Frigid winter weather, germs abound, and someone decided THIS is audition season?! Whether you’re a high school senior heading into college auditions or a professional preparing for a busy season of tapes and callbacks, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world vocal health strategies you can use any time your voice is under pressure. Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh sits down with BVC co-founder Chelsea Wilson to talk nerves, stamina, sickness, travel, warmups,...

Is clearing my throat bad for my voice? Will dairy make my voice crack? Is belting going to give me nodes? If you’re a singer I’m sure you’ve heard some of these before and wonder, is there any truth to that? In today's replay episode (one of our most popular ever!) we’re dispelling vocal health myths and sharing what voice care practices actually makes a difference in your voice and your overall wellness. If today’s episode reminded you how much your voice matters, come get real suppor...

What if the life you’re living right now… is the one you used to dream about? Today we're taking a brief step away from vocal technique and auditions to talk about something equally essential for performers: gratitude, perspective, and the surprising power of taking stock of what’s already good. Whether you're prepping for holiday travel, a weekend of shows, or finally taking a breath before the winter rush, this episode is your gentle reminder that you’re doing better than you think. In this...

What does it really take to perform one of the most iconic soprano roles in theatre history? (Hint: it’s more than high notes and pretty gowns!) In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Haile Ferrier and Francesca Mehrotra, two of the six extraordinary women starring as Christine in Masquerade, the new off-Broadway immersive Phantom of the Opera experience directed by Diane Paulus. They open up about: What it’s like to share one of musical theatre’s most iconic soprano roles with five other wo...

What does "you sound too musical theatre" actually mean?? (Hint: it’s rarely just about your voice) Today we're giving you clear, actionable tools to bridge the stylistic gap between Broadway polish and pop/rock authenticity. In this episode, we unpack: The most common “too musical theatre” habits—and how to fix them.Why “vocal color” is your new best friend: from Billie Eilish breathiness to Whitney Houston wails.How rhythm, vibrato, and vowel choices shape your stylistic credibility.Acting ...

At just 23, Elizabeth Teeter has already built a career most performers dream of—starring as Lydia in Beetlejuice on Broadway, Heather McNamara in Heathers Off-Broadway, and sharing the stage with legends like Helen Mirren and Saoirse Ronan. But behind all that success is a young artist who’s learned the importance of boundaries, self-care, and staying grounded in the work. In this conversation, Chelsea and Elizabeth talk about: Growing up in the industry and learning from theatre greatsHow t...

“At a certain level, everyone can sing that note. So now casting is saying: who are you?” – Adam Wachter How do you actually build a musical theatre audition book that works? What songs belong in it—and which ones can you finally stop worrying about? Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with Titanique music director, composer, and author Adam Wachter to talk about his new book Your Rep Book: How to Find, Choose, and Prepare Successful Audition Songs. You’ll hear Adam share: 🎭 How your audition book e...

Back in 2022, we first asked the question: Is a BFA in Musical Theatre worth it? Three years later, it’s still the conversation on every aspiring performer’s (and parent’s) mind. In today’s bonus episode, Chelsea sits down with Julie Kavanagh—performer, choreographer, and Program Director for Broadway Vocal Coach’s College Prep Program — BVC Aspire. A proud graduate of CCM (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music), Julie shares both personal experience and professional perspective on whether a BFA i...

“The most useful thing you can do on social media is show who the heck you really are.” – Kate Lumpkin What do casting directors really notice—in the audition room and online? Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with casting director Kate Lumpkin for an inside look at how performers can stand out without faking it. You’ll hear Kate share: How authentic social media posts can actually help get in the room—and book the jobWhat makes a performer’s online presence useful (vs. distracting)Why ECCs and EP...

Mix voice might be the most misunderstood topic in all of singing. Is it a style? A register? A magic “secret” only some people can do? In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia bust FOUR of the biggest mix voice myths and share what it really means to sing in a healthy mixed voice. You’ll hear: Why there isn’t just one “right” way to mixThe difference between mix vs belt (and why both matter)What to expect when you’re learning a new vocal coordination (hint: “weird” doesn’t mean “wrong”)How socia...

