Best Patrick Rapp Podcasts (2025)

1
Closing Night - Anthony Rapp Almost Makes His Broadway Debut 41:40

18h ago41:40

41:40

Back in 2022, I had the chance to talk with Anthony Rapp—which, for me, was both a thrill and a bit surreal. I’d been following him on Instagram for a while, and one day as I was leaving an audition here in New York I happened to walk right past him. I stopped for a second, unsure if I should say anything. But then I thought, "when am I ever going …

1
FINAL FIVE: George Heslin, Actor, Director and Producer. 21:41

8d ago21:41

21:41

In our last episode, George Heslin shared some incredible stories about founding the Origin Theatre Company and his work as an Irish actor coming to New York. But as always, there’s more to discover. And these Final Five Questions are where we really get to know George, from personal lessons and thoughts on the future to offering some advice for th…

1
George Heslin Helps Bring Irish Theater to New York City 49:30

15d ago49:30

49:30

George Heslin came to New York in the mid-‘90s, but it wasn’t quite his idea to come here. So when he landed in the city he didn’t exactly hit the ground running. Instead, he spent four years as a struggling actor trying to find his footing, but mostly feeling lost and lonely. But with the help of a legendary acting teacher, out of that struggle ca…

1
Bret Shuford Turns Broadway Lessons into Guidance for Others (REWIND) 56:18

29d ago56:18

56:18

Bret Shuford has spent his career balancing two passions—performing on Broadway and helping others achieve their creative goals. From The Little Mermaid to Paramour, he built a successful stage career while also becoming a sought-after coach for actors and artists. But finding that balance wasn’t always easy. In this rewind episode from 2019, Bret …

1
FINAL FIVE: Moshe Lobel, Actor and Filmmaker 19:13

1M ago19:13

19:13

In last episode with Moshe Lobel, we covered so much ground, from why he left his Hasidic roots and pursued a career as an actor to his latest film project that forced him to confront his past and reconcile who he is with who he was. But one of the most enlightening parts of every conversation is when guests answer the Final Five Questions. It’s wh…

1
Moshe Lobel Leaves Hasidic Roots to Pursue Theater and Filmmaking 57:24

1M ago57:24

57:24

Leaving behind everything he once knew, Moshe Lobel walked away from his Chasidic faith and roots to pursue a life in theater and film—an unthinkable choice for most in his community. A native Yiddish speaker from Brooklyn, he made his New York stage debut as the lead in Awake and Sing! with New Yiddish Rep before joining the award-winning Fiddler …

1
Final Five: Akiko Aizawa, Actor and Teacher of Viewpoints/Suzuki Method 20:17

2M ago20:17

20:17

In our previous conversation with the talented Akiko Aizawa, we delved into her journey from a modern dancer to a dedicated actress facing challenges in New York City. But there's always more to uncover, and that's where the Final Five Questions come in. This is when Akiko opens up even further to share personal lessons learned, her hopes for the t…

1
Akiko Aizawa Leaves the Dance World and Embraces Uncertainty as a Theater Actress 53:56

2M ago53:56

53:56

When I worked at Tokyo DisneySea, I fell in love with Japan—the culture, the food, the people. But working there was a whole different experience. The structure, the discipline, the expectations—it took time to adjust. As much as I admired it, adapting wasn’t always easy. Akiko Aizawa knows that challenge firsthand, but from the other side. Origina…

1
FINAL FIVE: Elizabeth Hess, Founder and Director of The Hess Collective 16:44

2M ago16:44

16:44

Last week, actor, director and playwright Elizabeth Hess shared some of her missed opportunities as well as the creation of her own theater company The Hess Collective. And while that was such an insightful conversation, there’s still so much more to explore! And that’s why it’s exciting to have Elizabeth back here for the Final Five Questions. The…

