EP. 19 - Eric Jackson

Welcome back to another episode of “Behind the Curtain” from RMT! In this episode, we are excited to introduce our new Associate Artistic Director, Eric Jackson. While Eric is new to Birmingham and to RMT, he is absolutely no stranger to the world of theatre! In this episode, we learn about how Eric began his musical theatre journey, his career as a performer, as well as his past and present roles at Red Mountain. Please join us in welcoming Eric to our community!

Welcome to another episode of "Behind the Curtain” from RMT! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Morgan Smith, the star of Red Mountain’s new production, “Every Brilliant Thing”. In this episode, Morgan and Roy discuss the multitude of complexities involved in producing a traveling show with only one cast member, the importance of working on a piece with such a strong message, and Morgan’s life and career as an actress and household icon. Join us for an episode that is sure to make your own list of Brilliant Things!

This is a very special episode of “Behind the Curtain” for Red Mountain Theatre. In commemoration of 9/11, Roy sits down with Karen Musgrove, a Birmingham local who served as a licensed therapist for 9/11 victims in the New York and New Jersey area in 2001. Karen gives a first-hand account of what it was like to serve as a counselor for the family members of 9/11 victims, what her role was in helping those individuals heal, and what it was like for her to witness the aftermath of such a traumatic event. Join us as Karen shares her unique and eye-opening perspective on a story and event that has united us all for the past 25 years.

Join us for another episode of Behind the Curtain as we meet with Amy Johnson! In this episode, we sit down with Amy as she shares stories of her past projects, her current roles in Come From Away, and the many different ways in which she has always been involved in theatre. Tune in as Amy brings a fresh, uplifting perspective on how the entertainment industry can shape not only individuals, but communities as a whole, to bring about positive, lasting change. Be prepared to smile and laugh along with Amy and Roy in this cheery, heartfelt episode.

This episode of Behind the Curtain features multitalented actress Valerie Accetta. Valerie is currently the head of the Musical Theatre department at UAB as well as an actress in Red Mountain Theatre's "Come From Away". In this podcast, Valerie discusses what it is like to play the roles of Beverley Bass and Annette in the show, as well as what this production means to her personally. Join us as Valerie details her life as a performer, director, teacher, and mother and as she explores how each of these roles have impacted and guided her life on and off the stage. 

Step behind the scenes with host Roy Lightner as he sits down with the multi-talented Caleb Clark, an actor in Red Mountain Theatre’s production of Come From Away. In this episode, Caleb shares his unique journey navigating the world as both a theatrical actor and a successful visual painter. Discover his beautiful artistic philosophy of being a "pane of glass" for the story, the challenges of creating in solitude versus the freedom of theater, and what it's like to transition in a matter of seconds between two very different characters, Doug and Nick, in Come From Away. 

In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the brilliant Sara Brians, the director and choreographer bringing Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life.Tune in as Sara shares her incredible journey from Northern California to New York City. She discusses starting dance at age four and booking her first professional job as a Radio City Rockette at just 18 years old. Listeners will be amazed to hear how she rapidly booked her first Broadway show in the revival of 42nd Street, stepping on stage as a swing covering 26 different tracks after only four days of rehearsal!Listen as they dive into Sara's transition from performing to creative leadership. She opens up about her experiences as a resident choreographer for massive Broadway hits like Billy Elliot and Matilda, detailing the rigorous process of teaching the legendary, high-stakes "alphabet gate" choreography in Matilda. Sara also shares her deeply collaborative philosophy as a director, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space where artists aren't afraid to take risks and fail.Beyond her past projects, Sara reveals her imaginative vision for The Little Mermaid, using reflective fabrics, projections, and massive puppet sea anemones to transport audiences underwater. She also discusses her profound connection to Ariel's search for identity and her future aspirations to create site-specific and immersive theater in non-traditional spaces.