What kind of courage it takes to keep creating when your career takes unexpected turns? Our guest Ali Gordon has worn a lot of hats—musical theatre performer, comedian, teacher, and now, debut novelist! In this inspiring conversation, Ali joins Chelsea and Cynthia to talk all about just that. Her novel, "We Have Reached the End of Our Show" is out on September 30th, get it here. You’ll hear us talk about: How Ali went from BFA musical theatre grad to published author (and why she always knew ...

Welcome back to Season 4 of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast! In this season opener, Chelsea and Cynthia catch up after a jam-packed summer and share the lessons they’re bringing into the year ahead. From Chelsea’s behind-the-scenes work on the new immersive Phantom production (Masquerade) to Cynthia’s dream-come-true experience working with Broadway idols on Hello, Dolly!, this episode is all about what it means to live and work through different seasons of life. You’ll hear us talk about: W...

Just last week we heard from one of our BVC Studio members: "I don't want to be too much." Is this same fear holding you back from your best work? And, is there a line between enough and too much? In our 2025 season finale, join us for a discussion about how going all out can transform your career. Hint: The gap between what you want and where you are now, is a whole lot of cringe. 😅 01:45 Season Recap: Memorable Moments and Guests 02:55 Addressing the Fear of Being 'Too Much' 13:28 The...

"You already have worth, we're not trying to trick people into believing that we're something we're not. So, how do I get you to see my skills, talents, and values such that you recognize them and therefore see how being in a relationship with me is mutually beneficial?" Chelsea Wilson chats with Dr. Alison Fragale, author of 'Likable Badass' as she shares powerful insights on building status, authentic self-promotion, and strategic networking. Key tips include: using the 'brag and thank' met...

"If you haven't done the fundementals, that's all I'm thinking about. What a self tape is, is choreographing the attention of the viewer." Acclaimed actor, podcast producer, and star of "Suits," Tom Lipinski shares crucial insights on the art of self-taping, like when to break the rules 📸 and making strong, informed choices right away. Learn why you can get away with all sorts of shortcomings EXCEPT poor audio, and the importance of watching and assessing your performance. 🤔 Tune in for tips ...

Should you move to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater? 🎭 We explore the pros and cons, from networking opportunities and live auditions to the high cost of living and tiny spaces. 🗽 Hear personal stories and get practical advice on making the leap, including tips on saving money, finding a sublet, and building a support system. 💼 Whether you're a Broadway hopeful or thriving in community theater, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the best decision fo...

Join Cynthia Kortman Westphal as she chats with Kevin Munhall, a Broadway performer turned stress, breath, and somatic educator. Kevin shares his unique insights into how performers can manage stress and anxiety, 😫 emphasizing the importance of understanding their nervous systems and emotions outside the context of performing. 😌 Discover practical strategies to reframe stress, avoid over-rehearsing, build resilience, and foster healthier social connections. Plus, learn why 'co-rumination' can...

Of all the musicals currently running on Broadway, all but 3 are firmly under the genre umbrella of Pop/Rock or are significantly influenced by pop/rock music. And that trend is felt in regional theaters and beyond. What does that mean for you? 80-90% of your auditions may be asking for a pop/rock song and you need to be ready! The good news? It's not that deep! You need to develop a few simple skills to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in this area, instead of passing on opportunitie...

" You need that well-roundedness to bring new life, experience, and choices to the material that you're exploring as a singer!" Discover how learning to sing in multiple styles can benefit your technique, artistry, and imagination. Whether you're a classic soprano, an aspiring pop star, or a musical theatre performer, vocal cross training can enhance your versatility and create new opportunities. We share examples of renowned Broadway performers who excel in diverse vocal styles and provide p...

Join Co-hosts Cynthia Kortman Westphal and Chelsea Wilson as they sit down with Joel Crump, Broadway's boy genius who's been interviewing stars on red carpets since the age of 12! Now 16, Joel shares how his love for Broadway led him to create his own company, Broadway Time, at just 12 years old and his experiences interviewing top celebrities like Denzel Washington, Alicia Keys, and Robert Downey Jr. This episode is packed with Joel's insights on pursuing your dreams, building connecti...