Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast
The Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast is your home base for practical vocal training, musical theatre voice technique, and honest conversations about building a career as a performer. Hosted by Broadway vocal coach and voice teacher Chelsea Wilson, each episode explores the real-life challenges singers face—from vocal technique, mix voice, and healthy belting to audition preparation, performance mindset, and navigating the musical theatre industry. If you're a musical theatre singer looking to strengthen your voice and feel more confident in the audition room and on stage, you're in the right place!
10 Variables to Color Your Singing: Part 2
“Sing it with more feeling” is pretty unhelpful advice if you don’t know what to actually change...In part two of this series, we’re exploring five more variables you can use to make specific, compelling choices: articulation, dynamics, phrasing, rhythm, and ornamentation. These aren’t boxes to check, they’re levers to pull when a performance feels bland or you’re looking for a different way to tell the story.With plenty of singing examples, you’ll hear why your audition cut needs hills AND valleys, how the same phrase can tell two different stories, and why a stylistic choice doesn’t have to be “right”—or even good—to get you to start exploring!You have more options than “sing it louder.” So let’s play with them!📱Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils 👩💻Submit for Office Hours here💌 Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
10 Variables to Color Your Singing: Part 1
You’re hitting the notes... So why does the song still feel a little… meh?Sometimes the missing piece is a more specific vocal choice. In part one of this two-part series, I’m singing through five variables you can use to bring more color, style, and storytelling to your songs: registration, breathiness, vowel color, onsets, and vibrato.With examples from The Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, you’ll hear how small adjustments can change what a phrase communicates—and why there isn’t one “correct” sound for every moment!If your song feels technically fine but not quite alive yet, this episode will give you some new things to try!📱Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils 👩💻Submit for Office Hours here💌 Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
103. How Emily Kristen Morris Built Her Legit Voice. Cross Training, Style, and Genre Bending
What happens when a longtime belter has to get back into legit singing shape?This week Chelsea sits down with her dear friend and student, the incredible Emily Kristen Morris! To talk all about vocal cross-training, rebuilding legit technique after years of contemporary singing, and what it actually takes to move fluidly between vocal styles in today’s musical theatre industry.We recorded this episode over a month ago while Chelsea was still in Come From Away rehearsals and before Emily officially started her new gig as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls… and she just opened last week!In this episode:Vocal cross-training for musical theatre performersRebuilding legit technique after years of beltingWhy “use it or lose it” applies to vocal styles tooThe mindset shifts required when revisiting classical/legit singingBalancing vocal health, stamina, and versatility in a modern MT career? Check out Emily's new Vocal Health Course❤️ Connect with Emily on Instagram and Tiktok?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
102. What Directors Really Notice in the Audition Room with Tim Seib
Chelsea sits down with stage director Tim Seib to talk about what happens on the other side of the table... and we think we may have solved the "too much material for a self tape" problem once and for all!!!Tim is a longtime director at Theatre Raleigh, where he has helmed productions including The Prom, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Fun Home, Once, and The Secret Garden, among many others. He also directed the national tour of Million Dollar Quartet.He has worked with companies across the country including The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, Casa Mañana, La Mirada Theatre, and Arrow Rock Lyceum, and has been deeply involved in the development of new shows.Chelsea and Tim recorded this conversation just before rehearsals began for Come From Away at Theatre Raleigh, where Tim is directing and Chelsea is onstage as Diane (and others!).They discuss what directors are actually watching for in the room — and why the smallest interactions can sometimes say the most.?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
101. Is Your Technique Disappearing in the Room? (+ Office Hours: "Think of Me")
Ever notice that your voice feels solid in the practice room… but suddenly falls apart in auditions, rehearsals, or performances?In this episode, Chelsea breaks down a frustrating experience many singers know well: when your technique seems to disappear the moment the stakes get higher. You’ll learn why this happens and how to build a vocal technique that actually translates from lessons → practice → performance.Plus, as we start season five (!) we’re launching a brand new segment on the podcast: Office Hours!In this first listener submission, Chelsea coaches singer Lisa La Colla through a challenging passage from Christine’s “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera. If you’ve ever wondered why your voice behaves differently when the pressure is on, this episode will give you tools to troubleshoot what’s really going on.And if you’d like to be featured in a future Office Hours segment, you can submit your own singing question or voice memo here: https://chelseawilsonvocalstudio.com/officehours?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
