“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.”

Obie Award-winning artist and arts educator James Jackson, Jr. joins Yvette Monique Clark for a conversation about teaching, performing, and the importance of bringing your authentic self into the work.

James shares the surprising story of never intending to become a performer—his original dream was to teach—and how his career onstage eventually brought him back to arts education. He discusses working with students on acting, song interpretation, auditions, and finding themselves in the material rather than copying performances they’ve seen before.

At the heart of James’ teaching is a simple but powerful philosophy: “Nobody does it like you.” From creating a safe classroom to helping performers recognize the power they hold onstage, James challenges artists to stop trying to be what they think the industry wants and start trusting what only they can bring to the room.

A thoughtful, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about finding your voice—and helping the next generation find theirs.

“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 an arranger or orchestrator actually do—and why are they so essential to musical theatre?

In this episode of Enter Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark welcomes pianist, music director, arranger, and orchestrator Nick Perez for an engaging conversation about the creative process behind shaping the sound of live performance.

Nick explains how songs are transformed for different ensembles, the differences between arranging, orchestrating, and composing, and how instrumentation enhances storytelling. He also discusses writing for choruses, cabaret, and theatre, collaborating with composers and music directors, balancing musicians with singers, and making creative choices that elevate a score.

Whether you're a performer, musician, or theatre enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of the most important—and often overlooked—roles in musical theatre.

“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 actor, director, writer, and educator Lisa Strum for a candid conversation about the craft—and the business—of building a life in the theatre.

Lisa traces her journey from growing up in Philadelphia and performing as a child to discovering theatre in college and pursuing intensive graduate actor training. Along the way, she reflects on typecasting, staying present onstage, continuing to develop your craft, and what it takes to navigate an industry that doesn’t always give artists enough time to fully explore their work.

They also talk about the increasingly short rehearsal process, the unpaid work actors often do away from the rehearsal room, creating your own opportunities, developing new work, and why artists have to remain curious enough to keep learning.

It’s a funny, thoughtful, and refreshingly real conversation about what happens when the love of performing meets the business of show.

And allegedly there's a purple trombone....