1
Elizabeth Hess Brings Resilience and Creativity to Her Theater Work 1:11:43

2M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

Elizabeth Hess is Founder of The Hess Collective and has developed various theater projects off-Broadway as well as traveling the globe with her own acclaimed solo works. (Their latest production is No Reservation.) And she joins us today to talk about the early years in her career as she tried to join a theater company in Canada. We also discuss h…

1
FINAL FIVE - Lynn Nottage, Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright 17:01

3M ago17:01

17:01

Last week you heard from the award-winning playwright Lynn Nottage as she shared the joys and struggles of being a writer. Well, now Lynn is back to talk about how the industry has changed throughout her decades as a writer as well as sharing one important lesson she learned from August Wilson by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus epi…

1
Lynn Nottage Writes Through Some of Life’s Hardest Moments 46:09

3M ago46:09

46:09

As a playwright, Lynn Nottage has crafted fascinating stories and emotionally rich characters. She is a true artist with the credentials to back in up. She has won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama as well as numerous Off-Broadway awards, not to mention three Tony Award nominations. She joins me WINMI the first episode for Season 9 to talk about her ar…

1
Welcome to Season 9! 3:23

3M ago3:23

3:23

Well, here we are it's 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to Season 9 of the Why I’ll Never Make It podcast! Every other week this season you'll hear candid conversations and inspiring stories from theater artists across Broadway, regional stages, and beyond. And we’re kicking things off with someone--the likes of which I never thou…

1
Gregg Daniel Faces Life’s Hardest Moments with Grace 1:08:38

4M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

With more than 100 television and film credits, including his memorable four-season run as Reverend Daniels on HBO’s True Blood, Gregg Daniel brings the depth of an actor’s understanding to his directorial work. And for that he has received multiple Ovation nominations and has earned an NAACP Theatre Award as Best Director for Fences at the Interna…

1
Jennifer Tepper Explores Women Writing Musicals and the Legacy That History Books Left Out 54:58

5M ago54:58

54:58

In this special video podcast combo between Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night, I’m joined by theater historian and author Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who has written a truly remarkable book - Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out. Jennifer’s work is the first comprehensive exploration of women who have shaped Broadwa…

1
Stephanie Torns Has Been Both WICKED and a WAITRESS and Now Brings Her Talents to EPIC Players 33:35

5M ago33:35

33:35

When it comes to Broadway, few shows have captured hearts quite like Wicked. Its spellbinding story, unforgettable songs, and iconic performances have become a cultural phenomenon—especially now, with the movie adaptation igniting fresh excitement. And among the very few to take on one of the hardest roles in all of musical theater is our guest, St…

1
FINAL FIVE with Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Actor and Writer 17:03

5M ago17:03

17:03

In the previous episode, you heard from actor and writer Ryan Bauer-Walsh and the creative journey to composing and producing an LGBTQ lullaby album. Well, now Ryan is back to talk about the importance of finding happiness outside of being an actor as well as a humorous discussion on khakis and corduroys by answering the Final Five Questions in thi…

1
Ryan Bauer-Walsh Finds New Life as an Artist After Mother's Death 58:38

5M ago58:38

58:38

Ryan Bauer-Walsh is an actor and artist living in Harlem. Ryan has starred in shows such as Les Miserables and the Billy Elliot national tour and is also known for voiceover as well. After the death of their mother, Ryan created the world's first LGBTQ+ lullaby album with a team of over 50 LGBTQ+ stars and composers, which was shortlisted for a gra…

1
FINAL FIVE with Matthew LaBanca, Performing Artist and Teacher Fired from his Job 14:50

6M ago14:50

14:50

In the previous episode, you heard from actor and teacher Matthew LaBanca and his new show that just opened called Communion, a one-man show about his rather contentious experience with the catholic church and being fired from his teaching position once he married his husband. Well, now Matthew is back to talk about the solitary life of being an ac…

1
Matthew LaBanca Creates a One-Man Show After Being Fired From a Private Catholic School 47:43

6M ago47:43

47:43

A couple of months ago, I talked with a friend and fellow actor Dominic Thrasher about his experiences with a catholic church and the criticism and harsh accusations he faced for being gay and married. Well, another friend and fellow actor of mine also heard that episode and reached out to me with his own story to tell about being fired from his te…