Episode 100. Turning the Page
Can you believe we've made it to 100 episodes?! Neither can we!!Today we're celebrating, but we're also sharing an important update about what’s next.As Broadway Vocal Coach evolves, we’re closing this chapter of the podcast as you’ve known it. We're each moving on to new creative projects and our BVC live classes are coming to an end.But the podcast isn’t going away! Instead, it’s entering a new era. ✨Moving forward, Chelsea will continue the show as a solo host, expanding the conversations, bringing in new voices, and continuing the mission that started this whole project in the first place: helping musical theatre performers build strong voices, sustainable careers, and fulfilling artistic lives.This episode is a celebration, a thank you, and a turning of the page!And if you’ve been with us for one episode or all one hundred — we’re so glad you’re here.? Connect with Chelsea directly @chwils❤️ Connect with Cynthia directly @cynthkw?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
99. What to Do When Your Voice Feels "Off"
What do you do when your voice just… doesn’t feel right?In this episode, we walk through exactly how to troubleshoot those frustrating days when your voice feels fuzzy, crunchy, tired, or unreliable — and how to know when it’s time to rest, adjust your technique, or call in professional help.We cover:How to go on a “fact-finding mission” instead of catastrophizingThe difference between a singing issue and a speaking fatigue issueThe usual suspects: sleep, hydration, hormones, stress, reflux, weather, and moreWhen to rest — and when to gently work through itWhy whispering is actually harder on your voiceThe difference between steaming and nebulizing (and when to use each)The “2-week rule” for seeing a laryngologistThe rare but important red flagsWhy every serious singer should build a voice team before they’re in crisisIf you’re a performer, teacher, or professional voice user, this episode is your calm, practical roadmap for handling vocal uncertainty without spiraling!RESOURCES MENTIONED:? Episode 52: SOVT Exercises: What, Why, and How can singers use them?? Voice Team Locator : find a laryngologist or SLP near you?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
98. Self-Tape Survival Guide: How to Stand Out in 3 Takes or Less
Self-tape takes aren’t rehearsal. They’re the performance!In this episode, we're letting you in on our Self-Tape Survival Guide — from setup basics (lighting, sound, framing, eye line) to performance choices and the mindset shift that will save you hours of frustration.You’ll learn:How to condense physicality without shrinking intentionWhy your takes get worse after take three (!)How to declare your preparation completeAnd how to send it in and let it goReferenced episodes:Episode 83 "Choreographing Attention" with Tom LipinskiEpisode 89 with Kate LumpkinEpisode 73: Eight Dumb Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Self-TapesIf you’ve ever spiraled into 27 takes, questioned your entire career after watching yourself back, or tried to “find it” while filming… This episode is for you.?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
97. Vocal Health for College MT Auditions: Staying Strong in Not-So-Ideal Conditions
Frigid winter weather, germs abound, and someone decided THIS is audition season?! Whether you’re a high school senior heading into college auditions or a professional preparing for a busy season of tapes and callbacks, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world vocal health strategies you can use any time your voice is under pressure. Aspire Program Director Julie Kavanagh sits down with BVC co-founder Chelsea Wilson to talk nerves, stamina, sickness, travel, warmups, and how to sing well even when conditions aren’t ideal.You’ll hear us dive into:How nerves physically affect your voice—and tools to manage themBuilding vocal stamina in the weeks leading up to auditionsWhat to pack in your vocal health kit How to warm up on long or early travel daysWhat to do when you wake up congested or “not at your best”Plus: Chelsea’s go-to grounding ritual, myths to ignore, and the mindset shift that helps singers perform with confidence—even on a 60% voice day.Julie hosts more college audition-related conversations over on the NEW Aspire Youtube Channel! Support the show by hitting subscribe!RESOURCES MENTIONED:Vocal Health for College MT Auditions: Staying Strong in Not-So-Ideal ConditionsChelsea Wilson Vocal Studio Warm-Up Series - A set of 10-minute warmups for mix, legit, and belt—perfect for audition days. On sale thru Dec 31st.FREE 10-Minute Mix Voice Mini-Lesson - Chelsea’s guided warmup to help you activate your mix before auditions.SOVT / Straw Work Resources - Listen to episode 54 the BVC Podcast for a deep dive! Use code "CHELSEA10" to get 10% off your Singing / Straw order: http://lddy.no/qfc8?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
96. Vocal Health Mythbusting — What Singers Actually Need in Busy Seasons
