Actor Aesthetic

Latest Episodes:

One Million Musicals with Jacob Ben-Shmuel and Alan Blake Bachelor Jan 18, 2021

Show notes

In September of 2020, two friends Jacob Ben-Shmuel (Book of Mormon) and Alan Blake Bachelor (Blumhouse’s “Uncanny Annie”) found themselves on the journey of a musical podcast lifetime. Cue: One Million Musicals.

What's One Million Musicals, you ask? Well it's podcast with a simple dream: to write and produce one million podcast musicals! Each month, their team of writers, producers and performers from across Broadway, Film and TV create a brand new podcast musical for your ears to enjoy.

In this episode, host Maggie Bera chats with co-creators Jacob Ben-Shmuel and Alan Blake Bachelor about their inspiration behind One Million Musicals, what exactly goes into creating a podcast musical, their latest episode Lady Jane's Radio Takeover, and what's to come!

Jacob Ben-Shmuel is is the Co-Creator and Showrunner of One Million Musicals, as well as the co-writer and composer of each of its shows, including How to Be Spooky, The Lawman with No Gun, The South Pole Santa Claus, and Lady Jane's Radio Takeover. After graduating from UC Irvine's musical theatre program, Jacob spent two and a half years touring the United States, Canada and Mexico with the hit Broadway show The Book of Mormon, as the Standby for Elder Cunningham. While on the road, his musical Brad Knows Nothing was accepted into the New York Musical Festival's 2018 season. You can hear his voice as a wide variety of characters in One Million Musicals, including most recently Bennie Berstein and Dolf "The Dink" Diggle in Lady Jane's Radio Takeover.

Instagram: @jacob_benshmuel

Alan Blake Bachelor is a co-creator of One Million Musicals and has been writing musicals with Jacob since their days at UC Irvine. Their musical, Brad Knows Nothing, was featured at the New York Musical Festival in 2018. Alan and his brother, James, are writers of horror screenplays, one of which became an episode of Blumhouse’s Into the Dark entitled "Uncanny Annie.”

One Million Musicals Socials:

Instagram: @onemillionmusicals

TikTok: @onemillionmusicals

Facebook: @onemillionmusicals

Twitter: @1MMusicals

Website: onemillionmusicals.com

Submission email: CastMe1MM@gmail.com

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Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Waitress, College, NYC + Manifesting Your Dreams with Gabriella Marzetta (Waitress) Jan 11, 2021

Show notes

Gabriella Marzetta is an actor, singer, dancer, educator and musician who spent 2019-2020 on the North American National Tour of Waitress as Dawn Louise Pinkett. Currently quarantining in Chicago for the year, Gabriella spent the last 7 years in New York City attending the prestigious CAP21 Conservatory Program and Industry Practicum Showcase. This led to Gabriella starring in roles regionally such as Jeanie in "Hair" for the 50th Anniversary of the show, Off-Broadway in Pinkalicious, Flight School and Frankenstein in her years following graduation, most notably playing Ars Nova in the Off Broadway musical Contact High. Prior to and during her higher education training, Gabriella developed and befriended a lifelong vocal disorder called "Muscle Tension Dysphonia", which ultimately led to her interest and passion in vocal pedagogy and health. Since healing, Gabriella is passionate about teaching other artists what their instrument is capable of, using our self perceived weaknesses and traumas as our strengths, all while focusing body/mind/soul awareness, joy and freeing the inner child. Gabriella is a big believer in manifesting, kindness, advocating for mental health, Vocal health, All BIPOC and LGBTQ+ lives & standing up for what's right. Hitting the road with The Pie Show again come fall, check out Waitressontour.com to book your tickets to see her at The Diner this 2021-2022! Gabriella is also available for cameos, voice/actingcoaching, vocal technique lessons, life coaching and masterclasses! Check out gabriellamarzetta.com or @gabriellamozzarella on social media.

In this episode, Gabriella chats with Maggie about college auditions, transferring from Webster to CAP21, training in NYC, Waitress, the power of putting yourself out there and making connections, and manifesting your dreams!

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Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

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Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

TikTok, Ratatouille, Elon + Broadway with JJ Niemann (Book of Mormon) Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

JJ Niemann is a New York City-based actor, Broadway performer, choreographer and coach. After growing up in Wilmington, NC, JJ graduated in 2017 with a BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University. Shortly after, he joined the Broadway cast of “The Book of Mormon” as a Swing, where he has been performing for a majority of the past three years. Before the pandemic, JJ was in the developmental workshops and the World Premiere of the new musical “BLISS,” which made its debut in February at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Most recently, he partook in the online phenomenon "Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical" and performed in its World Premiere virtual benefit concert production. Aside from developmental readings and workshops, JJ has performed regionally at theaters like The Muny, Pittsburgh CLO, Bay Street Theatre, Artpark, and Grandstreet Theatre. Favorite roles include Laurie in “Little Women,” Drew in “Rock of Ages,” Mr. Mistoffelees in “Cats,” and Frankie Epps in “Parade.” In addition to performing, JJ teaches his own dance classes in the city called Jazzing With JJ, and coaches regularly with The Broadway Collective’s programs including Hello Broadway, Gathered, and Prescreen Prep. He's also recently become an avid TikTok creator, reaching over 550,000 followers and 100 million video views with his Broadway and theatre comedy videos. He was named one of BroadwayWorld's Top 10 TikTokers and was also featured on CBS’s The Greatest At Home Videos, as well as Daily Mail, Theatrly, Onstage Blog, and Buzzfeed. Connect with him on Instagram or TikTok @jjniemann

In episode 118, JJ chats with host Maggie Bera about Elon, NYC, Book of Mormon Broadway auditions, TikTok, Ratatouille, and more!

