Matty (@teaguemiller) and Kikau (@kikautown) check in with Jacob Brent (@jacobbrentstagram) and David Coolidge (@david.coolidge.3) who are now both at different institutions since we last spoke on the podcast. Some of their recommendations include taking a trip to NYC, asking students for New Musical recommendations, embedding Spotify lists on Canvas, meditation, the importance of being surrounded plants and flowers!

Read Bios Below:

Jacob Brent is a veteran Broadway performer with a MFA in Musical Theatre.

With extensive experience performing, directing, choreographing and teaching, Mr. Brent has been recognized by The New York Times as knowing how to inspire actors.

As a performer, Jacob is probably best known for his portrayal of Mr. Mistoffelees in the Broadway, London and DVD productions of Cats. Now on the other side of the table, he brings the same commitment and passion for performing to directing, choreographing and teaching. 

When not working as a Director and Choreographer around the United States, Jacob is an Assistant Professor at Shenandoah Conservatory and frequently teaches at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in NYC. 

Mr. Brent is actively involved in the international Junior Theatre Festival and pilot productions of new Broadway Jr. musicals... always looking to inspire the next generation of artists and audiences.

David Coolidge joins ONU as an Associate Professor and Head of Musical Theatre. He is a certified Master Teacher in Archetypes for Singers and Actors with specializations in New Works and Acting Through Song. David was a member of the Broadway National Tour of Parade, Jeff Calhoun’s highly acclaimed pre-Broadway production of Big River at Deaf West Theatre, and he has appeared in numerous roles in regional theatres across the country. David is the former Assistant Artistic Director of TheatreworksUSA in New York City where he directed six national tours and oversaw thirty national touring productions reaching an annual audience of over three million. David received his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM) and his MFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.