Cue To Cue: The Performers' Podcast

Do you know what happens to the brain when we improvise? How does it differ from our brain activity during hypnosis? In this episode, Actor/Improvisor, Colin Mochrie will share his eye-opening experience when he collaborated with Dr. Charles Limb to unravel how the brain works during improv. Colin found himself improvising inside an MRI scanner for 1.5 hours, and the findings revealed a decrease in activity in the brain region responsible for self-criticism, coupled with an increase in creativity. Colin also shared that this is also the same thing that happens during hypnosis, part of the brain stops producing self-doubt and worry.  Empower your mind to silence self-doubt, let your brain ignite the fire of possibility and propel you towards your greatest achievements.   In this episode: Who we are as people is amplified during hypnosis. Colin learned from his debut on “Whose Line Is It Anyway” that he preferred taking action over doing nothing whatever the outcome may be. An artist is someone who is never content with what he/she is doing; you have to be curious about the world and other people. A little about Colin: ‘Colin Mochrie is an alumnus of Toronto’s famous Second City comedy troupe. After nine years as a regular on the British improvisation series ”Whose Line Is It Anyway?’‘, he became a regular on the American version hosted by Drew Carey, which ran six years and is now being rebooted by the CW network. Colin was a cast member of CBC’s ”This Hour Has 22 Minutes’‘  2001- 2003.  With his wife, Debra McGrath, he produced, wrote and starred in the CBC show ”Getting Along Famously”  Currently, he is part of a very successful tour with “Whose Line” cast mate Brad Sherwood, performing a live improv show across North America.  Follow Colin! Online: http://www.colinmochrie.com Facebook: Colin Mochrie X: @colinmochrie Instagram: @colinmochrie7591

What surprising moment led you to discover a passion you never knew you had? How did it transform your life?  In this week's episode, Sarah "Polerina" will share her story, recounting the journey of how she serendipitously discovered her love for pole dancing while searching for activities on Groupon. She is the perfect example of someone who dared to venture beyond her comfort zone and stumbled upon something unexpectedly remarkable.  In this episode: People avoid pole dance for the first time because they're not athletic, flexible or fit enough; but pole dance is for everybody. Stress and pressure don't guarantee victory, which is why finding enjoyment in the competition is crucial to our mental health. If you're thinking about trying pole dancing, just do it and be amazed by what it does to you physically and mentally. We can embrace our body and choose what aspects we wish to showcase on a public platform. A little about Sarah: Sarah fell head over Pleaser Heels for pole dancing in 2015 and specializes in low flow and heelwork. With a passion for the fundamentals and the unconventional, she helps beginners to advanced dancers connect with their inner magic. A lover of the tallest platforms and the tiniest of details, she cultivates her own brand of sinuous and intoxicating flow. Sarah is a certified Heels and Liquid Motion Pole instructor, and has won several awards in Pole Sport Organization, CPFA Pro Supershow, and CPFA Nationals. Her classes and workshops are rooted in the fundamentals and focused on technique, sensuality and play. Sarah firmly believes that there is no one perfect way to pole dance, and that you can always make your basics look advanced. Follow Sarah! Instagram: @sarah.polerina

Have you ever thought of pursuing a different career or craft? Do you want to try something new; but you’re worried that you might lose everything you’ve already worked hard for? Just take a step and start pursuing it. In this week’s episode, Actor/Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Bruce Dow reminds us that nobody likes change. Anybody who can’t sit still, and want to do something different is free to pursue it. Slow down, take the pressure off and rest.  Don’t be afraid to start all over again. In this episode: We are not unsafe if someone has a belief that is different from my own. The challenges that Bruce experienced during the pandemic led him to pursue psychotherapy. As artists, we are more than what we do; we have to live in the reality of life. The impact of allowing ourselves to rest and unplug from the world to our mental health. SHARE THIS EPISODE >> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/242-2 A little about Bruce: 4 x Dora Award nominee / 2 x winner, Bruce (B) Dow is best known for their five featured roles on Broadway; 12 seasons in leading roles at the Stratford Festival; and for lending their voice to popular animated series like Total Drama Island and Thomas & Friends. During the pandemic, Bruce went back to university to obtain a master’s degree in intercultural psychotherapy and multi-faith psychospiritual care. Now a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in clinical practice, Bruce is passionate about using their research to help artists better engage with their lives and careers. Follow Bruce! Instagram: @dowbruce Twitter: @DowBruce Website: brucedow.com

