In this episode, I sit down with drummer Tom Jorgensen. He’s been playing drums on the Beetlejuice national tour for the last three years. Tom talks about what makes the Beetlejuice drum book one of the most physically demanding on the road and how Shannon Ford’s original approach set the tone for everything that followed.

We dig into:

* The sheer physical challenge of playing Beetlejuice eight times a week and how Tom reworked his setup and grip to survive it.

* The philosophy he learned from jazz legend Michael Carvin — “It’s not about what you’re playing, it’s about what you’re doing” — and how that mindset keeps every performance fresh.

* His time touring with Postmodern Jukebox, cutting his teeth on cruise ships, and what those experiences taught him about endurance, posture, and musical adaptability.

* Lessons from working with Rich Mercurio and Nadia DiGiallonardo on Waitress, and the moment that turned a sub gig into his first big break.

* The balance between consistency and creativity on tour — how to avoid burnout, stay healthy, and keep the show locked in night after night.

* Why gratitude and discipline are non-negotiable for musicians who want longevity on the road.

Tom’s story is a reminder that Broadway drumming isn’t just about chops — it’s about mindset, focus, and knowing how to serve the show every night.

For more: https://www.tomjorgensensound.com

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe at BroadwayDrumming101.com and pre-order my new book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career at BroadwayBoundBook.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

* Beetlejuice National Tour

* Shannon Ford

* Michael Carvin

* Rich Mercurio

* Nadia DiGiallonardo

* Postmodern Jukebox

* Waitress First National Tour

Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career.

His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.

Clayton is currently on tour with The Rock Orchestra and has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.

www.claytoncraddock.com

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