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Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

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Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Mean Girls, Social Media + Starkid with Mariah Rose Faith (Mean Girls National Tour) Dec 28, 2020

Show notes

Mariah Rose Faith is Los Angeles based and trained. She studied at The Los Angeles film school for Film Direction before furthering her career as a performer. She is a part of Team Starkid, a theatre company birthed out of the University of Michigan that has catapulted into world wide fame. Most recently she was to be found across the country as Regina George in the first national tour of Mean Girls the musical. At the moment you can look for her playing the role of Johanna Bonger in the recently released album of Starry the musical under broadway records.

In this episode, Mariah chats with actress and host Maggie Bera about her roundabout way to pursuing a theatrical career full-time, college, Starkid, Mean Girls, social media, and... of course... theatre stans.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

What Nobody Tells You About The Theatre Industry with Broadway Veteran Kate Loprest (First Date) Dec 21, 2020

Show notes

A Chicago native, Kate Loprest started working professionally at 15 and upon graduating from The University of Michigan's prestigious Musical Theatre department, moved to New York City. Broadway: First Date (Allison) OBC, Hairspray (Amber), Wonderland, Xanadu, Drowsy Chaperone. Tour: Wicked (Glinda/Nessarose u/s) Chicago Company; Little House on the Prairie (Nellie Oleson). Recent: The Sound of Music (Elsa) Asolo Repertory Theatre; Murder On the Orient Express (Countess Andreyni) Ogunquit Playhouse - BroadwayWorld Award Best Actress in a Play; Crazy For You (Irene) Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Other favorites include: Noises Off (Brooke/Vicki) Guthrie Theater; White Christmas (Betty) Ogunquit Playhouse; Company (Susan) Barrington Stage; Bright Star (Lucy) Old Globe; Showboat (Ellie) Washington National Opera and Dallas Opera Theatre. TV/Film: “Boardwalk Empire” (Corrine), "I Love You...But I Lied" (Courtney), “Running Wilde”, “All My Children”. Kate is the creator and host of Living Small NYC, a show about living big in small spaces. She can be heard on the award winning musical podcast, “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill Me!” and as the voice of Lady Susan in Hello Out There Productions audiobook of Jane Austen’s, Lady Susan. www.KateLoprest.com.

In this episode, Kate chats with actress and host Maggie Bera about college auditions, her training at University of Michigan, Wicked, and how to truly prepare for a longterm career in the theatre industry.

Coach with Kate:

https://www.artistsandbeyond.com/kateloprest

https://empoweringtheartist.as.me/KateLoprest

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Everything You Need To Know About The Virtual Theatre Co. with Founder Alyssa Jiwani Dec 14, 2020

Show notes

Alyssa Jiwani (she/her) is an actor, director, choreographer, singer, dancer, teacher, and arts administrator from Seattle, WA. Alyssa Jiwani is a current student at New York University’s Tisch School of Drama, pursuing a double major in Theatre and Education (BFA Drama). Alyssa has been performing since a young age, and some of her favorite performing credits include: Zaneeta Shinn (Music Man), Bird Girl/Mayzie U/S (Seussical), Laurel (Freaky Friday), Emily Webb (Our Town), Nemasani (Anonymous), Candy (Zombie Prom), and many more. Alyssa has been involved with countless theatre programs in many different positions, such as Seattle Theatre Group as a young ambassador, Bringing You Broadway on the creative team (founded by Hannah Jewel Kohn and Emma Degerstedt), and Empowered Artist Collective as a cohort member (founded by Jennifer Apple and Elise Melendez). Alyssa founded and currently runs The Virtual Theatre Co, an online theatre education company targeted towards students from elementary school all the way through college and beyond. The Virtual Theatre Co's mission is to promote inclusivity and accessibility within theatre, and provide a safe, supportive, and thrilling theatre education for youth all around the world.