Is clearing my throat bad for my voice? Will dairy make my voice crack? Is belting going to give me nodes? If you’re a singer I’m sure you’ve heard some of these before and wonder, is there any truth to that? In today's replay episode (one of our most popular ever!) we’re dispelling vocal health myths and sharing what voice care practices actually makes a difference in your voice and your overall wellness. If today’s episode reminded you how much your voice matters, come get real support inside BVC Masterclass. Join us monthly to build healthier habits, stronger technique, and a voice you can rely on.Chelsea's Warm-Up Series: use code "BVC20" and save 20% on everything. Video: Vocal Cord Swelling Checks - A Simple Way to Detect the Early Signs of Vocal Injury Sarah K Brown @VocalHealthSKB: Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and Singing Teacher with science-based singing and vocal health tips Elle Nichelle @VocaLabAU: SLP and Singing Teacher. Prevention > Treatment! ?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
95. Stop Raising the Bar: A Thanksgiving Reset for Performers
What if the life you’re living right now… is the one you used to dream about?Today we're taking a brief step away from vocal technique and auditions to talk about something equally essential for performers: gratitude, perspective, and the surprising power of taking stock of what’s already good.Whether you're prepping for holiday travel, a weekend of shows, or finally taking a breath before the winter rush, this episode is your gentle reminder that you’re doing better than you think.In this episode, we unpack:The Reverse To-Do List: Why looking back at what you have done matters more than obsessing about what’s next.Gratitude as a Creative Tool: How noticing tiny joys can motivate you through the hardest stretches of a performing career.The Gift of Aging (Really!): What getting older teaches us about joy, wrinkles, and perspective.Life Seasons & Artistic Seasons: You can’t do everything at once, and why that’s okay.Why You Keep Raising the Bar: The human tendency to move goal posts…and how to reclaim awe for what you already have.If you’re craving a mindset reset before the holidays and want to feel more grounded, grateful, and present in your creative life, this one’s for you. ❤️?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
94. What It Takes to Sing Christine Daaé Eight Shows a Week with Haile Ferrier and Francesca Mehrotra
What does it really take to perform one of the most iconic soprano roles in theatre history? (Hint: it’s more than high notes and pretty gowns!)In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Haile Ferrier and Francesca Mehrotra, two of the six extraordinary women starring as Christine in Masquerade, the new off-Broadway immersive Phantom of the Opera experience directed by Diane Paulus.They open up about:What it’s like to share one of musical theatre’s most iconic soprano roles with five other women.The vocal stamina and ritual it takes to perform this demanding score night after night.The power of representation — and what it means to see a new generation of Christines take the stage.The “Christine Sisterhood” that’s formed behind the scenes, and how collaboration fuels creativity.Whether you’re a singer, a Phantom phan, or an artist hoping for longevity in a demanding career, this conversation is a masterclass in grace, grit, and vocal artistry.?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
93. Why You Still Sound ‘Too Musical Theatre’ in Pop/Rock Auditions (and How to Fix It)
What does "you sound too musical theatre" actually mean?? (Hint: it’s rarely just about your voice) Today we're giving you clear, actionable tools to bridge the stylistic gap between Broadway polish and pop/rock authenticity.In this episode, we unpack:The most common “too musical theatre” habits—and how to fix them.Why “vocal color” is your new best friend: from Billie Eilish breathiness to Whitney Houston wails.How rhythm, vibrato, and vowel choices shape your stylistic credibility.Acting differences between musical theatre storytelling and pop/rock performance.Cynthia’s hot take: why imitation might just be the fastest way to expand your color palette.Whether you’re auditioning for Moulin Rouge, Come From Away, or a 54 Below concert, this conversation will help you understand context, make smarter vocal choices, and finally feel confident crossing over into pop/rock.?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
92. Everything’s Coming Up Elizabeth Teeter: Protecting Your Joy and Your Voice
At just 23, Elizabeth Teeter has already built a career most performers dream of—starring as Lydia in Beetlejuice on Broadway, Heather McNamara in Heathers Off-Broadway, and sharing the stage with legends like Helen Mirren and Saoirse Ronan. But behind all that success is a young artist who’s learned the importance of boundaries, self-care, and staying grounded in the work.In this conversation, Chelsea and Elizabeth talk about:Growing up in the industry and learning from theatre greatsHow to protect your joy and your voice eight shows a weekThe realities of balancing work, school, and creative lifeThe power of art and connection in hard timesWhy you don’t have to be perfect to start creating againElizabeth also shares her creative process as a songwriter—her debut album Out There is available to stream now—and what’s next for her on stage and beyond.✨ Follow Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethteeterofficial ? New Single "Do You Like Me?" dropping October 24th?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
91. What You Actually Need in Your Audition Book: Adam Wachter on Finding Rep That Works
