Munch Time Podcast

Broadway Legend Jay Armstrong Johnson stops by to talk about the impact of the Tony Award-Winning Revival of Parade on the future of Broadway, his path into performing, and figuring out the journey of a character throughout a show. Jay has been a star throughout the theatre industry having performed in Phantom of the Opera, On The Town, Hair, Hands on a Hardbody, Catch Me If You Can, and in several regional theatre productions across the United States. With his stellar voice and natural instincts as a dancer, his performance as Britt Craig in the Tony Award-Winning Revival of Parade is breathtaking and hard to put into words. Just announced (officially): Jay’s annual fundraiser “I Put A Spell On You” will continue in 2023 at Sony Hall on Monday, October 23rd. This year, the Sanderson Sisters are in their “Witch ERA”. Tickets are available NOW at https://ipasoy2023.cbo.io/. This event benefits the Ali Forney Center. I am very honored to have Jay joining my show, especially for this episode as I celebrate bo

TikTok’s (and Broadway’s) Katharine Quinn chats about her roles as the Writing Associate on the new a-maize-ing SHUCKED and more! Katharine is no stranger to the Theatre world! After performing internationally for several years, she focused her craft more on the creation of a story with directing, choreography, and writing. In addition to her fascinating theatre work behind the scenes, she takes SHUCKED fans into rehearsals to illustrate her job and the rehearsal process of this brand-new musical. BUT this is not all! On top of all of this work, she has several other jobs to maintain a steady living in New York City (a challenge more prominent than ever) such as voice acting. It was wonderful to have her join Real Talk just days before I “get Shucked on Broadway” in my upcoming New York City trip. Join our conversation as we discuss: The definition of “success” and finding an individual roadmap to *your* success A future of Broadway sans ‘gatekeepery’ and finding the unique personality of Broadway Brando

Playbill Night-time Report, Meg Masseron, sits down to discuss her career in Theatre reporting as well as the importance of criticism and journalism. Meg is a recent graduate of Marymount Manhattan College and joined to discuss her position as the night-time/weekend reporter at Playbill! Before that, she has been independently published in various theatre journalism hubs: TheatreMania, Theatrely, American Theatre, etc. She is one of my best friends on Twitter and has brought to light so many issues revolving around the inclusivity and accessibility of Broadway. Join the conversation as we discuss: The learned importance of networking and presentation of yourself as an artist An impactful divide between theatre criticism and journalism in modern years A comparison in print media as opposed to digital media – and the importance of each The overlap between marketing Broadway productions and writing articles centering around those same productions And much more! Learn more about Meg! Instagram: @megmasse

Mike Karns sits down with Mason to chat about the trajectory of Broadway's social media and provide insight into careers on Broadway Mike is the Founder and CEO of Marathon Digital – one of Broadway’s most successful social media firms who has created iconic campaigns for Hamilton, Sweeney Todd, Shucked, Parade, Disaster, Diana, Hadestown, Into The Woods, and so many accounts that have changed the future of theatre promotion. From the very beginning of his theatrical career, he continues to find inventive ways to connect to audiences and make productions continually more accessible. Join the conversation as we discuss: His connection with producer Jeffery Sellers and advice given to him at the beginning of his career The power of cultivating audiences in new means, social media and otherwise Diana’s power of community engagement and the resulting change in the social environment Management of marketing and source material as it relates to accessibility in recent history Upcoming productions and strateg

DJ Martin sits down to talk about his career throughout all facets of Broadway marketing and discusses the future of theatre for generations to come. DJ is the owner and founding partner of Bond Theatrical Group which works hand in hand with marketing, social media, and tour booking for iconic Broadway productions and international tours. Currently, they represent Shucked, Bad Cinderella, Moulin Rouge!, Dancin, Life of Pi, Six, Jagged Little Pill, Lempicka, and many more in several different aspects. This episode is specifically special to me because DJ is a graduate of Boonville High School and was part of the exact same Thespian Troupe I proudly call home now. It was so amazing to connect with him and discuss his upbringing in New York City. In this episode, he and I discuss: The basis of Broadway Marketing and the roots of Bond Theatrical Growing up in the midwest (Southern Indiana area) as it relates to the theatrical scene College-level careers behind the scenes in Publicity, Marketing, and Producti