In this episode, Alyssa chats with actress and host Maggie Bera about her inspiration behind the creation of The Virtual Theatre Co., her hopes for the future of the theatre industry, and why it's so important to continue bringing theatre to young adults during this time.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

The Unbelievable Story Of One-Legged Tap Dancer Evan Ruggiero Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

Evan Ruggiero began dancing at the age of five in his hometown studio and by age ten, he was accepted into the famed New Jersey Tap Ensemble. Upon entering his sophomore year at Montclair State University while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Evan was suddenly diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer of the right leg. Enduring nine surgeries in a six-month period in an effort to save the leg, the cancer returned more aggressively than the original diagnosis. He was faced with the ultimate decision of amputation in order to stop the cancer and save his life, as well as undergoing chemotherapy for sixteen months. Eighteen months after the amputation, and only two days after receiving his “peg-leg”, Evan was tap dancing again. In 2018 he received a Drama Desk Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, a Chita Rivera Award Nomination for Best Dancer in a Musical, and was awarded a Clive Barnes Award in Theatre for his portrayal of Tom Jones in NYC’s off-broadway hit “Bastard Jones.” This past year he was seen performing at Carnegie Hall and at the 90th Oscars. He has performed for many notable individuals such as Ellen Degeneres, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden, Egypt’s sixth and current president, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and most recently performed alongside two-time Grammy winning artist, Jason Mraz. Social media: @Lord_Pegleg

In episode 114, Evan chats with actress and host Maggie Bera about the harrowing details of his illness and how he ultimately overcame it. An advocate for artists with disabilities, he also discusses the importance of representation and inclusion within the theatre industry.

The 2020 Actor Aesthetic Holiday Gift Guide is HERE! Click here or go to www.actoraesthetic.com/holiday.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

My Honest Thoughts On Musical Theatre College Auditions Nov 30, 2020

Show notes

There are so many factors, many of them out of your control, that go into whether or not someone is accepted into a musical theatre college program. Host Maggie Bera (Texas State BFA MT '17) addresses the current state of college auditions and dishes her best advice on how to set yourself up for success.

Maggie Bera is a NYC-based actress and proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Off-Broadway, she originated the role of Ruby in Helen on 86th St. at the Chernuchin Theatre. Regionally, Maggie appeared as Aquata, u/s Ariel in The Little Mermaid and u/s Christine Daae in Phantom at the Fireside Theatre, as Lucy Van Pelt in The World According to Snoopy at Theatre Under The Stars, Les Miserables at Connecticut Repertory Theatre directed by Broadway legend Terrence Mann, and as Wendy in Peter Pan. She has appeared in numerous television, print and radio ads. Maggie is also the founder of the actor lifestyle blog, podcast, and online learning community, Actor Aesthetic.

Her work has been featured on BroadwayWorld, Backstage, Playbill, Medium, The Broadway Collective, and more.

The 2020 Actor Aesthetic Holiday Gift Guide is HERE! Click here or go to www.actoraesthetic.com/holiday.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

College, Moving to NYC + Relationships Within The Industry with Omar Lopez-Cepero (On Your Feet!) Nov 23, 2020

Show notes

Omar Lopez-Cepero was last seen in the Off-Broadway production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown playing the role of Vincenzo. Other Broadway/Off-Bway credits include OBC of On Your Feet!, OBC of American Idiot, and The Public Theatre’s Central Park Concert of The Capeman at the Delacorte. Regional/Tour credits include: World Premiere of The Flamingo Kid (Alejandro) at Hartford Stage, Revisal Premiere of Paint Your Wagon (Armando) at The MUNY, Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson) at TUTS, Evita (Che) National Tour, The Fulton Theater, and (Peron) starring opposite his wife as Eva in Bay Street Theatre’s reimagined production of Evita. TV credits: Blue Bloods (CBS), The Detour (TBS), Vegas (CBS). He is graduate of The University of Miami Frost School of Music with a degree in Vocal Performance. Alongside his performing career, he has developed a Voice/Acting studio where he enjoys coaching actors and singers to maximize their potential. www.omarlopezcepero.com @omarlopezcepero

In episode 112, Omar chats with NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera about why he switched degrees from Musical Theatre to Vocal Performance, what he learned on tour, his difficult transition to NYC, why he stresses the importance of vocal technique, how he got his Equity card, how he spent 10 years working on bringing the The Unsinkable Molly Brown revival to NYC, and how he balances a relationship within the industry with his brilliant wife and fellow actor, Arianna Rosario.

The 2020 Actor Aesthetic Holiday Gift Guide is HERE! Click here or go to www.actoraesthetic.com/holiday.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com

Growing Up On Broadway, Studying at Juilliard + Manifesting You Dreams with Shereen Pimentel (West Side Story) Nov 16, 2020

Show notes

Shereen Pimentel is a recent graduate of the Juilliard School. Theater: Maria in West Side Story (Broadway); Young Nala in The Lion King (Broadway); Road Show (Encores! Off-Center); Rapunzel in Into the Woods (Juilliard). She is also featured in John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch (Netflix).

In episode 111, Shereen chats with NYC-based actress and host Maggie Bera about how she stalked Disney channel’s website and booked her very first Broadway show, what her college audition process and why she chose Juilliard, how she made it through the insane audition process for West Side Story, how she finished her degree during the pandemic, and why she’s choosing to manifest greatness!

The 2020 Actor Aesthetic Holiday Gift Guide is HERE! Click here or go to www.actoraesthetic.com/holiday.

To join the Actor Aesthetic Alliance Facebook group, click here.

Spread love and don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Actor Aesthetic Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info.

Follow Maggie Bera on social media

Instagram: @actoraesthetic / @maggiebera

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActorAesthetic/

Email: maggie@actoraesthetic.com