It’s been a second! But we are back! 🎙️🙌 There have been some major changes in my life over the past few months in my life. What an adventure life can be… am I right??? #ohboy In the last 3 months : •My relationship/marriage of 17 years came to an end •I have moved into my own place and am living alone for the very first time in my life! •Decided to start my fertility journey to see if its possible to freeze my eggs at age 39 Let’s zoom in on that last one🧐 Did you know you can actually find out your fertility levels? Like how many eggs are in your Easter basket ?🧺 and if you ovulated properly and how old you are in fertility years? Did you know it is very affordable to do so? 🫨 I know this can be a sensitive topic… but I think it’s important to talk about I wish I had know more about fertility options when I was younger. I was NOT educated about it! Not in health class, not by doctors, no one !😩🤬 It’s often the case that artists/performers’ put off some major life stuff to pursue their passion and craft. 💯 One of those life events for many is having children. There are so many reasons there isn’t enough space here … On today’s episode of Cue To Cue I am opening up about my decision to attempt to freeze my eggs I am at the initial stage of my journey, monitoring my fertility health to see if egg freezing is viable option for me.  I am not even sure I want children but I know that I want options. 🤞🏻💯 As I have opened up to people about my situation and journey, It has become apparent that so many people are as unaware as I was! This can’t be the case! Not on my watch!  My whole mission us to empower artists/creatives and so here I go! Learn from my experience. If even if this helps just one person it is is worth sharing On today’s episode l, I am going to walk you through the entire process of monitoring your fertility cycle and take the mystery associated with the process, cost, and what options are available.   Please share this far and wide as I think it can empower others and potentially save a a lot of heartbreak! Share : https://thisischelseajohnson.com/241-2/   FOLLOW Cue To Cue:  I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson  

Are you interested in drag but not sure how to get started? Are you a fan of drag shows and want to explore the creative world around it? In this week’s episode,  Actor/Drag Queen, Noah Tremblay, takes us behind the scenes of her journey to becoming Just Peachy.  She stresses the importance of seeing local drag shows and performers in allowing us to immerse ourselves in their culture and learn how personal drag is to everybody. She also recommends trying to perform in an open mic night and seeking assistance from  drag queens since they will be willing help you in every way possible. Everybody should try drag at least once to discover that sense of play within themselves and let their inner child have fun. In this episode: Drag was always within Noah, it’s a personification of what her younger self wanted to do. Being kind, professional and passionate are the most important things when you want to be a drag queen. It’s important to treat drag performers with respect and reverence that they deserve because they put a lot of time and effort for their performance.  How Noah’s father influenced him to always be in tune with the world around her and how it impacts various aspects of him life. A little about Noah: Originally from Pickering, Noah grew up wanting to perform for others, be it family, classmates, or even their own reflection. Despite being a flamboyant, feminine, closeted kid, he never shied away from being in the spotlight.  Having decided to pursue a career in the world of stage performance, Noah went on to train in singing, acting, and dancing. He then went on to perform with local theatre companies in shows like Legally Blonde and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. During previews for the Canadian regional premiere of Kinky Boots, his first equity contract, in 2020, the worldwide Covid shutdown pushed Noah to come up with a new avenue for channeling their love of performing. Thus, a new drag queen, Just Peachy, was born out of a need for growth, a love for the art form, and a longing to be back in the spotlight. Now a working queen in Toronto, Just Peachy combines all of her professional training with her ability to serve face, hair flips, and all around cheekiness. She draws inspiration from pop icons such as Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé, as well as Broadway divas like Kristin Chenoweth, Shoshana Bean, and Liza Minelli. Just Peachy is essence of flamboyance, ferocity and fruitiness Just Peachy has done a few competitions during her time in Toronto. Namely, coming in second in the ABSOLUT Empire’s Ball season 3, as well as placing in the top 10 at the Miss El Convento Rico 2022 pageant. Her star has risen quickly and it continues to climb, thanks to the passion and effort put in by a queer kid from Pickering named Noah. Follow Noah! Instagram: @noah.tremblay @itsmejustpeachy  