1
FINAL FIVE with Chad Beguelin, Broadway Lyricist and Book Writer 16:49

6M ago16:49

16:49

Producing theater is often difficult and never a guarantee. In fact, anything produced for the stage can be hit or miss. Just a few hours before I sat down to record this intro, a concert of Lerner & Loewe music that I was producing had to be canceled. Artists were dropping out and audiences weren't buying tickets. It was tough to let it go, but th…

1
Chad Beguelin Uses His Own Broadway Failure as Inspiration for His Debut Novel SHOWMANCE 47:16

6M ago47:16

47:16

In the world of Broadway, success can seem like a dazzling dream. But behind every show that makes it to the stage, there are countless moments of uncertainty and setbacks. For writers, especially, the journey from writing a script to getting it produced is anything but predictable. As an actor, I know firsthand that without writers, I wouldn’t hav…

1
Broadway Touring Understudies and Swings Often Perform Anonymously Onstage 19:20

7M ago19:20

19:20

Earlier this year, Actors’ Equity Association, the stage union representing actors, dancers, and stage managers, made a big showing of celebrating swings and understudies for the annual Swing Day that happens each January. They even brought together a roundtable of four performers to talk about their experiences. Swings and understudies often have …

1
FINAL FIVE with Dwayne Washington, Actor and Educator 12:06

7M ago12:06

12:06

In the previous episode you heard from actor Dwayne Washington as he shared what he learned from leaving the industry. Well, now Dwayne is back to talk about what “making it” means to him as well as one of my least favorite parts of the business, self-tapes, by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ----…

1
Dwayne Washington Left the Industry Twice But "La Boheme" Kept Bringing Him Back 47:06

7M ago47:06

47:06

"Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This is how renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner defined what it means to be an actor. This principle helps performers build empathy with our characters and forge meaningful connections onstage. But as our guest today reveals, this approach can also be a powerful guide for navigating…

1
Patrick Oliver Jones Joins StoryBeat with Steve Cuden 1:11:19

8M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

At the beginning of this season, I spoke with writer and producer Steve Cuden about his early collaborations with composer Frank Wildhorn. He gives us the real story behind the creation of the Jekyll & Hyde musical, which differs from the way Wildhorn tells the tale. We also get into his other writings and how he transitioned into teaching and also…

1
FINAL FIVE with Dominic Thrasher, Actor and Writer 16:01

8M ago16:01

16:01

In the previous episode you heard from actor and writer Dominic Thrasher as he shared how a diagnosis of ALS has dramatically changed his life and career. We also discussed how writing has given him a new focus for his energies and creativity. Well, now Dominic is back to talk playing one of his dream roles as well as share more lessons he’s learne…

1
Dominic Thrasher Slowly Loses His Ability to Perform and Finds Another Meaning of Success 1:05:13

8M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

In the year before the pandemic, I was on a contract with Norwegian Cruise Line performing the musical Footloose. In past seasons you’ve heard me speak with some members of that company (Megan Hoxie, David Ruttura, Eric Jordan Young) And in today’s episode I’m bringing on another one of the people that I met through that show, Dominic Thrasher, one…

1
Listen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway 16:44

8M ago16:44

16:44

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for…

1
FINAL FIVE with Sarah Hester Ross, Singer and Comedian 19:18

9M ago19:18

19:18

In the previous episode you heard from singer and comedian Sarah Hester Ross, who talked about bringing her comedic songs to Vegas piano bars and the vocal injury that almost ended her singing career. Well, now Sarah is back to talk about lessons she’s learned from those dueling pianos and why she feels like she may never truly “make it” by answeri…