The Broadway League’s first Chief Diversity Officer, Gennean Scott, joins Real Talk to discuss her definition behind the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion fields, her day-to-day operations, representation, Black excellence, and much more relating to her impactful work across the industry. Gennean is no stranger to the business side of theatre – getting her start in inclusion with the Omaha Performing Arts Center and following her passion and using her voice to inspire change throughout our industry and the surrounding businesses to encourage diversity and opportunity. In 2020, she became the Broadway League’s first Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and was recently retitled to be their Chief Diversity Officer. She also hosts The Black Business of Broadway on the Broadway Podcast Network, highlighting Black creatives across all facets of Broadway to showcase the opportunities available on and off stage for BIPOC artists. In this episode, Gennean and I discuss: Her definition of each Equity, Divers

Tony-Award Winning Scenic Designer, Derek McLane, chats about his unexpected route to Broadway, his creative processes leading to some of the most captivating designs in NYC, and more! “Broadway will flourish again, it always does”  Derek is the genius visionary behind some of Broadway’s most intricate, beautiful sets, including; Moulin Rouge, MJ: The Musical, Hairspray LIVE, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Almost Famous, A Soldier’s Play and so much more. On top of his award-winning theatrical designs, he has also worked on the designs for several Oscar Awards creating some magical award show moments. Throughout his career, he has lent so much knowledge of architecture and detail to create captivating moments that last months with audiences (like it has with me).  In this episode, you can hear Derek chat about His experience and attitude towards Educational Theatre and the pivotal stepping stones to Broadway! Advice from throughout his career that shaped him to be the designer he is today. The proc

Broadway’s own Sean McManus sits down with Mason (in-person) to discuss his life on Broadway, his position as a Vacation Swing, his infamous TikTok account with a special appearance from Patti LuPone – sort of… Sean grew up around theatre, even playing Bert in his high school production of Mary Poppins. He has played on stages across the East Coast such as Paper Mill Playhouse, Interlakes Theatre, and Lexington Theatre Company, and traveled across North America with a recent tour of Cats. In June of 2022, Sean made his Broadway debut in BEETLEJUICE as a Vacation Swing and continued with the show for over 150+ performances. If you aren’t familiar with him from the stage or theatre scene: you might recognize him as TikTok’s Moira Rose, Patti LuPone, and Jennifer Coolidge! In Mid-September, during my wonderful trip to NYC, Sean sat down with me in the Beetlejuice press office before I got to see the show that evening. It was so wonderful to connect with him in person to discuss; His life-long aspirations to b

After 9 months away from releasing episodes, Mason returns to discuss the future of Real Talk! Burnout is a battle that we always hear about, but generally assume that it won’t get to us – but with everything going on, it happened to me. Join me for a few minutes as I discuss why I have been absent from the podcast scene for so long, my love for theatre getting rejuvenated over and over, and the re-introduction of my podcast! Since the beginning, I have done this show as a way to connect with Broadway in a world where theatres had been shuttered – but that purpose isn’t necessarily the most needed as performing returns for us. While off, I reflected on the reason I keep wanting to reach out and interview amazing artists from around the industry and I came to the conclusion; THIS is my exploration of careers and my resource to figure out what my own future will look like. Through interviews, I am finding out the benefits of colleges, internships, experience, and networking. It is my sincere hope that you and

On top of being Mason's theatre teacher and high school director, Mrs. Clark is the face of the YouTube channel Clarks in Parks and is currently studying at Mississippi University for Women to get her masters degree! In this episode we dive into the modern importance for arts education, Real Housewife drama, and the future of Boonville High School's Thespian Troupe #950 with the next season "Life in Grayscale" (The Giver, The Addams Family). If you want to check out more content from Mrs. Clark and Clarks In Parks; Instagram - @clarksinparks YouTube - Clarks In Parks Check out Thespian Troupe #950 on social media (managed by Mason hahaha): Instagram - @bhsthespians950 Twitter - @bhsthespians950 TikTok - @bhsthespians950 Thank you so much for listening and your support to make Season 7 possible! Check out my socials: Instagram - @_RealTalk_Pod Twitter - @_RealTalk_Pod TikTok - @realtalkpodcast  Website - realtalkmasonbray.com Facebook - Real Talk with Mason Bray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap

The 2022 Tony Awards nominations are OUT and all of us theatre stans are getting excited for the annual ceremony on June 12th (finally back at Radio City Music Hall)! But not only are Tony Nominees up for discussion, but Mason also discusses his recent trip to the Windy City to see Winnie the Pooh and Moulin Rouge! See a full list of Tony Nominations at tonyawards.com! Check out more from Winnie the Pooh: Instagram - @WinniethePoohshow Twitter - @WinniethePooh TikTok - @winniethepoohshow Facebook - Winnie the Pooh Show See future cities for Moulin Rouge: Instagram - @moulinrougebway Twitter - @MoulinRougeBway TikTok - @moulinrougebway Facebook - Moulin Rouge! Get tickets to BroadwayInChicago below: broadwayinchicago.com Thank you so much for listening and your support to make Season 7 possible! Check out my socials: Instagram - @_RealTalk_Pod Twitter - @_RealTalk_Pod TikTok - @realtalkpodcast  Website - realtalkmasonbray.com Facebook - Real Talk with Mason Bray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg

Kelsey Tippins is the current Production Stage Manager on tour with THE PROM! Before this tour, she has worked on Once on this Island, Finding Neverland, A Bronx Tale, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek the Musical, and so many more.  It’s been a few months since I had the chance to interview and chat with a stage manager, so I jumped at the opportunity and so thrilling to have Kelsey joining my seventh season! In this episode, we discuss the role of stage and production managers in and out of rehearsals, new and ever-changing Equity expectations for stage managers, calling a performance, and the role of communication within behind the scene jobs. THE PROM is touring the United States NOW! Get your tickets at; theprommusical.com Upcoming Tour Dates: 5/31-6/19 - Seattle, WA 6/21-7/17 - San Francisco, CA 7/26-7/31 - Dallas, TX 8/2-8/7 - Las Vegas, NV Check out THE PROM on social media: Instagram - @theprommusical Twitter - @ThePromMusical Facebook - The Prom Thank you so much for listening and your support to make

Eli Tokash is one of the other youngest podcast hosts on the Broadway Podcast Network with his show “Take A Bow” which just celebrated 100 episodes! As a fantastic child performer, he has been in the Broadway production and National Tours of Finding Neverland, Pippin, A Christmas Story, and Mary Poppins. He also played the leading role of Trevor in “Trevor” during their run in Chicago.  In this episode, Eli and Mason dive into the world of being young performers, his experience producing podcasts, as well as our newfound expression of podcasting through TikTok and social media.  “Take A Bow walks audiences through life in the entertainment industry with guests from all facets of the entertainment industry including top actors, directors, stage managers, casting directors, musicians, child wranglers/tutors, and more. Eli highlights each guest’s unique story and celebrates their journeys and accomplishments as they give insight on how they came to be where they are in the spotlight. This podcast offers helpfu

Lexie Plath is an amazingly talented triple threat currently with THE PROM on their national tour as a Swing and Co-Dance Captain. Before this tour, she has joined the cast of Anything Goes, Bullets Over Broadway, and Cats on their national tours! In our interview, we dive deeper into what a swing does specifically on a national tour (during a pandemic), her role as a Dance Captain, and some of the challenges that come with being on tour! In addition to that, we discuss the situations of burnout that come with being on tour, both physically and mentally. (After all, 8 shows a week in different cities can be exhausting!) THE PROM is touring the United States NOW! Get your tickets at; theprommusical.com Upcoming Tour Dates: 4/19-4/24 - Chicago, IL 4/26-5/1 - Worcester, MA 5/31-6/19 - Seattle, WA 6/21-7/17 - San Francisco, CA Check out THE PROM on social media: Instagram - @theprommusical Twitter - @ThePromMusical Facebook - The Prom If you want to check out more content with Lexie: Instagram - @lexie.plath

Olivia Miller is the brilliant writer and star of “Bloody Mary: Live!” earning glowing reviews such as “Olivia Miller dazzles in this tart and punky solo show” from The Guardian. She has also performed across the U.S. in shows such as Little Shop fo Horrors, Tick Tick Boom, Assassins, and so many more! She joins the Real Talk family to discuss her pathway to creating this “stand-up structured” play about the misunderstood, often-forgotten Bloody Mary. In addition, we also discuss the future of performances with this show, her careers and so much more! If you want to learn more about the show: Instagram - @bloodymaryliveshow If you want to check out more content with Olivia: Instagram - @thatoliviamiller Twitter - @thatlivmiller TikTok - @thatoliviamiller Website - olivia-miller.net Thank you so much for listening and your support to make Season 7 possible! Check out my socials: Instagram - @_RealTalk_Pod Twitter - @_RealTalk_Pod TikTok - @realtalkpodcast  Website - realtalkmasonbray.com Facebook - Real T

