"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.

“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.”

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.

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