In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the incredibly talented Matthew Piper, who stars as Prince Eric in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.Tune in as Matthew shares his unique journey to the stage, starting from his childhood growing up on a farm in a small Alabama town where his family wasn't familiar with the theater world. He hilariously recounts his very first audition in the fifth grade—where he snagged a role by singing the "Cup Song" from Pitch Perfect without the actual cup—and explains how the strong sense of belonging and community kept him hooked on the arts. Listeners will also hear the full-circle story of how a welcoming college audition led by Roy himself convinced Matthew to officially pursue a musical theater degree at UAB.Listen as they dive into Matthew's blossoming career, transitioning straight from a nine-month stint performing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to stepping into the shoes of an iconic Disney prince. He reveals the fun fact that he actually first played the role of Prince Eric in the eighth grade, making this a true homecoming moment. Matthew opens up about redefining success on his own terms, navigating life chapter by chapter, and his pursuit of finding ultimate freedom and a "flow state" during his performances. He also shares how looking up to grounded, talented artists like his Frozen co-star Sarah Fernandez has shaped his own professional trajectory.Beyond his current success, Matthew speaks about his simple but profound dream: to experience as much of life as possible and remain happy in whatever path he chooses to take. He reveals a beautiful personal practice on stage, sharing how he uses his moments of true artistic freedom to sing a silent "thank you" to the family, friends, and mentors who have supported his journey.Whether you're a local theater supporter, a young artist figuring out your path, or just someone who loves a heartwarming story of finding your people, this joyful and grounded episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the phenomenal Liz McCartney, who brings her stellar reputation to the role of Ursula in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.Tune in as Liz shares her incredible journey to the Broadway stage. She talks about growing up in a musical family where she even produced the "McCartney family Christmas album", attending the Boston Conservatory, and getting her Actors Equity card right before her senior year. She reminisces about moving to New York in 1990, using the off-Broadway show Nunsense as her reliable "waitressing job" between regional gigs, before rapidly booking the Les Misérables tour and heading to Broadway with The Phantom of the Opera.Listen as they dive into the realities of a lifelong career in the theater industry. Liz opens up about navigating industry changes, from the grueling shift to at-home self-tape auditions to the evolving reasons casting directors give for rejection as an actor ages. She also discusses her full-circle connection to her current show, revealing that she was actually in the very first full workshop of The Little Mermaid. With a resume bursting with iconic shows, Liz gets real about the rigorous reality of an eight-show week, emphasizing that true professionals give 100% of themselves every single day, rather than relying on theater "magic".Beyond her own performances, Liz discusses her deep love for teaching and the profound emotional impact of helping young students feel truly "seen". She shares hilariously candid stories about dedicated fans and stalkers, her experience making the legendary Stephen Sondheim laugh, and why her definitive answer for her favorite movie is Die Hard. Ultimately, Liz reveals that despite her massive list of Broadway credits, she hopes her castmates remember her most as a genuine collaborator who works with them rather than just a diva plopped into the center of the stage.Whether you're a seasoned performer, a dedicated theatergoer, or just someone who loves a refreshingly honest look at a life in the arts, this hilarious and insightful episode is a must-listen!

Under the Sea with Avionce Hoyles: From the Church Choir to SebastianIn this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the incredibly talented Avionce Hoyles, who steps into the iconic role of Sebastian in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.Tune in as Avionce shares his inspiring journey to the stage, starting from his childhood growing up in a religious Southern Baptist household in South Carolina, where his singing was initially confined to the church. He reveals how a second-grade improv workshop helped him discover his comedic chops and how his high school theater teacher ultimately convinced him to pursue an arts scholarship instead of becoming a clinical therapist.Listen as they dive into Avionce's full-circle connection with The Little Mermaid. He discusses how seeing Titus Burgess play Sebastian on Broadway completely blew his mind as a young college student at AMDA, and how becoming a new uncle in real life has deeply influenced his current, grounded take on the beloved crab. Avionce also shares an unforgettable audition story for Jesus Christ Superstar, where a director challenged him to bring his "full self" to the role of King Herod a moment that forever changed his artistic trajectory.Beyond his current role, Avionce speaks passionately about rejecting the romanticized "starving artist" trope, emphasizing that artists are highly trained professionals who provide the world's essential entertainment. He opens up about his personal love letter to the Queen of Rock and Roll with his touring solo show, Dear Tina, and shares his ultimate dream: to become a dynamic producer who discovers and elevates new, untapped talent, much like his idol Quincy Jones.Whether you're an aspiring performer, a passionate theater fan, or someone looking for a little motivation to chase your own dreams, this deeply moving and laugh-out-loud episode is a must-listen!