33 - JAZZMA PRYOR
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
In our latest episode, we sit down with the incomparable Jazzma Pryor—a powerhouse performer, fearless stage manager, and proud ensemble member of Shattered Globe Theatre. From heart-pounding, show-saving heroics to redefining what it means to be a “bad” understudy, Jazzma shares stories that are as hilarious as they are inspiring. This conversation is joyful, honest, and packed with insight—you won’t want to miss a minute.
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32 - WILLIAM ANTHONY SEBASTIAN ROSE II
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
In our Season Five PREMIERE, Scott and Elana sit down with the iconic William Anthony Sebastian Rose the Second and discuss his experiences understudying with Lifeline Theater and Victory Gardens. Also, he gives advice on why you shouldn't drink before you're going to see a show you're understudying, and shares his hot takes in our first-ever Quirky Questionnaire!
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BONUS - QUENNA LENE BARRETT & KARLI SCOTT
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
In this episode, Scott and Elana chat with Quenna Lene Barrett and Karli Scott, who are currently understudying The House That Will Not Stand by Marcus Gardley at Invictus Theatre Company. We hope you enjoy!
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31 - JEAN MARIE KOON
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
Check out our latest episode with the tremendous Jean Marie Koon! We get into some juicy understudy gigs, discuss what it's like to come back to theater after a long break, and finish with things that bring us joy. We hope you enjoy!
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30 - JESSICA DEAN TURNER
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
THEE Jessica Dean Turner came through and churned out the realness. Tune in to hear about Jessica’s journey from beatnik poet to president of the thespian club to in-demand stage goddess! Plus, you gotta find out what “EGO DEATH” is all about. JESSICA DEAN TURNER is an actor and educator from the west side of Chicago. As an understudy, she’s been able to cover roles in two separate Ike Holter plays, Lottery Day at the Goodman (covering two roles where she had to learn fight choreography against herself) and The Light Fantastic at Jackalope. She’s also understudied the...
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29 - LORENA TORRES GARCIA
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
In this episode, we chat with the splendiforous Lorena Torres Garcia! They talked about their recent experience understudying Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as a bunch of other exciting credits. Lorena demonstrates their commitment to diversity, their relentless pursuit of artistic goals, and the positive attitude that makes them such a wonderful member of the Chicago Theatre Community. Enjoy! **FYI Lorena recently changed their name after recording and releasing this episode. In support of their identity, we updated their name in promotional material. ...
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28 - RJW MAYS
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
If “The Art of Understudying” was a person, it’d be RJW MAYS!! A living example of how glorious leaning into your dreams can be. Our conversation is rich with joy, wisdom, and laughter. Listen for some strategies on getting in the game later in life, how making connections can keep you growing as an artist, and plain and simply see how it’s never too late to do what you love!
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27 - BREON ARZELL
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
Breon Arzell in da HAUZ! We swear that’s relevant and not just us trying to be hip. We are so excited to bring you this conversation where joy and authenticity collide and makes evident why Breon is a sought after, world-traveling actor, dancer, and choreographer. This episode was a good time. Join us, won’t you?!?
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26 - LAURA BERNER TAYLOR
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
Laura Berner Taylor gets Season 4 jumping! Listen to this juicy episode, where amidst and betwixt her understudy shenanigans, she regales us with enthralling stories of personal and artistic growth. Vulnerable honesty rules the moment and hugs us like a cozy blanket, and you get to hear Scott pretend he isn’t a Type A personality. Check it out!
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25 - TIMOTHY EDWARD KANE
You're On In Five! The Art of Understudying
Are you ready to be soothed by the dulcet vocals of one Mr. Timothy Edward Kane? Well you better get ready. Grab a warm beverage and a fireside, relax and listen to him talk about early career hard learned lessons, playing the romantic interest of his actual wife, and ask yourself, “how many times can one person understudy Hamlet?” Come on in, we’ve been waiting for you.
info_outlineScott and Elana welcome the south side's own Darren Jones to the podcast! After he fell into acting in the 90's, he's worked consistently as an actor, and often as an understudy! We talk about so many things in this episode, including being "discovered" while on a date after church, working with Spike Lee on "ChiRaq", and we discuss our experiences with Showmances - YIKES! Enjoy!