Episodes

From growing up obsessed with Golden Age movie musicals to making her Broadway debut as Cosette in Les Misérables, Alex Finke shares the journey that led her to the stage. We talk all about playing the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods at Cape Playhouse, why Stephen Sondheim's writing continues to resonate with audiences, and what makes this cast and creative team so special. Alex also reflects on performing in Come From Away, Anything Goes, and Joan, the unforgettable phone call that changed her c...

From making his Broadway debut in Chicago after seeing it as his very first Broadway show to starring in productions like Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Falsettos, and Drag: The Musical, Nick reflects on the career moments that shaped him as a performer. We also dive into Into the Woods at Cape Playhouse, where he shares his approach to playing Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf, the magic of Stephen Sondheim's storytelling, and why this production and this cast have been such a special ex...

We’re diving into Into the Woods at Cape Playhouse, where Joe shares what it's been like revisiting Jack a decade after first playing the role, how his perspective on the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical has evolved, and why this production has been such a meaningful experience. We also talk about growing up in Pittsburgh, finding his love for performing, his journey from the University of Michigan to High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the impact Seb had on fans, and his advice for yo...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 188 with Alexandra Silber is now LIVE on YouTube! ✨ On this episode I talked with Alexandra about the acclaimed Pasadena Playhouse production of Brigadoon and her work reimagining the beloved musical’s book for a new generation. She shares the inspiration behind the adaptation, how her personal connection to Scotland helped shape the story, the thoughtful changes she made to the characters and themes, and what it was like watching this new vision come to life onst...

From singing “Reflection” at her first-grade talent show to making her Broadway debut in Chess on Broadway, Regine shares the journey that led her to the Broadway. She talks about growing up inspired by Lea Salonga, performing at The Muny and Musical Theatre Wichita, and how studying psychology at @pennstate has helped her better understand the characters she brings to life on stage. Regine also shares what her unforgettable CHESS audition process was like, the moment she learned she booked her ...

From his first role as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast to his current work as an onstage swing in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Riley shares how a childhood love for performing grew into a passion for storytelling and representation. He reflects on standout roles in Cats and Next to Normal, the life-changing moment of winning the Jimmy Awards, and finding his creative home at Shenandoah Conservatory. We also dive into the dedication and adaptability it takes to learn multiple tracks on Broa...

In this episode, Isaac takes us through their inspiring journey from growing up in Oklahoma with an early love for performance to making their Broadway debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. They open up about discovering theatre after starting in ballet, the lessons they learned at Boston Conservatory about resilience and standing out, and the balance between pursuing roles out of passion and taking ones for practical reasons. We also dive into standout experiences like performing in Alleg...

On this episode, Bradley reflects on his journey from discovering theater as a kid to becoming part of the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We chat about the challenges and joys of performing in such a beloved show, including mastering complex scenes, embracing physically demanding roles, and the importance of collaboration with cast and crew. Bradley also opens up about balancing life on and off stage, staying inspired through intense rehearsal schedules, and what it’s like to bring m...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 183 with Hailey Hyde is now LIVE on YouTube! On this episode, Hailey reflects on how a childhood dream of becoming a singer — sparked by her aunts’ Broadway tours and favorite shows like Wicked — led to a growing passion for theater. We chat about her summer program experiences, her love for regional theater, including standout roles in Cats and Frozen, PLUS The Outsiders Musical which is her Broadway debut. She talks about the process of learning multiple tracks,...

On this episode, Jenna talks about growing up in a Broadway-performing family, her regional theatre journey, and how she’s brought iconic roles like Elsa in Frozen and Fanny Brice in Funny Girl to life with heart and originality. We also chat about her voiceover work with Disney (including Sofia the First), the importance of vocal health, her love for regional theater’s creative freedom, and why mentorship and connection matter so deeply to her. Plus, she shares that she’s joining the national t...

On this episode I talked with Lizzy about her journey as a performer — from falling in love with musical theatre as a kid watching The Wizard of Oz and Smash, to her first big role as Gabriella in High School Musical, to finding her artistic voice at Texas State University with the guidance of incredible mentors. We talked about her first professional experience in Rent in New Orleans, the challenges and growth that came from it, and her exciting Broadway debut in Boop the Musical! Lizzy shares ...

