Series- including "Spin City", and the critically acclaimed "The Job", starring Denis Leary. She was then offered a position as the Director of Casting for Dramas and Movies at ABC Television, overseeing the casting of "Alias", "NYPD Blue", "The Practice" and the 'made for television movies’ "Gilda Radner - It's Always Something" and "The Music Man", starring Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenoweth, to name just a few.

Merri then returned to the East Coast to teach and coach actors – something she still does (and loves) as time permits, when Tara Rubin offered her a Casting Director position where she’s been happily ensconced ever since, working on, among many others - the Broadway productions, touring and international companies of SPAMALOT, JERSEY BOYS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, HOW TO SUCCEED…, SCHOOL OF ROCK, MISS SAIGON & A BRONX TALE and the upcoming AIN'T TOO PROUD for Broadway. Her Off-Broadway casting credits include Clueless the Musical for New York's Signature Theater and Joe Iconis' The Black Suits for Center Theater Group in L.A. She also casts for many theaters regionally – including Chicago Lyric Opera, The Old Globe and The LaJolla Playhouse. She is the very proud CD of the critically acclaimed web series SUBMISSIONS ONLY and also boasts many TV & film projects, workshops and readings – including the new musical TREVOR – based on the Oscar winning short film.

 

In other news, she has been a Big Sister to Jenny via the amazing Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for the last 18 years, is an alumni officer of the professional sorority Kappa Gamma Chi (BFA in Musical Theater - Emerson College), a member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, has been a Tony Voter for the past four years and is a proud member of CSA (Casting Society of America).  

 

Enjoy!

Andrew Goren (IG:@harmonyhelper)(Harmony Helper App Download ) has some wonderful advice he's learned thus far in his life. Andrew has a drive that is inspirational and beneficial to listeners. This conversation takes some wonderful turns with what he is working on and what his hobbies are. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did having it! Enjoy!

Brett Rigby an agent of (cgftalent.com) shares his story of what got him into this side of the industry. We talk about the ups and downs of agenting along with lessons he has learned. This conversation takes a wonderful look at the "theatre industry" from a completely different angle. I hope you can take away some of the wonderful topics covered today! Enjoy!

Karey Kirkpatrick (TW: @kareykirk) is a writer, composer, director, and producer. We discuss his co-creation of "Something Rotten!" among his music management days to directing "Smallfoot." Karey's career has spanned multiple entertainment mediums. He has truly persevered and ends the conversation beautifully speaking on "faking it" and having the self confidence everyone else can rally behind. A wonderful conversation.. Enjoy!

Patrick Oliver Jones (IG Personal:@pojnyc)(IG His Podcast:@winmipodcast)(whyillnevermakeit.com) is a fellow actor, podcast host of "Why I'll Never Make It," and great friend! Patrick shares his career path and journey to creating his podcast. Earlier this month I was a guest on his show and we touched on some similar themes. I will be re-sharing that episode on my podcast very soon!! Enjoy!

Valerie Accetta (uab.edu/valerie-accetta) is the head of Musical Theatre at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. We cut right to the core of what the future performers of tomorrow need for success and growth. Valerie shares a bit of her wide ranging career path and work being done at the University. I hope you enjoy this episode!!

Gabrielle Elisabeth (IG:@gabelisabeth)(gabrielle-elisabeth.com)is currently performing on broadway in "Beautiful:The Carole King Musical." We have a wonderful conversation regarding lessons she has learned along her life path. This conversation was recording in multiple segments and as a result we didn't realize how long we chatted! I much enjoyed the conversation with her and hope you do as well! Enjoy!