Do you consider yourself a writer? I mean… we can all write. Right? Right! I think… do I have even anything to say? What if what i write sucks? Does this sounds like you?  I can certainly relate!  This is why I was so incredibly excited to sit down and speak with Poet/Theatre Performer/Writing Coach, David Silverberg, to gain some knowledge and insight into not only his wirting process but how those who are intersted in getting started on their writing journey can do so with as little negaitivity and open mind as possible! David reminds us that writing isn’t supposed to be “easy”.  So, maybe we should stop wating for it to become easy and just start.  A little about David: David Silverberg is a published poet, spoken word performer, theatre artist and writing coach. He is the former artistic director of Toronto Poetry Slam, a competitive poetry series that takes place at The Drake Hotel, and is the author of two poetry collections. His first solo show Jewnique debuted in 2018 and his second solo show debuted in March. Before & After is a tender and powerful story about his father’s having OCD, a mental condition that is poorly portrayed in media. He has performed his poetry and theatre work across Canada and in New York, Paris and London in the UK. In 2021, he launched a coaching business for creative and non-fiction writers as well as a monthly newsletter Become a Better Writer. Find out more about him at Davidsilverberg.ca Follow David:  T: @SilverbergDave F: @DaveSilverbergWriter   Connect with Cue To Cue ! I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson T: @thisischelseaj

Today I am relasinng a podcast workshop I gave with the wonderful Janet McMordie of Second Act Actors Podcast live from the Association Of Actinf Educators and Coaches Conference.  If you have ever been curious about startgin your own podcast or wondered what goes on behind the scenes today's episode is sure to get your creative juices flowing. Enjoy!! Connect with Cue To Cue:  I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson W https://thisischelseajohnson.com/

Do you get frustrated when the creative process isn’t going as planned? Do you get impatient when another artist is not going in the same direction as you hoped?  Patience isn’t easy, it requires constant effort and awareness to shift our mindset to remind ourselves that everyone has a different creative approach to art.  Musician/Actor/Singer Jamie McRoberts will remind us in this week’s episode that our minds are unique and work differently than everyone else’s. Everyone has their own magic or something that they’re good at, that’s why we can’t expect everyone to be in the same page every single time. Even if someone’s creative process is different, we all have the same goal which is to provide the best art we could give at that moment. Follow Cue TO Cue! I: @thisischelseajohnson F: @thisischelseajohnson In this episode: How the pandemic allowed Jamie to discover other passions outside of her artistic identity. In order to stay grounded in the ups and downs of the creative lifestyle, Jamie tries to remember that she has so many things outside of the artistic world that matter. Be who you are because you are interesting, you have a story to tell, stop being what people are telling you they think of you because they’re coming from the outside in and that’s not who people are. Artists are storytellers and community leaders, we can tell stories anywhere and that is why we’ve survived for so long; people need to hear about other people going through similar things and having that connection. A little about Jamie: Jamie McRoberts is a singer, actor, dancer and musician from Oakville, Ontario. She is a classically trained pianist and vocalist having completed her Grade 8 Royal Conservatory for Voice and her Grade 10 Royal Conservatory for Piano. She has been training as an actor/performer since the age of 5 and as a professional performer has not only performed Canada wide, but has performed Internationally. She graduated George Brown Theatre School’s Classical Theatre Conservatory Program and was immediately launched into a professional career predominantly as musical theatre performer. She has received awards and accolades along the way such as the Second City Comedy Award from her theatre school, A Dora Mavor Moore Award as part of the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz at Young People’s Theatre in Toronto, Ontario, and has received several nominations for her work on stage. Some of her favourite credits include Rock of Ages at Stage West Calgary, All Shook Up at Stage West Mississauga, The Baker’s Wife with Talk Is Free Theatre performed at the iconic Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto, April Fools at the Segal Center in Montreal where she was able to put her musician skills to work as an actor/musician and her performance in For Both Resting and Breeding which was performed in Adelaide, Australia. She is currently in Maggie, a new Canadian Musical created and co-written by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray. She recently decided to dive back into her musician roots, and try her hand at song writing and has found the missing piece to her puzzle. Follow Jamie! Online: Jamie McRoberts Album: COA Productions Facebook: @JamieMcRoberts Instagram: @jamiemcroberts77

