Before They Performed podcast

From improv, to sketch scenes, to web series, to Nickelodeon TV shows, actress Corey Clifford always seems to be making people laugh. From a young age she took the stage, and has since thrived in Chicago and L.A. To learn more about how Corey landed her role on Bella and The Bulldogs, how she creates her own opportunities to act, and how well she knows her movies, tune in to this Before They Performed!

People say if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere. The Big Apple is where thousands of performers go to make their dreams a reality, even though the majority never do. In this episode of Before They Performed, I have a conversation with the delightful Shaleah Adkisson, who makes her living as a singer and an actress in New York. You won't want to miss how her passion began, her stories from Broadway, and whether or not she knows her Russian Tzars from her notorious actors!  

How does one get hired to tell jokes? How long does it take to get good material? How is one audience different from another? Professional actor, improvisor, and stand-up comedian Jason Thompson answers all these questions through his intriguing answers about what its like to make a living through comedy. To hear Jason's story, and to see if he can keep his cinema timelines straight, check out this episode of Before They Performed!  

Steven Zumbrun is a music director for live theater all around the country... literally. He has played in every state, and even worked in Canada for a while. He has tackled musical mountains such as "Sweeny Todd" and played for lesser known performances like "Wings". Tune in to this episode of Before They Performed to hear how Steven first began his music career, hear what he has learned about respect in his travels, and hear him break out his Thesaurus!

Professional actress Courtney Bennett defines two types of people: those she jokingly calls "normals", and those that have the spark of a performer. Hear how Courtney has used her spark to create her own work, travel the nation, and make a living in entertainment, all in this episode of Before They Performed!

Performing can be a tough business to make living in. But Josh Rice has not only made it as an actor, but as a teacher, a puppeteer, and business owner. In this episode of Before They Performed, Josh tells us his story of surprise successes, and passes on Hallmarky but wise advice. Check out all this, and whether or not Josh knows his Fox's, right here!

Entertainment journalist: a very official and professional sounding career. But for Devin Pike, this has simply been his title for the past 37 years. Since he was 9, Devin has been involved in the entertainment world, reviewing movies and interviewing celebrities of all kinds. To hear his fascinating stories, his relevant advice, and a true test of his movie knowledge, check out this episode of Before They Performed!

Tom Wood: the name might not sound overly familiar, but his voice will! Tom first fell in love with radio after winning a local contest, and has been on the air ever since. Hear how his distinct voice has made him somewhat of a celebrity in Central Arkansas, and his thoughts about on air versus the real world. Is it better to be yourself when you are live, or to change to entertain your audience? With a great interview and a fun game of Jackson or Jackson?, you'll want to tune in to this Before They Performed!

Before They Performed is back! Thank you so much to our listeners for your patience and for tuning back in. It means a lot, and I hope you like what we've thrown into the mix! I couldn't ask for a better returning episode, as I get the chance to interview radio personality Mr. Corey Deitz. Corey has been a part of radio his entire adult life, and he explains what goes into making a topical morning show a success. Hear what it is like for him to use brains, humor, and personal observations to make a living in entertainment. With a good interview, the lore of a popular video revealed, and maybe even a game, you won't to miss this Before They Performed!  

The difficult task I have is to explain to you who Chuck Dodson is in this short paragraph. From being a talented musician, to opening an art gallery, to a fashion line, to directing documentaries, to world renowned poetry, Chuck has had a taste of many different kinds of performing. But why let me tell you when he can do it himself, in this episode of Before They Performed!

Even though he's been performing since high school, Chad Bradford never stops learning new things. As a traveling actor, Chad is in shows all over the country, where he meets new people and tries new things for a living. One week he will be an Elizabethan fool in love, the next he is a Scrooge who is angry at the world. Hear how Chad keeps himself open to new opportunities, keeps himself sane after all his tours, and gives back to his community, all in this episode of Before They Performed!  

The government is studying us. Technology can be used for a dark purpose. Someone is following you. Normally, these are not ideas that we would connect with artistic hobbies such as writing and acting. But for Dr. John Hall, the two went hand in hand. John inadvertently uncovered a national dilemma, and with the power of writing, directing, and acting he continues to bring it to light. Hear his truly unique and incredible story, plus a few other things, in this episode of Before They Performed!

Many times, we find ourselves judging actors based on their accomplishments. You know him because he starred in that, or her because she was in that one thing. In this episode of Before They Performed, we listen to Broadway and television actress Nisi Sturgis, who knows a thing or two about "making it". Nisi describes her mentality of always trying to be useful, making the most of where she is, and giving what she can to those around her. To hear all this and more, just hit play!

Ever wonder what goes into the sounds of radio? Want to know what you can't see? On this episode of Before They Performed, get the inside scoop of radio in Central Arkansas from Matt Cruz, who is the director of promotion and marketing for 4 different radio stations. Ever listen to KSSN 96, 105.1 The Wolf, 94.9 Tom FM, or 100.3 The Edge? Matt has a key role to play in all your favorite music. From getting started in Arizona when he was 14, to being a DJ on air, to meeting Garth Brooks, any fan of radio will want to tune in to Matt's stories in this episode!  

How does one find the time to be on set, and also have a “real job”? And take care of a family? And spend time with friends? And uphold personal beliefs? And stay sane? Doug Shuffield, actor on TV shows like Revolution and American Crime, is also an engineer and a father. He wears so many different hats, often acting crosses over into other aspects of his life. In his already busy schedule, listen to how Doug manages to successfully pursue his love of acting in this episode of Before They Performed!

Joey Bland is an improviser in Chicago. Maybe not one you or your mom have heard of, but he's not a penniless performer either. Joey makes a steady living doing what he loves: making people think and laugh. By simply making the most of his opportunities in Chicago, he has become a part of a consistent, acclaimed, and hilarious live improv show- an enviable job. Listen how in this episode of Before They Performed!

Katie Campbell understands how the Theater can change a kid's life. She understands how a kid can identify with a character more than friends at school. She understands the pull of performance that overrides fear and tears. Katie understands how the performing arts can change a kid's life--because that's her story. A few of the high-points in today's conversation: Have you ever wondered how the Theater can shape a child's life? Is it possible that Little Rock, AR, can host real opportunities for Performers? What critical advice does Katie give young people who want to perform?

Scott Davis, professional magician, began this path as a kid watching VHS tapes. Now he earns his living by performing magic. It’s rare to find a bona fide magician It’s more rare to find one working full-time It’s uncanny to find one who’s actually declining work! How has Scott done it?! Learn the job that he calls “the best training” to become a working magician Discover how he’s maintained consistent work Hear why magic is such a “great skill to learn” Find Scott’s admonition to do “the primary thing that will determine your success” Know when it’s right to finally quit your day job WARNING: Lovers of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny will not want to hear this episode!

Do you want to be a performer? Are you curious about the lives of entertainers? I know a 16-year-old kid who can help.   He is Aaron Eley, host of the new show Before They Performed. He’s reaching out to successful entertainers and publishing their stories of who they were . . . before they performed.   What can you expect from this new show? Click “play,” and take 3.5 minutes for your host to explain. Catch every episode that Aaron publishes by signing up for his email notification on this page.