“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 acclaimed actor Nancy Rodriguez for a thoughtful conversation about the power of theatre education, the art of classical performance, and building an authentic acting career.

Nancy shares how New York City's public arts programs shaped her path from LaGuardia High School to Boston University and eventually to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Together they discuss Shakespeare, contemporary theatre, comedy, actor training, collaboration, and why the most compelling performances come from embracing your own voice rather than imitating someone else's.

This episode is an inspiring listen for actors, directors, educators, students, and anyone passionate about the craft of storytelling.

“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 Broadway performer, director, music director, voice pedagogue, and educator Deonté Warren for an insightful conversation about the artistry and science behind the human voice.

Deonté shares how growing up in Nashville, singing with his mother, and discovering Broadway through a high school choir trip inspired his career. He discusses the mentors who shaped his path, his transition into higher education, and why he believes today's performers need both curiosity and continuous growth.

Together, they explore vocal pedagogy, the differences between a voice teacher and a vocal coach, audition strategies, vocal health, sustainable singing, and the importance of understanding that every singer's voice is unique. Deonté also offers practical advice on recognizing unhealthy vocal habits, tracking what affects your voice, and preparing for long-term success both onstage and in the classroom.

Whether you're a professional performer, student, educator, or simply fascinated by the craft of singing, this episode offers valuable insights into developing a healthy, authentic, and lasting artistic career.

“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.”

How do you turn a fan website into the world's biggest theatre platform?

Robert Diamond, founder of BroadwayWorld, joins Yvette Monique Clark for an engaging conversation about the intersection of theatre, technology, and entrepreneurship.

From launching a Michael Crawford fan website in the early days of the internet to creating the world's largest theatre news platform, Robert reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped BroadwayWorld and the lessons he's learned over more than two decades in theatre media.

Together they discuss the changing landscape of theatre journalism, the growing importance of personal branding for performers, BroadwayWorld's response during the pandemic, innovations like Next On Stage and StageMag, and the opportunities and challenges facing the future of live theatre.

Whether you're an artist, producer, educator, or lifelong theatre lover, this episode offers an insightful look at how one person's passion helped reshape the way the world experiences 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.”

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.

Subscribe, like, and follow for more conversations from onstage, backstage, and even under the stage. Apple podcasts and Spotify @ Enter Stage Left Instagram @ Enterstageleft2025 Email @ enterstageleft2025@gmail.com Facebook @ Enter Stage Left

“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.”

Broadway costumes do far more than dress performers—they tell stories, define characters, and help bring productions to life.

In this episode of Enter Stage Left, host Yvette Monique Clark welcomes Broadway costume professional Justin for a conversation about his journey from Ohio community theatre to New York's theatre scene. Justin discusses discovering costume design in college, navigating career setbacks, interning at Juilliard, and rising through the ranks to become an associate costume designer on major productions.

The episode also explores the differences between assistant and associate costume designers, how costume departments operate, and the collaborative process that brings a show's visual world to life.

A must-listen for theatre lovers, aspiring designers, and anyone curious about the artistry happening behind the curtain.

🎙️ Enter Stage Left — exploring 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.”

On this episode of Enter Stage Left, Yvette Monique Clark sits down with a seasoned Head Electrician and Lighting Programmer for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most misunderstood areas of theatre: lighting.

From seeing Broadway shows as a child because of a family connection to the industry, to building a career spanning theatre, concerts, corporate events, and immersive productions, this conversation shines a spotlight on the people who literally bring productions to life.

Topics include:

✨ What a Head Electrician actually does behind the scenes ✨ The difference between a Lighting Designer and a Lighting Programmer ✨ Why Broadway and Off-Broadway venues face unique technical challenges ✨ The logistics of loading in productions throughout New York City ✨ Working on immersive theatre experiences, including Masquerade and Phantom ✨ The technical demands of programming large-scale LED and pixel-mapped productions ✨ How lighting transforms emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling ✨ Why communication and collaboration are just as important as technical skill in theatre

The conversation also explores the realities of tech week, the stress of programming under pressure, and what it takes to survive some of the most technically challenging productions in New York theatre.

Whether you're an actor, designer, technician, theatre student, or simply curious about what happens backstage, this episode offers an inside look at the artistry and engineering that audiences rarely get to see.

“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 the fabulous Darius Anthony Robinson for a conversation that goes far beyond dance and choreography. From growing up performing in Dallas, Texas to teaching the next generation of artists, Darius opens up about what it truly means to be an educator in today’s entertainment industry.

Together they dive into the realities of preparing students for an industry that often promises dreams while delivering hard lessons. Darius shares his journey from teaching praise dance at his grandmother’s church to becoming a college educator and mentor, and talks candidly about the responsibility educators carry when shaping young artists.

This conversation explores:

• Why students need confidence as much as technique

• The emotional responsibility teachers have toward young performers

• Breaking cycles of harsh, trauma-based teaching methods

• Preparing artists for rejection, callbacks, and uncertainty

• Why possibility should never be limited by body type or expectations

• The difference between teaching survival versus teaching hope

• Real talk about Broadway, auditions, and navigating the industry

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is Darius's philosophy of embracing "all the Fs" — failures, f*ck ups, fights, and everything in between. Because growth doesn't come from avoiding mistakes; it comes from learning how to move through them. This episode is funny, honest, and deeply human — a conversation about art, mentorship, and making room for the next generation to thrive.