“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....

“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 performer, writer, composer, and lyricist Melvin Tunstall joins host Yvette Monique Clark for an inspiring conversation about discovering the artist beyond the performer.

Melvin reflects on his journey from rural North Carolina to Broadway, his training at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and the unexpected path that led him to co-create the award-winning Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical. Together, they explore the creative process of writing musicals, collaborating with fellow artists, embracing authenticity, and creating opportunities by telling stories that haven't yet been written.

Whether you're an actor, writer, or theatre enthusiast, this episode offers an honest and uplifting look at what it takes to build a lasting creative career 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.”

Broadway performer Jeremy Gaston joins Yvette Monique Clark for a heartfelt conversation about the realities of building a career in musical theater.

From his early days singing in church choirs in Ohio to performing on Broadway and touring internationally, Jeremy shares the experiences that shaped him as an actor, singer, and dancer. Together they discuss the demands of being a triple threat, navigating auditions, maintaining confidence, recovering from the emotional transition after long tours, and adapting to today's social media-driven entertainment industry.

Filled with humor, honesty, and practical insight, this episode offers an authentic look at the work, resilience, and passion required to sustain a career in theater.

“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 acclaimed actor Nancy Rodriguez for a thoughtful conversation about the power of theatre education, the art of classical performance, and building an authentic acting career.

Nancy shares how New York City's public arts programs shaped her path from LaGuardia High School to Boston University and eventually to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Together they discuss Shakespeare, contemporary theatre, comedy, actor training, collaboration, and why the most compelling performances come from embracing your own voice rather than imitating someone else's.

This episode is an inspiring listen for actors, directors, educators, students, and anyone passionate about the craft of storytelling.

“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 Broadway performer, director, music director, voice pedagogue, and educator Deonté Warren for an insightful conversation about the artistry and science behind the human voice.

Deonté shares how growing up in Nashville, singing with his mother, and discovering Broadway through a high school choir trip inspired his career. He discusses the mentors who shaped his path, his transition into higher education, and why he believes today's performers need both curiosity and continuous growth.

Together, they explore vocal pedagogy, the differences between a voice teacher and a vocal coach, audition strategies, vocal health, sustainable singing, and the importance of understanding that every singer's voice is unique. Deonté also offers practical advice on recognizing unhealthy vocal habits, tracking what affects your voice, and preparing for long-term success both onstage and in the classroom.

Whether you're a professional performer, student, educator, or simply fascinated by the craft of singing, this episode offers valuable insights into developing a healthy, authentic, and lasting artistic career.

“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.”

How do you turn a fan website into the world's biggest theatre platform?

Robert Diamond, founder of BroadwayWorld, joins Yvette Monique Clark for an engaging conversation about the intersection of theatre, technology, and entrepreneurship.

From launching a Michael Crawford fan website in the early days of the internet to creating the world's largest theatre news platform, Robert reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped BroadwayWorld and the lessons he's learned over more than two decades in theatre media.

Together they discuss the changing landscape of theatre journalism, the growing importance of personal branding for performers, BroadwayWorld's response during the pandemic, innovations like Next On Stage and StageMag, and the opportunities and challenges facing the future of live theatre.

Whether you're an artist, producer, educator, or lifelong theatre lover, this episode offers an insightful look at how one person's passion helped reshape the way the world experiences theatre.