Karma Jenkins⁠ is a multi-hyphenate artist whose work on screen includes The Time Traveler's Wife (HBO), Ghost: PowerBook II (Starz) and The Last O.G (TBS). She’s appeared in commercials for Amazon Prime & William Hill Winery and is a member of SAG/AFTRA & Actors Equity.

Karma has worked across the United States at reputable regional stages such as The Old Globe, 5th Ave Theatre & The MUNY, and has recently joined the production side of upcoming new stage works. Karma believes that the change we want to happen starts in our own backyards and she is dedicated to the idea that art and activism go hand in hand. 

In today’s episode, Karma discusses using one’s voice for change, the lack of diversity and representation behind the scenes in the entertainment industry, and the need for more diverse voices and perspectives in decision-making roles. She also discusses taking care of one’s mental health, finding outlets for self-expression and joy outside of the industry, and the power of being true to oneself in auditions.

Learn more about Karma Jenkins & The Story Project.  

In today’s episode, Dinah Hampson discusses:

Dinah Hampson is a Physiotherapist who is passionate about enjoying life and using her knowledge to promote high performance in others. Dinah holds many certifications including the Sport Physio Diploma and International Sports Physiotherapist qualification, the Diploma of Manual & Manipulative Therapy and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

Dinah is the Founder of Pivot Sport Medicine, a multidisciplinary clinic in Toronto, Canada and Pivot Dancer, a virtual dance injury prevention platform with worldwide membership. Dinah has been on the Canadian medical team for over 15 multisport games, including the Olympics, Youth Olympics, Paralympic, Pan American, World University and Commonwealth Games.

Dinah trained in classical ballet, and brings a technical eye to her treatment of dancers and artistic athletes. Dinah works regularly with professional dancers from companies such as the National Ballet of Canada, Joffrey Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Singapore Ballet and, Cirque du Solei. Dinah is active in dance science research and is a regular conference presenter.

RECEIVE 15% OFF OF ALL THINGS PIVOT DANCER USING THE CODE: THESTORYPROJECT

Follow along on Dinah’s journey: @dinahhampson @pivotdancer

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In today’s episode, Jhansi discusses: 

Jhansi is a musical theater director, creator, performer, lyricist, and composer. She takes her audience through a range of emotions from unexpected laughter to abrupt tears. Her candid performances focus on the stirring themes of youth, marriage, women’s equality, aspirations, anxiety, desperation, and hope, something that the masses can relate to in their own lives. 

Jhansi was the First Indian to be accepted into the BA in Musical Theatre performance program at Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore. She was also a part of Queens of Comedy, which aired on TLC, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. She performed in one of India’s biggest Broadway shows, Aladdin, as Iago. She has directed and created multiple Original Musical Theatre shows including "Don't Eat My Face Pizza" and "Terrified of Twenty-Five”, along with countless collaborations for Broadway style music videos and massive scale festivals. 

Jhansi moved to the United States to be a part of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in NYC as a lyricist and was also invited to become a permanent member of the American Comedy Group, Broad Comedy. 

Follow along on Jhansi’s journey: @thejhansiway

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In today’s episode, Heidi Miami Marshall discusses:

Heidi Miami Marshall’s career has spanned over 25 years as an Acting Coach, Film and Theater Director, Casting Director, and Acting Studio Owner. Originally, Heidi was the lead Casting Director at The Telsey Office for the Broadway musical RENT, as well as for 70+ projects in theater, film, TV, commercial, and voiceover. Heidi has directed on the Broadway shows THE ADDAMS FAMILY, BAZ LUHRMANN'S LA BOHÈME, and THE COLOR PURPLE.

Now the owner of a top acting studio, she’s coached countless actors into roles, and her on-camera training classes are highly regarded by reps and casting directors. She is frequently hired by directors and production studios to prep actors for auditions, screen tests and performance. Talent spans from new actors to Emmy award-winning. Notable collaborators include John Turturro, Baz Luhrmann, and Rob Marshall (no relation). Heidi's clients have graced the big and small screen, from indie to blockbuster, plus countless Broadway stages. She recently coached René Pérez (aka Residente) in Sundance Grand Jury Winner and Tribeca Spotlight Narrative film IN THE SUMMERS.

Also a director, Heidi’s simultaneous filmmaker career provides a keen sensitivity to what is needed from actors. Her work includes S.P.I.C. (Vail, Soho Intl', Bowery), MORE THAN (LAByrinth Theater Co.), MUSCLE (Cinequest, Sun Valley), AMBER, A THROUGH M (Cinequest, Palm Beach), and more. Heidi is the recipient of a NY Drama League Fellowship and American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women.