 What are your hesitations or thoughts that hinder you from sharing your ideas as an artist? Are you struggling with how much you should share or who to share it to? You are not alone. In this week's episode, Actor/Playwright/Director, Griffin Hewitt will share his current challenges on discerning which content to sit with or put out. He reminds us that we don't have to figure it out on our own and we don't always need to be the voice in the project for our ideas to live. We can leverage the skills and energy from other artists to help put our ideas into fruition. You  don't need to be everything to create art. In this episode: Griffin wants to honour people who are choosing to leave their homes to attend an interactive experiences that give them a really fun world to escape in for a little bit. The purpose of an artist is to allow one's imagination to physically and tangibly change the world around them, instead of allowing the world around them to change their imagination. We always get into the mode that something is settled or real and we  need people who are able to imagine something new, speak up and can slowly work that idea through culture and institutions.  An artist is someone who is open to the fact that the world isn't set and can imagine something and make it happen.   BIO: Griffin Hewitt is a theatre creator originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, now based in Toronto. After graduating Sheridan College’s music theatre performance program, he went on to originate roles in new Canadian musicals, sing Sondheim in abandon buildings and northern forests, and dress up like a goat to sing Greek poems to pop tracks. As a writer and director Griffin’s work focuses on the intersections between mythic storytelling, popular culture and new media, and queer, working class stories. He is deeply interested in building a deeper connection to the shared space between audience and performer, creating theatrical experiences that connect, challenge, and engage everyone in the act of theatre. Follow Griffin! online: OUTHESIS Instagram: @griffinhewitt

Are you an acting coach but can’t find a community to guide you? Are you an acting educator who wants to update your teaching skills and knowledge?  In this week’s episode, Actor/Painter/Teacher/Activist, Jennifer Wigmore would take us on a journey on how AACE was established to create a community amongst acting coaches and educators in Canada. AACE members share best practices and create standards for performers and workers in the entertainment industry. Together we can make acting training safer and  more empowering for everyone! In this episode: How an unfortunate casting experience evolved into Jennifer’s green light to quit acting. How pursuing another artistic passion lead Jen to discover all creative endeavours are drawn from the same well. Just because you’re a good actor doesn’t mean you’re a good teacher; sometimes your acting experience does not correlate into good teaching skills. The conversations about what we need to know as acting coaches and educators have changed so much that everyone needs to update their knowledge about how to create respect based classrooms and how not to hurt people. A little about Jennifer: Jennifer is a multidisciplinary artist in acting, writing, and visual art, and has worked for over twenty years as a professional artist. She has performed in theatre’s across Canada including The Arts Club, Citadel Theatre, Tarragon Theatre, Theatre Center, Canadian Stage Company and the Stratford Festival. Jennifer has also appeared in numerous television series and films including; Dream Scenario, Christmas as the Drive In, The Winter Palace, Y: The Last Man, Malory Towers, Adult Adoption, Happy Place, Designated Survivor, Anne with an E, Impulse, Killjoys, Suits, Kart Racer, Little Men, and I Was a Sixth Grade Alien. She has just been cast as Chief April Anderson in the highly anticipated series Cross, based on James Pattersons novels, starring Aldis Hodge. She also narrated Todd Babiak’s novel, The Spirits Up. She completed her BFA and MFA at OCAD University and continues to work as an acting coach and educator as well as a painting instructor. In addition to being a core member of the activist group Got Your Back, Jennifer is also a coordinator and steering committee member for AACE – The Association of Acting Coaches and Educators. Jennifer is also currently writing her first play called Measure Follow Jennifer! Online: jenniferwigmore.com,  aactingcoacheseducators.com Instagram: @jenniferwigmore @jenniferwigmoreart @aactingcoacheseducators Facebook: Jennifer Wigmore Jennifer Wigmore Art AACE – Association of Acting Coaches and Educators