On this episode I talked with Alex about Alexander/Aristotle now playing at Company Of Angels through May 10th — emphasizing its intellectual depth and audience engagement, the rich historical connections and cultural experiences tied to Greece, particularly during the Hellenistic period, emphasizing the importance of art and theater in understanding these historical contexts, how understanding Shakespeare and Greek mythology is crucial for appreciating modern storytelling, the transition from m...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 179 with guest John Kapelos is now LIVE on YouTube. On this episode, I talked with John about the challenges of building theater communities in L.A., his early days in Chicago’s collaborative scene, and how support from his father and a role at Second City helped launch his career, how the digital age has reshaped the entertainment industry and brought more opportunities but also more competition, his thoughts on the evolution of storytelling in film and TV, his c...

On this episode I talked with Anika about her journey as a performer including the moments she fell in love with theatre, her initial career path she thought she wanted to pursue, what ultimately guided her toward theatre, her experience in the immersive experience of “The Great Gatsby” in New York, how unique audience interactions are during an immersive show, her education at NYU, getting involved with the For The Record series, FTR’s new venue The CineVita and how special the energy at the ve...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 177 with guest @blockedanddeletedangel is now LIVE on Youtube. On this episode I talked with Emily about all she’s done since the last time we talked, including the life changing experience of performing in her favorite musicals such as “Sunday in the Park with George” at CCAE and “Cabaret” with Altadena Music Theatre, plus performing at Escape Hotel in Hollywood and how that experience was unique as a performer for her. Performing with For The Record Live, emphas...

On this episode I talked with Alex about how he transitioned from aspiring to be a teacher to discovering his passion for acting during high school, his college experience at Emerson College where he graduated with a BFA in acting, his desire to inspire future theater makers, his audition for Albus Potter in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and the supportive atmosphere he encountered, the journey to making his Broadway debut, from the rehearsal process to the excitement of his opening night...

On this episode I talked with Erik about his journey into theater, highlighting his early inspiration from his father's role as a high school theater teacher, the unique experience of live theatre, his decision to attend Webster University after auditioning for 19 schools, the significance of campus visits and interactions with current students in determining the right fit for his education, the empowering approach of his professors, which allowed him to take charge of his learning and apply the...

On this episode I talked with Allie about her journey to becoming a theater performer, her early involvement in sports and how her passion for theater was sparked by attending her first Broadway show, her gratitude for her family's support in pursuing the arts, despite their lack of a theatrical background, her path to attending the University of Michigan, which began with a friend's suggestion during a community theater production, theatre workshops she’s had the opportunity to participate in i...

On this episode I talked with Ayanna about her background in theatre, including her childhood in the Bronx and her move to Los Angeles, where she attended performing arts schools, the cultural adjustment she faced in LA and her longing for New York, especially during the pandemic, choosing to study at the Manhattan School of Music and appreciating it’s welcoming atmosphere and rich history, the significance of the people and experiences that shaped her artistic journey, her casting experience fo...

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 172 with David Schubert, the guest experience manager at the @civilianhotel is now LIVE on Youtube. On this episode I talked with David about travel tips for visitors to New York City, the hotel’s bustling holiday season, the unique atmosphere at The Civilian Hotel where staff members are encouraged to express their individuality, creating a welcoming environment by having genuine interactions with hotel guests, why it’s important the Civilian Hotel serves as a hu...

On this episode I talked with Carly her early experiences in theater, starting at age ten with a role in a YMCA production of "Alice in Wonderland," which ignited her passion for performing, her role as Annie in a community theater production, which solidified her desire to pursue a career in the arts, her diverse musical skills which she credited to her parents' encouragement to explore different instruments and styles, being part of workshops for “Anne of Green Gables” and “Sweetwater” and wha...

On this episode I talked with Nick about his initial interest in producing and directing before discovering his passion for acting, the importance of storytelling in theater and the supportive role of educators in nurturing talent, his experiences with a high school teacher who recognized his potential and provided him with opportunities, the potential for innovation in the industry, emphasizing a forward-thinking approach to audience engagement, some of the casting challenges re: age Nick faced...

On this episode I talked with Zoe about her journey into theater, beginning with her early involvement in school plays and community theater, her first performance as Glinda in a mini "Wizard of Oz" production, her training in the performing arts, from voice lessons to dance classes to summer camps, singing vs. dancing, her audition process for the national tour of "Waitress," which and getting to be part of a tour bringing back LIVE theatre after 2020, how she made the character of Dawn her own...

On this episode I talked with Kendyl about her evolution from aspiring ballerina to a multifaceted performer, her passion for musical theater and the influence of her mentors, when she discovered her love for acting through a local production of Aladdin Jr, which allowed her to combine her skills in dance, singing, and acting, her training in diverse dance styles and vocal genres, as well as experiences with traditional Japanese dance and aerial silks, Kendyl's time at the Boston Conservatory wh...