Jilllian Kates Bumpas interview

This is my interview with Jillian Kates Bumpas former Glinda and Nessarose understudy in the national tour of Wicked and also played Cinderella in Into The Woods, and is now Lily In The Secret Garden

Follow her on 
Instagram: @fivedays.fiveways
Twitter: @Jillian_kates
like her on Facebook: Jillian Kates
Here it is:
What advice do you have for people like me who want to become a professional musical theatre performer?
From what I've observed if you want a career in this industry you must persevere. To have talent is not enough you have to keep trying and have faith that your hard work will meet with opportunity when the time is right. I like reminding myself that many people achieve their dreams just after they were going to give up. Also that Elvis didn't get signed with Sun Records until his second audition. Tell me about first audition and how you felt the first time you got cast?
My first audition in the city was for a production of Grey Gardens at Portland Center Stage when I was a Sophomore in college and I was TERRIFIED. I remember sitting there nervous as a nelly and glanced over to the girl waiting to go in front of me and recognizing the name on her resume from a Broadway album I idolized in High School. Needless to say…I didn't book my first NYC audition. The first time I got cast out of an NYC audition was for Wicked and I really can't put that feeling into words. It's the highest high of any I've ever experienced next to my baby brother being born. Favorite roles you've played and roles you want to play?
Some favorite roles have been Cinderella in Into the Woods, Reno in Anything Goes, and Little Edie in Grey Gardens. I would LOVE to play, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Nellie in South Pacific, and Miss Honey in Matilda. Biggest blooper you've ever made?
The biggest blooper I've had to date had to have been the time I ate pavement in the Ballroom Crossover in Wicked. We're literally onstage for 30 seconds in this 30 foot hoop skirt and I fell for what felt like EONS onto the floor front stage right. It was AMAZING! What's it like being an understudy?
Being an understudy is awesome and challenging in the best way. It's such a good experience to learn from those in the role and also to work behind the scenes on developing your own take on the character to have ready to lock and load when you get that exciting text/call from Stage Management. There is no feeling of accomplishment greater than the euphoria you feel upon completing the first show going on for a lead with little to maybe no hiccups. What's it like going on when it's a mid show switch?
I have never experienced this personally but I was on in my ensemble track when an Elphaba had to call out mid show, Act I, and it was THRILLIFYING. The standby slipped on with Glinda in the very quick transition from train station into Emerald City and the audience had ZERO clue until they made an announcement before Act II. How was your Glinda and Nessarose debut?
My Glinda debut was hilarious. The automation was down that day AKA NO BUBBLE! So I sauntered saucily on by foot stage right and had a ball. I actually preferred it that way…it's hard when all you're trying to do your first show as the Good Witch to feel grounded at 20 feet in the air in a 20 pound frock of sequins. I felt much less nervous for my first time on solid ground. I don't remember my Nessarose debut but I had the opportunity to go on many times for the role and loved doing it. That scene in Act II is so fun to do. Do you keep contact with a lot of the people you performed with in the past?
I do. Our little, big business makes it easy to keep in frequent contact with one another either by doing other shows with people with whom you've worked previously or all the run ins throughout the city whether it be at auditions or in the park. My very best friends have all come out of this industry and I am most grateful for that. If you can play any role as male who would they be?
There are so many! I always say "ugh! I wish I was a dude so I could play this role!" My top is probably Leo Frank in Parade…I love singing his parts when I listen to the Parade album. Craziest thing and nicest thing a fan has ever told you?
I don't have a craziest yet….I feel like I'll know it when it happens and the nicest has been all of my fan letters/interactions. I know it sounds super cheese but I've had the most kind/positive meetings and words exchanged with all kinds of amazing people and I couldn't just pick one. What made you realize you wanted to be a performer? 
I think when I realized not only the love and joy I felt doing what I do but especially that paired with the sense of family and community that you feel as well in the company of a show. It doesn't feel like work at all and isn't THAT living the dream? What are the auditions and rehearsal processes like?
Auditions are all so different, rehearsal processes as well but in the case of Wicked. I went in twice with Glinda material and then had a third and final dance callback. Rehearsals were interesting because I had never been put into a show that was already mounted so it was mostly me in a room with two dance captains running around me as the other 15 ensemble members until I had a singular put in with the full cast and then I was up three days later! Weeeee!

Lauren Haughton interview

i interviewed Lauren Haughton, she's a swing on the tour of Wicked and understudy for Nessarose.
Like her on Facebook: Lauren Haughton
Follow her on instagram: Laurenhaughton What advice do you have for people like me who want to become a professional musical theatre performer?
My advice is to be yourself. Don't try to compare yourself to anyone else because jealousy will kill you in this industry. Also nothing is going to happen overnight so immerse yourself in class, see as much theater as you can, read a lot of plays, listen to a lot of music, stay fit, watch all the old classic movie musicals....educate yourself on the craft. Also nothing compares with training and hard work. And if you can do anything else...do it. You have to give up a lot to pursue this career so you really have to want it. Tell me about first audition and how you felt the first time you got cast?
My first audition was for a community theater/performing arts high school production of "The King and I". I was only 7 and I think I sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" or "Tomorrow". I was cast and from then on I was hooked.

Roles you want to play?

Dream roles include Charity in Sweet Charity and Roxie in Chicago 
Biggest blooper you've ever made?
Biggest blooper was in a high school production of "Brigadoon". I was playing Fiona and after the song "Almost Like Being in Love" there was a kiss between me and the male lead, Tommy. I turned to exit and took a big fall. It was humiliating. What's it like being an understudy?
Understudying can be scary if it's last minute and you're feeling under the weather or something but mostly it's fun because you get to play a lead but you don't have all the pressure of doing it 8 times a week. Some of the leads in our show can't do anything else outside of the show because they have to rest their voice, sleep, etc....but I get to explore the places we visit on tour, sometimes stay out late with friends. I don't think I'd be able to do as much outside of the show if I was a lead. What's it like going on when it's a mid show switch?
've had to go on for Nessa mid-show once. I only had to do Train Station and Governor's Mansion so it was relatively easy but I did have to get ready quickly. I use my own hair as Nessa so getting it to look good can take some time. I also had to warm up quicker than usual. I also went in mid-show for an ensemble member once and I basically threw my hair up in a stocking cap, put my microphone on, and just didn't wear makeup that day. It happened at intermission and it was crazy. How was your Nessarose debut?
I joined the tour in September and didn't make my Nessa debut until March so I felt like I was very well prepared with rehearsals, etc....I also knew I was going on weeks before so I made sure to stay as healthy as possible. I had fun but I was definitely nervous. Also my husband was there which was wonderful support. Do you keep contact with a lot of the people you performed with in the past?
It's hard to stay in touch with everyone I've worked with, especially on tour. But my close friends I text with often and thank God for Facebook and Instagram so I can see what's going on in their lives. If you can play any roles as a male who would they be?
I've always loved the role of Bobby in "Crazy For You". I've played Irene in the show but Bobby has so many great, classic numbers. A lot of singing, acting, and dancing. And tons of comedy! I also think Sondheim writes great characters so many of his male and female roles would be exciting to play. What made you realize you wanted to be a performer? 
I realized I wanted to be a performer when my Mom took me to see "Annie". I think I was 4 or 5 and already taking dance but after seeing that show I started singing in church as well, and later pursued community theatre and the arts in school. What are the auditions and rehearsal processes like?

Auditions are mostly horrible, I'm not gonna lie. It's like getting judged for a living and having to interview sometimes on a daily basis. But try to keep the mindset that the people auditioning you want you to be good. I try to keep that in mind. My favorite audition was for Tommy Tune. He had us prepare our own song and dance. Usually you sing and dance separately in an audition so it was a lot of fun to do both at once. I ended up getting cast and working with him which was a dream and goal of mine.

Rehearsals are different depending on the show. Usually the entire cast is in rehearsal together creating the show. But at Wicked when people come into the show now, they rehearse alone with the stage manager and dance captain

Interview With Carla Stickler

Here is my interview with Carla Stickler she was an Elphaba and Nessrose understudy on Tour on and standby for about a year then went to understudy on Broadway

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: Sticklercarla

Here's are my questions:
I want to be a stage performer what advice do you have for me?

It is a tough road, so be prepared for that.  Know your stuff, know your shows, know what shows you'd be right for, see theatre, take dance lessons, piano lessons, voice lessons.  Understand that you will hear the word "no" an awful lot, and if you can't get used to it, pick another career.  Criticism is a good thing, don't be afraid to hear it from your teachers, it is what will help you work harder and get better.  You will always be working at your craft, until the day you die, you will never be perfect, so don't beat yourself up about it, no one is perfect.  Have hobbies that don't include theatre, they are the things in your life that will keep you sane.  

What was your first shows and elphaba and nessarose like?

My first show as Elphaba was a bit terrifying.  I found out I was going on at 5pm before the 730 show.  I didn't have time to review my notes, I just had to trust that I knew it.  It is all a blur, and I'm kind of grateful for that.  First time for Nessa was cake, anything in my life will be cake after Elphaba.  

When your were in the ensemble what were your lines?

"No one cries they won't return" and "I hear that she can shed her skin as easily as a snake." 

If you got the chance to play Glinda would you?

Definitely, Glinda is awesome. And I want to ride in that bubble! 

What your first reaction when you got cast in wicked?

Whoa, I have to leave in a week and I need to pack my life up...

What other roles do you want to play?

Cinderella in Into the Woods, Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Eponine in Les Miz.. this list could go on, but I'll stop there. 

Whats the craziest thing someone told you at the stage door?

honestly, I can't think of anything. 

What's your favorite gift a fan has given you?

um... I don't get too many gifts, but I did once get a really cool digital drawing of Elphaba.  

Do you want to be lead elphaba?

Sure, why not, but that's not really up to me, so I try to not to think about it.  

Whats are some of the biggest on stage bloopers you've had?

Andy Kelso and I were singing As Long As Your Mine, and we went up on the words and then fumbled our way through the rest of the song because neither of us could figure out how to get back on track.  

There ya go, hope you enjoy!

-Carla

Interview With Natalie Daradich

This My Interview With Natalie Daradich She's a long time wicked cast member she's understudied Glinda and Nessarose in multiple productions she was lead Glinda for a while.
Follow her on Instagram:@Nattydiddydoo
Twitter:Nataliedaradich
Like her on Facebook: Natalie Daradich
My Questions:
What advice do you have for people who want to be on broadway? Is 8 shows a week hard as it sounds? I live in el paso did you get to go on as Glinda in el paso? Which is better broadway or tours? What is the biggest blooper you've made on stage? What other dreams roles do you have? If you could play any role as male what would you play? If you had the chance to play elphie would you? What was ur first show as a under study like? How you feel when you got cast your first professional show? What was ur first broadway audition like?
How long does it take put Glinda makeup on? And is it true Glinda wears more makeup than Elphaba?

• September 28, 2012
• 

  9/28, 10:34am
  

  Natalie Daradich
  

  
  

  Hey Tyler

  Natalie

  xo

  Hmmm should I give advice since I haven't been on Broadway yet myself? Hahaha. Honestly the best advice I can give is to wake up in the morning and do your best every day. Take classes, surround yourself with people who you can learn from, don't get discouraged with minor setbacks, and above all else keep the faith. You have to believe in yourself and that you are unique and talented and you will get there. You absolutely will get there.

  I think maybe it depends on the week. But 8 shows a week is a joy cause it's what I love to do. I think everyone will tell you that. And besides the Wicked audiences are the best I've ever seen so their excitement only makes the show more exciting for me.

  I didn't get to perform in El Paso but I loved watching the show from the audience and from backstage. It's a beautiful theatre.

  Well I've never performed on Broadway (yet) but I can tell you having done the sitdown productions in LA and SF the main differences are that the shows are scaled down a little bit for touring purposes and fitting the pieces in our trucks. And as for the actors and crew we get to adjust to being in a new location and theatre every couple of weeks and that can be a challenge. But the upside of that is we get an excited community of theatregoers to come see us and it's always fun to be the new kid in town. smile emoticon

  Yikes. Too many. But the most recent one was in Portland with Tour 1 and I got tangled in my bubble dress after the fallen house scene. The poor guard and I hit the ground running.....literally. Fluffy, sequined, road kill. He had to drag me off by one arm. Hahahaha.

  Hmmm so many dream roles. But maybe one that hasn't been dreamed up yet. Something new.

  Maybe Finch in How to Succeed. That was my senior year musical and there were more girls than guys in my graduating class so most of us were "men" anyway. Hahaha. But I love any kind of part where you get to be clever, endearing and of course funny.

  Well I have been painted green for fun and I think I looked pretty good. wink emoticon But no I think that would stress me out. And I'm a sweater so I think I would make the makeup artist cry.

  Yikes. Terrifying. My hands were sweating and I found out at the last minute and didn't have time to eat dinner. I don't remember much about it other than I survived, the Wicked set wasn't burned down and when I came out for curtain call my cast was all smiling. Oh yeah and my wildest dream came true that night too. smile emoticon

  So excited! Who wouldn't be? I didn't care what show it was or where I was spending the summer. I was just happy to do what I love best.

  Exciting and scary. I think everyone has a little self doubt. But it's more exciting to get the opportunity to make your dreams come true. So I always think it's best to acknowledge your nerves and channel them into your performance. And it always helps me to know that the audition panel wants you to be the one. They want you to do well and succeed. And they are all really really lovely people. So big smile and just do your best.

  And the Glinda makeup...probably takes me about 10 minutes tops. Depends on how distracted I get by people coming to visit and talking about our days. And I bet the Elphies still wear more makeup than we do. It's definitely a much different color palette so that's the biggest difference. We wear all pinks and browns and little bit of purple. They wear green (of course) and lots of dark purple, black and gold.

Interview With Natalie Lander

This My interview with Natalie Lander, she was Debbie on ABCs The Middle, has played been a Voice Actor For multiple video game roles such as

• Dissidia Final Fantasy – Terra Branford
• Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy – Terra Branford
• God of War III – Pandora
• Infamous Second Son – Additional Voices
• Infinite Crisis – Stargirl
• Rogue Galaxy – Kisala
• Saints Row: The Third – Kinzie Kensington
• Saints Row IV – Kinzie Kensington
• Saints Row: Gat out of Hell – Kinzie Kensington^[1]
• Shrek the Third – Lady of the Lake, Witch 2, Ogre Baby
• The 3rd Birthday – Emily Jefferson
• Thrillville – Teen Female 3
• White Knight Chronicles II – Miu

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: Natalie_lander
Like her on Facebook: Natalie Lander

My Questions:

What advice do you have for people who want to be actors? What made you realize you wanted to be a actress? What are parts you would die to play? Have you ever done a tour or broadway show? If you can play any role as male what would it be? Have you had anyone else remember from elle wood reality show? Which character did you like playing the most out of all the videos games you've done? What's ur favorite movie?

Her Answers:

My best advice for an actor would be to remember why you love acting so much. I love acting because it's fun and easy! It makes me feel alive and happy. When I start to forget that, I check in with myself and refocus my attention on all the good things going on in my life. It's easy to get discouraged, but that's part of life and just because you feel a certain way in a moment doesn't mean that you will always feel that way.

I've wanted to be an actress since I was a 5. I performed in my first play and the feeling I had was so amazing, I knew that's how I wanted to feel everyday.

Some roles I would love to play are Millie on Thoroughly Modern Milly, Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, Winnie in Once Upon a Mattress, any role in a Christopher Durang Play, Natalie in Next to Normal, and Cunegonde in Candide

If I could play any role it would be Tracy Flick in Election.

I've haven't been in a Broadway show yet.

I actually get recognized often from the Elle Woods show. People really enjoyed it, as did I.

My favorite video game character thus far is Kinzie from Saints Row

My Favorite movie is Drop Dead Gorgeous

Right now I'm currently a recurring Guest Star on ABC's The Middle check it out Wednesday nights at 8pm!!

xo Nat

Erin Hasan Interview

This is my Interview with Erin Hasan she was a standby for Glinda in Wicked in Australia understudied Christine in Love Never Dies and Played Rapunzel in Into The Woods and is now trying to become an Animated Disney Princess.
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: Erinhasan
Like her on Facebook: Erin Hasan
My Questions:
What made you realize you wanted to be a performer? Whats the biggest blooper you've made on stage? How long does it take to put Glinda makeup on? Is it true she wears more makeup than Elphaba? When does your album come out? What other roles do you want to play? What's your favorite musical? If you could play any role as male who would it be? If you got the chance to play Elphaba would you? What was your favorite costume in all of the shows you've done? What the craziest thing some told you at the stage door? What was ur first show as Glinda, Christine, and Rapunzel like? What advice to you have for people who want to be on broadway? Want to be best friends? What's your favorite gift a fan has given you?

Her answers:

I always loved watching singers and actors from a young age but I was too shy to perform myself, so I think I always wanted to be, just eventually got over being shy. I don't know what the biggest blooper was, probably when everything went wrong in the cat fight scene and we all couldn't stop laughing and I couldn't say dialoge for 30 seconds. Lol no! It used to take me about 10-15 mins, it's very basic makeup as Glinda. 95% sure it'll be the 15th of Oct. Cunegonde in Candide, Christine in the original, Clara in Light in the piazza, Glinda again, Magnolia in Showboat, Julie Carousel they're the main ones. I'm not sure I think Wicked would have to be. You never get sick of hearing it, such a good score. Probably Candide such a great sing. Lol I would be terrible as Elphaba, not my voice type. Probably Glinda's ball dress so elegant. Practice makes perfect, have as thick skin as you can, as it's a tough industry, to be in it you have to want it more than anything. Watch as many great performers as you can, you learn so much from watching. All amazingly fun, can't believe how calm I was in all of them. Haha sure! Probably the Glinda puppet a group of girls handmade everything, the detailing was amazing. The amount of hours that would've gone in to was so generous.

There you go