“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

In this episode of Enter Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark welcomes a veteran Artistic Director for an in-depth conversation about the realities of leading a regional theatre.

From his first childhood role as the Gingerbread Man to overseeing seasons, fundraising efforts, auditions, production budgets, and company culture, he shares the unexpected path that led him into arts leadership. Together, they explore how an actor's experience informs the way he supports performers, why creating sustainable working conditions matters, and how theatre organizations balance artistic ambition with financial responsibility.

The discussion also covers season selection, audience trends, post-pandemic challenges, the importance of community, and the evolving role of regional theatre in making quality productions accessible to audiences.

A thoughtful and insightful look at the people who guide theatre companies from behind the scenes and help bring great stories to life.

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

Host Yvette Monique Clark welcomes music director John Bronston for an in-depth conversation about the many roles a music director plays in theatre—from casting and vocal arranging to collaborating with directors, orchestrators, and performers.

John reflects on his journey from performer to Broadway music director, discusses the growing importance of actor-musicians, and shares his philosophy on adapting music to fit performers rather than forcing performers to fit the music. The conversation also explores audition culture, rehearsal room dynamics, and the importance of protecting joy in the creative process.

A thoughtful and inspiring look behind the curtain at the artistry that brings musical theatre to life.

Subscribe, like, and follow for more conversations from onstage, backstage, and even under the stage. Apple podcasts and Spotify @ Enter Stage Left Instagram @ Enterstageleft2025 Email @ enterstageleft2025@gmail.com Facebook @ Enter Stage Left

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

Broadway costumes do far more than dress performers—they tell stories, define characters, and help bring productions to life.

In this episode of Enter Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark welcomes Broadway costume professional Justin for a conversation about his journey from Ohio community theatre to New York's theatre scene. Justin discusses discovering costume design in college, navigating career setbacks, interning at Juilliard, and rising through the ranks to become an associate costume designer on major productions.

The episode also explores the differences between assistant and associate costume designers, how costume departments operate, and the collaborative process that brings a show's visual world to life.

A must-listen for theatre lovers, aspiring designers, and anyone curious about the artistry happening behind the curtain.

🎙️ Enter Stage Left — exploring theatre from onstage, backstage, and under the stage.

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

On this episode of Enter Stage Left, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with a seasoned Head Electrician and Lighting Programmer for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most misunderstood areas of theatre: lighting.

From seeing Broadway shows as a child because of a family connection to the industry, to building a career spanning theatre, concerts, corporate events, and immersive productions, this conversation shines a spotlight on the people who literally bring productions to life.

Topics include:

✨ What a Head Electrician actually does behind the scenes ✨ The difference between a Lighting Designer and a Lighting Programmer ✨ Why Broadway and Off-Broadway venues face unique technical challenges ✨ The logistics of loading in productions throughout New York City ✨ Working on immersive theatre experiences, including Masquerade and Phantom ✨ The technical demands of programming large-scale LED and pixel-mapped productions ✨ How lighting transforms emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling ✨ Why communication and collaboration are just as important as technical skill in theatre

The conversation also explores the realities of tech week, the stress of programming under pressure, and what it takes to survive some of the most technically challenging productions in New York theatre.

Whether you're an actor, designer, technician, theatre student, or simply curious about what happens backstage, this episode offers an inside look at the artistry and engineering that audiences rarely get to see.

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

On this episode of Enter Stage Left, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with the fabulous Darius Anthony Robinson for a conversation that goes far beyond dance and choreography. From growing up performing in Dallas, Texas to teaching the next generation of artists, Darius opens up about what it truly means to be an educator in today’s entertainment industry.

Together they dive into the realities of preparing students for an industry that often promises dreams while delivering hard lessons. Darius shares his journey from teaching praise dance at his grandmother’s church to becoming a college educator and mentor, and talks candidly about the responsibility educators carry when shaping young artists.

This conversation explores:

• Why students need confidence as much as technique

• The emotional responsibility teachers have toward young performers

• Breaking cycles of harsh, trauma-based teaching methods

• Preparing artists for rejection, callbacks, and uncertainty

• Why possibility should never be limited by body type or expectations

• The difference between teaching survival versus teaching hope

• Real talk about Broadway, auditions, and navigating the industry

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is Darius's philosophy of embracing "all the Fs" — failures, f*ck ups, fights, and everything in between. Because growth doesn't come from avoiding mistakes; it comes from learning how to move through them. This episode is funny, honest, and deeply human — a conversation about art, mentorship, and making room for the next generation to thrive.

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

In this episode of Enter Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark sits down with Broadway performer, producer, director, and founder Anthony Wayne for an honest conversation about the journey behind the spotlight.

Anthony takes us back to Norfolk, Virginia, where his artistic path began through childhood theater and the mentors who saw something special in him before he saw it himself. He shares how years of training in music, dance, and theater slowly became the “gumbo” that shaped him into the multifaceted artist audiences know today.

The conversation dives into finding purpose in the industry, creating opportunities when doors aren’t open, and what it means to build something bigger than yourself. Anthony opens up about producing his own work, launching Black Broadway Men, mentoring the next generation, and protecting his emotional well-being in an industry that often demands everything from performers.

We also get stories from Broadway, lessons from legends like Ben Vereen, the surprising origin of his clogging skills, and a powerful discussion about community, self-care, and understanding who truly deserves access to your energy.

If you're an artist, creator, performer, or someone navigating purpose and passion, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real talk.

✨ In this episode:

• Growing up in Norfolk and discovering theater
• Training as a true triple-threat performer
• Finding inspiration through Fosse
• Broadway life and creating your own opportunities
• The creation of Black Broadway Men
• Advice from Ben Vereen: “Keep working”
• Mental health, boundaries, and protecting your peace
• Producing original work and building Mighty Real

Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about theater, storytelling, and the people who keep the arts alive.

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

What does it really take to play one of the hardest instruments in the orchestra?

In this episode of Enter Stage Left Podcast, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with a professional French horn player to talk about the hidden world of orchestras, Broadway pits, Carnegie Hall, and the physical discipline behind life as a working musician.

From why the French horn is considered one of the most difficult instruments to master, to the pressure of counting dozens of silent measures before one perfect entrance, this conversation pulls audiences behind the curtain of what musicians truly experience.

The episode also dives into: • Performing at Carnegie Hall • The emotional full-circle moment of returning to Carnegie as a professional musician • Broadway pit culture and networking • The physical demands of brass playing • Stress management, endurance, and musician wellness • Teaching the next generation of performers • The realities of working in New York’s music scene

Whether you’re a theatre lover, musician, performer, educator, or just fascinated by the artistry behind live performance, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look into the unseen work that powers the stage.

“Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, two seasoned performers reflect on their journeys through the entertainment industry — from Brooklyn beginnings and legendary mentors to life on the road with Smokey Joe’s Cafe.

They discuss the realities of touring, navigating iconic roles, the evolution of auditions and self-tapes, artistic authenticity, mentorship, burnout, and finding identity beyond the stage. Along the way, they share unforgettable stories about Gregory Hines, Dance Africa, one-nighter tours, and the importance of collaboration in theater and performance.

This episode is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and staying true to yourself in an ever-changing industry.

✨ Topics Include:

• Growing up in dance and performance
• Mentorship from industry legends
• The legacy of Smokey Joe’s Cafe
• Self-tapes vs live auditions
• Burnout and self-care for performers
• Authenticity in creative work
• Life on the road as touring artists