1
Sarah Hester Ross Loses Her Voice But Finds Her Passion 56:53

9M ago56:53

56:53

When it comes to performing, whether in musical theater or in the pop world, a singer’s voice can be their identity, their money maker, the one instrument that often defines their careers. And so losing their voice can be life-changing and demoralizing. On my other podcast Closing Night I did an episode on the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria…

1
FINAL FIVE with Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at Alley Theatre 15:06

9M ago15:06

15:06

In the previous episode you heard from theater writer and director Rob Melrose, who is the artistic director of Alley Theatre in Houston. He shared what it means to create and produce his own works and others. Well, now Rob is back to talk about lessons he’s learned behind the table as well as from a heart attack he suffered two years ago by answer…

1
Rob Melrose on the Joys and Challenges of Directing and Producing Regional Theater 52:32

10M ago52:32

52:32

In a recent opinion piece for The Daily Iowan, a vital point was made about the importance of regional theater. It said “not every production is ultra famous, boasting popular actors in leading rules. But every production is important.” (I even posted about it on WINMI’s instagram feed, which you can follow: @winmipodcast.) The point being made was…

1
FINAL FIVE with Aaron Ronnie Almani, Actor and Producer 16:20

10M ago16:20

16:20

Last week you heard from actor and producer Aaron Ronnie Almani as he shared his creative journey from New York to Isreal and back again. We discussed audition challenges and even personal tragedies he witnessed in Isreal. Well, now Ronnie is back to talk about how to find fulfillment and balance in our creative life by answering the Final Five Que…

1
Aaron Ronnie Almani Discovers Life Lessons from Being an Actor and Growing Up in Isreal 40:19

10M ago40:19

40:19

The art of theater and acting is a cornerstone of cultures globally, serving as a powerful medium for storytelling, expression, and communal reflection. It allows societies to explore and challenge social norms, convey historical and contemporary narratives, and foster a shared cultural identity through performances that resonate with audiences. Fo…

1
FINAL FIVE with Schele Williams, Director of The Wiz and The Notebook Musicals 13:48

10M ago13:48

13:48

In the previous episode you heard from theater director Schele Williams as she shared her journey from actress to director. We discussed her work in two of this season’s most highly anticipated Broadway shows: The Wiz and The Notebook. Well, now Schele is back to talk about the importance of gratitude and what it means when she puts her name on a t…

1
Schele Williams Is the First Black Woman to Direct a Broadway Musical in 40+ Years 54:22

11M ago54:22

54:22

The 2024 Tony Awards were certainly a night to remember, celebrating a very full Broadway season filled with remarkable performances and groundbreaking productions. Yet amidst the accolades and celebrations, some highly anticipated shows were left without a single nomination. One of these was The Wiz, a revival production directed by the wonderful …

1
Kelvin Moon Loh Brings Otho to Life in Beetlejuice on Broadway (REWIND) 1:06:37

11M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

As I leave New York City to join the North American Tour of Beetlejuice (to play the role of Otho and understudy Charles and Maxie) I wanted to share a special rewind episode of my memorable conversation with Kelvin Moon Loh from 2019, the original Otho on Broadway and a wonderful friend, who was an invaluable resource during my auditions for the s…

1
FINAL FIVE with Conor Tague from How to Dance in Ohio 11:00

11M ago11:00

11:00

In the previous episode you heard from Conor Tague, one of the stars from the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio. He shared his experiences in that history-making production as well as the struggles he faced early on as an actor, both at school and in the audition room. Well, now Conor is back to talk more about his Broadway debut and share how …

1
Conor Tague Is an EPIC Performer Who Learns How to Dance in Ohio 48:37

12M ago48:37

48:37

Every Broadway season, one of the most heated discussions about the Tony Awards centers the snubs—those notable shows that didn’t get any nominations. This year they include musicals like The Wiz, Harmony, and The Heart of Rock and Roll. Another one of those shows that was left out made history as being the first Broadway musical to cast autistic a…