Follow along on Heidi’s journey: @heidimarshallstudio

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In today’s episode, Chryssie Whitehead discusses:

Chryssie Whitehead is an artist, author, director, choreographer, educator, mentor and producer who began her career as a Rockette. She made her Broadway Debut in the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line as Kristine, which was also captured in the hit documentary, Every Little Step. She is also heard on the cast album in "Sing" with Tony nominated actor, Tony Yazbeck.

She then joined the international tour of Fosse, played Kitty and understudied Velma in Broadway’s Chicago, performed alongside Neil Patrick Harris in Company at Lincoln Center, and danced on Paul McCartney’s international tour.

Chryssie's film and television credits include Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story, Revenge of the Bridesmaids with Raven Symone, Grey’s Anatomy, and being the dance double in Save the Last Dance with Julia Stiles. 

Chryssie is the Co-founder and Co-Director of Broadway Arts Community and its non-profit sister, Broader Than Broadway where she serves as a mentor and coach. She is currently on tour with her autobiographical play with music, In My Own Little Corner: My Moods, My Mom, and Me, as author, artist and lead producer, seeking to normalize conversations around mental health.

Follow along on Chryssie’s journey: @chryssiewhitehead

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In today’s episode, Lauren Mariasoosay discusses:

Lauren Mariasoosay is an actress, singer, and dancer who is currently playing Eliza in the Hamilton Angelica 2.0 Tour! She previously performed in the original Canadian cast of SIX The Musical as Catherine Parr after being on the national tours of Aladdin and CATS. Lauren worked at the Disneyland Resort as a Dance Swing and Principle Vocalist whilst getting her BFA in Musical Theatre at Cal State Fullerton. 

Lauren has spent a huge part of her career creating representation for south asian and mixed-race folks in the industry and is hoping to inspire more to join her on the way. She loves to paint, read, and make playlists when she isn’t screlting her face off for a living!

Follow along on Lauren’s journey: @laurenmariasoosay

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In today’s episode, Tuan Malinowski discusses:

Tuan Malinowski is a New York-based director and choreographer, who most recently choreographed Cabaret at Northern Stage. They were the chosen choreographer for New York Theatre Barn’s Choreography Lab, where they were mentored by Emmy-winning, Tony-nominated choreographer Joshua Bergasse. 

Tuan’s work as choreographer has also been seen at Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put A Spell On You: The Witches Era, Leg Up On Life’s Night of Life, Weathervane Theatre, as well as at universities such as Texas State University, Ithaca College, Viterbo University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

They have associate and assistant credits at theatres such as Goodspeed Musicals, Pittsburgh CLO and Theater Row. Tuan has performed at regional theatres across the country, such as Pittsburgh CLO, Casa Mañana, Kansas City Starlight Theatre and Flat Rock Playhouse. Tuan received their BFA from Ithaca College. They are a member of Actors’ Equity Association and an associate member of Society of Directors and Choreographers.

Follow along on Tuan’s journey: @tuanmalinowski

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

TW: Sexual assault

In the final episode of Season 2, Honza Pelichovský interviews Jess to follow up on last week's solo episode.

Jess shares:

@storyprojectpod⁠

⁠@jessaltch⁠

⁠jessicaaltchiler.com⁠

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

In this solo episode, Jessica Altchiler dives into her personal journey and the evolution of The Story Project podcast. She reflects on her experiences, sharing anecdotes from her college years that shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for storytelling. Jessica recounts a pivotal moment in her life — her experience with sexual assault — and candidly discusses the profound impact it had on her. She goes on to share how the Me Too Movement influenced her and highlights the power of collective voices in fostering awareness and driving change.

@storyprojectpod

@jessaltch

jessicaaltchiler.com

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Jenna Ushkowitz is a SAG and Tony Award Winning Actress & Producer, voice actor and Podcast host. She is known for her role as Tina Cohen-Chang on the Fox TV show Glee and has appeared in Broadway shows such as The King & I, Spring Awakening and Waitress. 

In today’s episode, Jenna discusses the beauty and pain that came from Glee, how she learned to separate her worth from her career, and the fear and confidence that comes from pursuing new opportunities. 

She also shares how motherhood has reconnected her with her desires, how she learned to effectively and respectfully advocate for herself, and how sharing our stories helps us all feel less alone.

Follow along on Jenna’s journey: @jennaushkowitz

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠!