Welcome to "I Know Things Now." I’m Michael, a seasoned performer in my early 50s, exploring the entertainment industry's inner workings. Despite my journey's deviations, I've gained valuable insights, especially in facing personal struggles. Through candid talks with experts, I demystify musical theatre's challenges, inspiring emerging talents and those confronting their own obstacles. Each episode shares diverse perspectives, normalizing the industry's uncertainties and offering comfort to fellow performers. Join us for stories that may become your inspiration.
Join me for a great chat with Leah Lim where we discuss among many many things, what it takes to be a good ensemble member and how to look after your mental, physical and nutritional health to maintain a long career in the musical theatre. Leah was just about to open in the Melbourne season of Sunset Boulevard... I know, so long ago...but due to my being in a busy rehearsal schedule and short run show and then heading straight overseas, I finally was able to publish this episode, just as Sunset played its last audience in Sydney! Its a long chat but very important...so grab a cuppa, go for a walk or do what you do and settle in with the wonderful Leah to be inspired by a woman who has a solid career in this biz!
3 Sept 2024
Geraldine Turner - A Legend's Life in the Biz
I totally fangirled here - talking with one of my heroes, Geraldine Turner! (instagram (https://www.instagram.com/geb_turner/?hl=en)) (facebook (https://www.facebook.com/geraldine.turner.73)) A true legend of Australian entertainment. She has done it all. Theatre, Musical Theatre, Cabaret, TV, mentored and written a wonderful biography, 'Turner's Turn'. Join me as. we discuss a vast career, the ups and downs, the damn good life theatre is as well as how bloody hard it is...but there's nothing else like it and when it's good, it is just so so good! Do what I did and go down a Geraldine rabbit hole on youtube to see what a true star is. She cuts to the core of a line, a lyric, a move. She gets to the point and leaves the audience wanting more. Check out this clip of Geraldine on Parkinson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8iiJ-2SnQE), that she herself admits she does a bloody good job. You can leave me a message and follow me on instagram (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/?hl=en)
18 Aug 2024
Sophie Carter - Mental Health in the Performing Arts
Hey peeps! It's a marathon ep (1h50m), with the impressive Sophie Carter of Centred Stage (https://www.centredstage.com/) Performing Arts Counselling and Coaching. In this joyous and important episode, Sophie shares hilarious anecdotes from her stellar career as a performing artist, from lounge room shows to WAAPA to major musical including Priscilla & Urinetown to becoming a coach and counsellor for performing artists. It was a real privilege to speak with Sophie. Not having seen her for 16 years, I marvelled at her career change and perspectives on life and showbiz. I want to thank her for helping to make good mental wellbeing a focus and hopefully in the not too distant future a non-negotiable in the arts. If you are having some mental health struggles or need help with her experience in the arts, this could be the chat you needed to hear. Check out Sophie's business website, Centred Stage (https://www.centredstage.com/) for more information. Chookas!
31 Jul 2024
Anne Wood - Having a lifelong career
Talking with Australian theatre legend Anne Wood (https://www.facebook.com/people/Anne-Wood/pfbid0ezH4oXiNRza1RcireTF9TPUdbEy2dBfNdnYy2NzrA77NLmtdGkKjufhtAftTPcpHl/)was an hilarious and inspiring treat. From her early days, nonchalantly fumbling through a Cats audition to becoming a leading and lasting player in our wonderful industry, Anne shares wonderful anecdotes and words of wisdom in this great chat. Anne has performed in roles all around the world but we are glad she calls Australia home. She's a one of kind performer, a mother, a sister, a teacher...so many facets to her life that keep her grounded and generous. So glad she had the time to share with me on And I Know Things Now (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/).
14 Jul 2024
Susan-Ann Walker - Performing, creating, surviving and thriving!
Susan-Ann Walker (https://www.instagram.com/susanann.walker/) pounced onto the stage in Cats in its first Australasian tour way back before mobile phones were a thing! She has carved out for herself a wonderful career in musicals including the Aussie premiere of The Secret Garden, playing Martha, through to playing Rosie in the Aussie tour of The Wedding Singer. Her cabaret credits are vast and she is currently writing and workshopping a play with music, Ukulele Joy, which we should all look forward to seeing in the near future. Susan-Ann is a wonder and you will be inspired to hear how this talented woman has juggled performing, teaching, being a mum and partner as well as having a beautiful 14 year old pug who you will hear tapping on the floor and grunting! This conversation was a pure joy and I am sure it will offer you great inspiration and a few giggles. Thanks for the lovely afternoon tea Susan-Ann.
30 Jun 2024
Conor Neylon - Writing and composing as a performer
Privileged to talk with uber talented Conor Neylon (https://www.instagram.com/conor_neylon_/) this week about being a performer and also a composer/writer. No BS here...Conor is legit with writing credits that include the award winning musical The Beep Test which he wrote with his collaborating partner Jackson Peele (Neylon & Peele (https://www.neylonandpeele.com/)). Conor can sing, dance, is a multi instrumentalist and writer. He is also a beautiful upstanding human being. Be inspired!
