Why I‘ll Never Make It
Episodes

Monday Aug 23, 2021
Monday Aug 23, 2021
For most theater actors, Broadway is the ultimate status to attain in this industry. It’s the highest level any of us can reach and is the utmost definition of making it. But just because an actor has been on a Broadway stage, it doesn’t mean they don’t go through the same frustrations and doubts that we go through. And that really gets to the heart of Why I’ll Never Make It and especially today’s episode, which is brought to you by We Audition (get 25% off membership with promo code: WINMI25).
This is part two of my focus on Audition Stories the good, the bad, and the hysterical. You’ll hear from the following Broadway stars about the trials and tribulations of auditioning, including those pesky self-tapes...
Mykal Kilgore - actor and R&B singer from MOTOWN and HAIR
Hannah Elless - actress and singer from GODSPELL and BRIGHT STAR
Douglas Sills - iconic leading man from SCARLET PIMPERNEL and THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Gabrielle Ruiz - quintessential triple threat from IF/THEN and CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND
Geoffrey Owens - actor and director best known as Elvin from THE COSBY SHOW
Sally Wilfert - actress and singer from ASSASSINS and KING DAVID
Will Swenson - actor and singer from WAITRESS and PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Justin Guarini - American Idol and Broadway actor from WICKED and IN TRANSIT
Here's a special gift to you for listening to these stories (and reading these notes) - a bonus video episode with Adrienne Walker sharing her LION KING audition story. Enjoy!
Get more audition episodes by joining WINMI and supporting the work of this podcast. You can choose a one-time donation or continuous monthly giving with access to bonus content. I love sharing these stories and episodes, and I hope that you'll choose to donate and help WINMI make it. :)
Listen to previous Audition Stories here and check out Artist Resources.
Follow WINMI on Instagram or Twitter - @winmipodcast
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Why I’ll Never Make It is a Top 25 Theater Podcast on Feedspot, and is also a part of Helium Radio Network and a member of the Broadway Makers Alliance.

Friday May 22, 2020
FINAL FIVE: Mykal Kilgore and Hannah Elless
Friday May 22, 2020
Friday May 22, 2020
After our conversation on the previous episode, Mykal and Hannah answer the Final Five questions. They share stories of the individuals who have inspired them as artists as well as their interests in education and geology. They finish with why it's so important to be on time and the proper place for performance in an artist's life.
Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodast.com.
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The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.
For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/
Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/

Wednesday May 20, 2020
Hannah Elless & Mykal Kilgore - Broadway Performers Who Crave New Works and Musicals
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Hannah Elless and Mykal Kilgore (and myself) first met doing a reading of a new musical called THE STAR CHILD. They have each gone on to do three Broadway shows, but they still love that new-car smell of a fresh, unknown piece of theater.
In today's conversation they explain why new works are so important, how their big families taught them to collaborate, and what success means to them and how they are still striving for it. Plus, they talk about the dream of a Broadway debut versus the reality of getting one.
- Listen to my episode with Jenny Stafford, book writer for STAR CHILD. - Hear a song from Mykal's A MAN BORN BLACK. - Watch Hannah's multi-instrument talents on display in "Ashville" from BRIGHT STAR.
Follow on Instagram: Hannah Elless / Mykal Kilgore
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May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com
Support WINMI through your kind donations: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast
Music used in this episode from Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "Sidecar" • "Kitty in a Window" • "Smooth Actor"