Broadway performer, Telly Leung, and producer, Joey Monda, sit down to discuss their new documentary “Ensemble” highlighting the rapidly changing theatre industry! Telly Leung is a Broadway star with credits ranging from Aladdin to Allegiance as a performer.  Joey Monda is a multiple Tony Award winning producer on Broadway with credits like Hadestown, Slave Play, Allegiance, and Mrs. Doubtfire. “In the height of the pandemic, Joey and Telly came together to find a way to bring the lesser recognized foundation of our industry together… the Ensemble.  On the one year anniversary of the longest shutdown in Broadway history, a multigenerational group of Broadway ensemble members come together to dance, reflect on the year that was, and what the world's largest stage can learn from this Intermission to come back for a stronger and more equitable Act 2. This behind-the-scenes look features cast members from the biggest hits on Broadway in an up-close and honest way examining their love of performing and how they

Braden Allen King joins from the ensemble of the National Tour of THE PROM to discuss his upbringing in dance and into the theatre. Braden is no stranger to professional theatre at just 18-years-old! He has performed in the titular role in Billy Elliot several times across the country as well as being part of the pre-Broadway lab for The Music Man revival with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.  In this episode, we discuss several themes of being homesick on tour, submitting for auditions without his agent knowing (and booking it!), life on tour, and so much more from throughout Braden’s life and career as a dancer and performer in general. If you want to check out more contact from Braden… Instagram - @bradenallenking TikTok - @bradenallenking ALSO- check out THE PROM national tour, coming to a city near you!  Get tickets at theprommusical.com Thank you so much for listening and your support to make Season 7 possible! Check out my socials: Instagram - @_RealTalk_Pod Twitter - @_RealTalk_Pod TikTok - @realta

Cassie Beck, Jocelyn Shek, and Emilyn Toffler join me to kick-off Season 7 and discuss their journey and time on the road with Heidi Shreck’s “What the Constitutional Means to Me?” “Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.” - constitutionbroadway.com  Cassie Beck takes on the role originated by playwright Heidi Shreck to tackle a number of trivial topics from Women’s rights, immigration, domestic abuse, as well as the obvious topic of the Constitution.  Jocelyn Shek and Emilyn Toffler join the show as the young debaters who discuss and enlighten the audience on topics of oppression in the United States as well as LGBTQIA+ Representation in government.  In this episode, we discuss these important topics brought to

Jake Bazel in the amazing voice-actor and puppeteer behind Winnie the Pooh in the current off-broadway stage adaptation of Disney's Winnie The Pooh! He has also been a puppeteer on Sesame Street, The 90th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Muppets, The Hungry Caterpillar Show, and so much more! In this episode, we discuss Jake's path to working on Winnie the Pooh, finding his Pooh voice, how he prepares for a show! Not only that, we get his input on our long-running Education versus Experience question! You can even get a glimpse of his AMAZING Pooh voice! If you want to have Jake as a voice coach visit; jakebazel.com/coaching Follow him on Social Media: Instagram - @jakebazel Twitter - @jakebazel TikTok - @jakebazel Thank you all so much for your support in another great season! I will be back very soon to continue spreading theatre education to whoever will listen! Keep an eye out for any new updates as well as upcoming projects and giveaways at my social medias: Instagram - @_RealTalk_Pod Tw

Martín Acuña is the amazing host of Backstage Talk, a podcast highlighting the under-represented people in the theatre world. He is also 1/3 of the What's Up, Broadway hosts along with Ayanna Prescod. On top of these two shows, he is a freelance social media manager, assistant director, and performer! In this episode, Martín and I discuss his journey to being a voice of Broadway from Colombia through double majoring in college with communications and performing, how he met the amazing Ayanna Prescod and got to co-host every other week of What's Up, Broadway? with her, and how he found a purpose for his podcast after visiting New York City in 2020. In between all of that, we also discuss Martín's exciting new season of his podcast that will be coming with his 2-year podcast anniversary! Listen to Backstage Talk here! Find out more about What's Up, Broadway here! Follow Martín on social media: Instagram - @TheMartinAcuna / @BackstageTalkPodcast Twitter - @TheMartinAcuna TikTok - @BackstageTalkPodcast While