"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.”

Actor and singer Jonathan Studdard joins Yvette Monique Clark for a funny, open and thoughtful conversation about discovering theatre, walking away from it, and finding his way back.

Jonathan shares how growing up in Indianapolis as the son of two pastors shaped him, how Hairspray introduced him to musical theatre, and why he proudly describes himself as a “singer first, an actor, and then a mover.”

They talk about audition anxiety, representation and open-minded casting, bringing lived experience into a role, his connection to Lola in Kinky Boots, and why stepping away from performing ultimately helped Jonathan redefine his relationship with the stage.

It’s a conversation about knowing your strengths, honoring where life takes you, and realizing that being an artist doesn’t have to look just one way.

"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.”

Director Matt Lenz joins Yvette Monique Clark for a candid conversation about his journey from actor to director and the experiences that shaped the way he leads a rehearsal room.

From Beauty and the Beast and Aida to Hairspray and years of directing productions around the world, Matt reflects on learning by being in the room, working alongside some of theatre’s leading artists, and discovering that great directing doesn’t mean having every answer.

Matt and Yvette revisit their own Hairspray history, talk about developing young performers, collaborating with seasoned professionals, trusting an actor’s instincts, and Matt’s belief that “the best idea in the room wins.”

They also tackle self-tape auditions, the changing Broadway landscape, and why—even after decades in the business—Matt remains optimistic about the future of live theatre.

Enter Stage Left goes beyond the spotlight to talk with the people who make theatre happen—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.”

Actor and singer Jason Pintar joins Yvette Monique Clark for a candid and funny conversation about building—and sustaining—a life in theatre. Jason traces his journey from small-town Michigan and an early appearance as The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the teenage trip to see The Lion King that made him realize performing could actually become his career.

They talk training, self-doubt, instinct versus technique, survival jobs, the feast-or-famine reality of performing, short regional rehearsal processes, and finding emotional truth in a character. Jason also reflects on the roles, collaborators and experiences that continue to shape him as an artist.

Funny, honest and unmistakably Enter Stage Left—theatre from onstage, backstage and under the stage.