1
FINAL FIVE with Des McAnuff, Broadway Theater Director 19:52

12M ago19:52

19:52

Last week you heard from theater director Des McAnuff as he shared his experiences with three of his biggest shows, Tommy, Jersey Boys, and Big River. We discussed his approach to each of these unique musicals. Well, now Des is back to talk his musicianship and his composition efforts as well as share the lessons and insecurities he’s discovered in…

1
Des McAnuff Offers a Candid Discussion on the First Revival of TOMMY and Other Musicals 52:36

12M ago52:36

52:36

The Who's Tommy is back on Broadway for its first revival, 30 years after the original production. And directing this revival is the original director from that first Broadway run, Des McAnuff. While he is known for his work in musicals, he is also quite adept in the works of Shakespeare and other classical works, having been Artistic Director of C…

1
FINAL FIVE with Jack Viertel, Theater Producer and Historian 20:00

1y ago20:00

20:00

In the previous episode, you heard theater producer and historian Jack Viertel share stories of how his talents and interests weren’t in acting, his interactions with playwrights like Lanford Wilson, and the process of adapting a novel into a musical. Now he’s back to talk about his new book Broadway Melody as well as share more lessons learned by …

1
Jack Viertel and the Secret Life of the American Musical 45:16

1y ago45:16

45:16

Jack Viertel has the kind of knowledge I wish I had about Broadway history, having studied the various journeys of great shows for his book The Secret Life of the American Musical, but he’s also worked with playwrights like August Wilson and Tony Kushner. He’s even conceived the long running Smokey Joe's Café and the critically acclaimed After Midn…

1
Kerry Sandell & Marci Duncan Explore the Dissonance in Race Relations 1:06:25

1y ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Theater can serve as a powerful platform for difficult discussions, especially offering a space for nuanced exploration of racial dynamics. It allows audiences to empathize with characters from diverse backgrounds, challenging preconceptions and fostering dialogue. It provides a visceral experience that can elicit strong emotions and provoke intros…

1
Sara Gettelfinger Shares Her Long and Struggling Journey Back to Broadway 58:55

1y ago58:55

58:55

Sara Gettelfinger's Broadway debut came in 2000 with the musical Seussical. And she worked steadily on Broadway through the years until she and I met and worked together on The Addams Family national tour in 2011. But then she had to take a break from acting, a break from New York City as well. And except for an Off-Broadway musical in 2014, Sara f…

1
Gabrielle Ruiz Discusses THE ADDAMS FAMILY National Tour and Female Representation in the Arts (REWIND) 42:57

1y ago42:57

42:57

As we talked about in Part One, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is what put Gabrielle Ruiz on the map. However, it was her theater training and performance abilities that made it possible for her to be cast in the show. In this rewind episode from 2021, we talk more about her time on the stage and what drives her most as an artist. Subscribe or Donate to WINMI…

1
FINAL FIVE with Ann Harada, Broadway Actress and Singer 26:21

1y ago26:21

26:21

In the previous episode, you heard actress and singer Ann Harada share her stories of grinding it out as an Asian actress trying to fit in with what she thought casting directors wanted but then discovered her superpower as an artist, being herself. Now she’s back to share more lessons she’s learned and answer the Final Five Questions in this bonus…

1
Ann Harada Learns That Her Greatest Asset as an Actor Is Being Herself 37:13

1y ago37:13

37:13

Ann Harada will be the first to tell you that finding happiness and satisfaction in the acting business didn’t come quickly or easily for her. In fact, her first Broadway credit came as a production assistant, not as an actor. She followed that up with ensemble roles in M. Butterfly and Suessical. But between those two shows was a ten-year gap, and…

1
FINAL FIVE with Lydia-Renee Darling, Actress and Producer 15:29

1y ago15:29

15:29

Last week you heard actress, writer, and entrepreneur Lydia-Renee Darling share her stories of growing up in an immigrant household and then her own experiences of living and working in other countries as an artist. Now she’s back to answer the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode. To get more bonus content like Auditions Stories and listen t…

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Patrick Rapp Podcasts

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