16 Jun 2024
Natalie Gamsu - Creating your own work
I'm back! Series 2 kicks off with special guest Natalie Gamsu (https://www.instagram.com/nataliegamsu/). She is on the cusp of opening her one woman show 'Shrapnel' (https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/shrapnel/)at 45 Downstairs (https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/)in Melbourne. Natalie is a powerhouse performer who has carved a career for herself in the cabaret world, leading her to also find her place in theatre, musical theatre, TV, film and teaching. Be inspired by her story and find your own motivation to take the lead on your own career. It's not always an easy industry to work in but when it's good the pay off is so, so good...which is why so many of us hang in there. Natalie's generosity is on full display in this episode as she shares so many amazing anecdotes and experiences. Enjoy!
12 May 2024
Lizzi Gee - Auditions from a panel perspective & more
In this final episode of Series 1, And I Know Things Now (https://wwwhttps://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/), I speak with the ridiculously talented UK choreographer Lizzi Gee (https://lizzigee.com/). Not only did she come to Australia to choreograph Groundhog Day (https://www.instagram.cohttps://www.instagram.com/groundhogdayau/m/groundhogdayau/), she is currently working on a Dolly Parton musical before taking on a new musical by Elvis Costello, A Face In The Crowd (https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/face-the-crowd), at the New Vic. Lizzi opens up about her own musical theatre origins and how she went from a performer to a choreographer. She also offers great advice for those of us heading in through those doors to face a panel at an audition. A great chat with an amazing creative force. Enjoy!
5 May 2024
Connor Sweeney - Surviving a long run
In this episode of And I Know Things Now (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/), I speak with the delightful Connor Sweeney (https://www.instagram.com/connor.flackbip/?hl=en) from Groundhog Day (https://www.instagram.com/groundhogdayau/) and original cast member of Australia's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Connor shares insights and experience in the industry with his own unique brilliance in perspectives on how to thrive in a long run and offers great tips in general for seeing life in such a loving and nourishing way. During this last interview from the backstage of Groundhog Day we discover that Elise McCann (https://www.instagram.com/elise_mccann/?hl=en) is his celebrity crush and Connor almost spills the tea on one of the Harry Potter illusions!
28 Apr 2024
Madison Green - Auditions, another perspective
This episode of And I Know Things Now (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/), I speak with Madison Green (https://www.instagram.com/maddyjuliagreen/) from Groundhog Day (https://www.instagram.com/groundhogdayau/) and Opera Australia's (https://www.instagram.com/operaaustralia/) Sunset Boulevard (https://sunsetmusical.com.au/). Madison shares her insights and experience in the industry with brilliant resources and perspectives to inspire you as you start your career or refresh your approach to the work you already do. Seriously, she had me booking lessons and working on myself within minutes! You can also check out Madison Green on her website madisonjuliagreen.com (https://www.madisonjuliagreen.com/)
22 Apr 2024
That's A Wrap! with Andy Karl & the cast of Groundhog Day the musical, Australia
Groundhog Day the musical has finally reached the end of its Melbourne season and to celebrate, in this special episode of And I Know Things Now (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/), I speak with the one and only Andy Karl (https://www.instagram.com/andy_karl/?hl=en), aka Phil Connors in Groundhog Day the Musical (https://www.instagram.com/groundhogdayau/). He opens up about his career and challenges he has faced as a performer. Andy blessed Melbourne audiences with his Tony nominated and Olivier Award winning performance, sharing the stage with 21 Aussies and New Zealanders to make this a very special theatrical experience. It's along episode but a good one so, check your ticket, find your seat and enjoy. Thanks also to our producers as GWB for supporting me in allowing me to record these first episodes backstage at the Princess Theatre.
14 Apr 2024
Elise McCann
This week on And I Know Things Now (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/?hl=en), I speak with Groundhog Day (https://www.instagram.com/groundhogdayau/?hl=en) the Musical's leading lady and Australian theatre gem, Elise McCann (https://www.instagram.com/elise_mccann/?hl=en). We talk about her love for musicals, where that came from and explore how important mental health awareness is in the industry and how Elise tackles work/life balance. One of the busiest people I know in the business of show, Elise is a co founder of the health/wellness tech company, Hey Lemonade (https://www.instagram.com/heylemonade_official/?hl=en). Elise will enthuse and inspire anyone with her stories and perspectives.
7 Apr 2024
Ashleigh Rubenach - Typecasting
This week on And I Know Things Now (https://www.instagram.com/andiknowthingsnowpod/?hl=en), I speak with Groundhog Day (https://www.instagram.com/groundhogdayau/?hl=en) the Musical's one and only Ashleigh Rubenach (https://www.instagram.com/ashleighrubenach/?hl=en) about how and why she got into musical theatre and we explore issues, good and bad, about 'typecasting'. Ashleigh shares fun and powerful stories and touches on what is like to be 'Playing Nancy' in Groundhog Day and about her upcoming venture playing Betty Schaefer in GWB and Opera Australia's new production of Sunset Boulevard (https://sunsetmusical.com.au/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiMmwBhDmARIsABeQ7xSv9bLCL6vR0GP_2_Yf7dWSLpAFpC7xUwXh9qq-1osKXhzqVk-ZOVsaAlMyEALw_wcB).
*Trigger warning - we do discuss an eating disorder in the episode and for those in Australia needing to seek support or reach out contact Butterfly (https://butterfly.org.au/) online or 1800 33 4673 or check your local area for support.
31 Mar 2024
Andrew Coshan - Auditions
In this pilot episode I speak with Groundhog Day the Musical's Andrew Coshan, rising star in the Australasian theatre scene. Andrew shares his 'origin story' and how he approaches auditions. Of course we get off topic occasionally - but I like to go where the conversation leads us.
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