“At a certain level, everyone can sing that note. So now casting is saying: who are you?” – Adam WachterHow do you actually build a musical theatre audition book that works? What songs belong in it—and which ones can you finally stop worrying about?Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with Titanique music director, composer, and author Adam Wachter to talk about his new book Your Rep Book: How to Find, Choose, and Prepare Successful Audition Songs.You’ll hear Adam share:? How your audition book evolves through different career stages—from college to Broadway ? What makes a song “high quality” (and what doesn’t) ?♀️ Why “overdone” songs aren’t the problem you think they are ? The difference between jukebox musicals and story-driven pop/rock shows—and how that changes what you sing ? Practical tips for choosing, cutting, and preparing songs that show who you areWhether you’re auditioning for college, regional theatre, or Broadway, this conversation is full of concrete, encouraging advice to make your audition prep a little less stressful—and a lot more personal.? Your Rep Book is available wherever books are sold, with the audiobook (featuring Adam at the piano!) coming soon.? Connect with Adam: Instagram @zebraadamWebsite adamwachter.com? Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast—and share this one with a friend who’s revamping their audition book!?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
90. BONUS: Is a BFA in MT (Still) Worth It? With College Audition Expert Julie Kavanagh
Back in 2022, we first asked the question: Is a BFA in Musical Theatre worth it? Three years later, it’s still the conversation on every aspiring performer’s (and parent’s) mind.In today’s bonus episode, Chelsea sits down with Julie Kavanagh—performer, choreographer, and Program Director for Broadway Vocal Coach’s College Prep Program — BVC Aspire. A proud graduate of CCM (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music), Julie shares both personal experience and professional perspective on whether a BFA is still worth it in 2025.You’ll hear us talk about:What a BFA in Musical Theatre can give you beyond training.Why alumni networks and industry connections may matter as much as technique.How to weigh student loan debt against long-term career sustainability.When a BFA might not be the right choice—and smart alternatives to consider.The one piece of advice Julie would give her 18-year-old self about choosing a program.Whether you’re a student dreaming of Broadway or a parent weighing the investment, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical guidance for making one of the biggest decisions in a young artist’s journey.⭐️ High School Juniors: Looking for guidance for your college auditions? Join us for a FREE Musical Theatre College Audition Q&A!? Monday, October 20th 8pm ET? Zoom (replay available)? Register: bwayvocalcoach.com/college?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
89. Inside the Casting Room with Kate Lumpkin: What Casting Directors Really Want to See
“The most useful thing you can do on social media is show who the heck you really are.” – Kate LumpkinWhat do casting directors really notice—in the audition room and online? Chelsea and Cynthia sit down with casting director Kate Lumpkin for an inside look at how performers can stand out without faking it.You’ll hear Kate share:How authentic social media posts can actually help get in the room—and book the jobWhat makes a performer’s online presence useful (vs. distracting)Why ECCs and EPAs still matter—and yes, actors do get hired from themHow to reframe “failure” as a pivot in your bigger artistic journeyWhether you’re just breaking into the business or trying to get more consistent callbacks, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you feel less mystified by the casting process. ? Connect with Kate on Insta? Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast—and share this one with a friend who’s getting ready for auditions!?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
88. 4 Mix Voice Myths You're Still Believing
Mix voice might be the most misunderstood topic in all of singing. Is it a style? A register? A magic “secret” only some people can do?In this episode, Chelsea and Cynthia bust FOUR of the biggest mix voice myths and share what it really means to sing in a healthy mixed voice. You’ll hear:Why there isn’t just one “right” way to mixThe difference between mix vs belt (and why both matter)What to expect when you’re learning a new vocal coordination (hint: “weird” doesn’t mean “wrong”)How social media and studio recordings can warp our expectations of what our voices should sound likeBy the end, you’ll see that mix voice technique isn’t mysterious—it’s learnable, it’s for everyone, and it’s the key to singing with freedom and balance across your whole range!? Tune in, myth-bust with us, and start building a mix that feels like your voice.?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
87. From Stage to Page: Ali Gordon on Creativity Beyond the Spotlight
What kind of courage it takes to keep creating when your career takes unexpected turns? Our guest Ali Gordon has worn a lot of hats—musical theatre performer, comedian, teacher, and now, debut novelist! In this inspiring conversation, Ali joins Chelsea and Cynthia to talk all about just that. Her novel, "We Have Reached the End of Our Show" is out on September 30th, get it here.You’ll hear us talk about:How Ali went from BFA musical theatre grad to published author (and why she always knew she’d write a book).The surprising parallels between acting and publishing—risk-taking, rejection, and resilience.Why she kept her novel a “secret treehouse project” for so long (and what artists can learn from protecting their work).The value of improv training and how it made her braver in auditions and in life.What it means to carry endings—of jobs, relationships, even entire seasons of life—and still keep creating.Whether you’re between gigs, dreaming up your next project, or just in need of a reminder that creativity takes many forms, this episode will leave you feeling both grounded and inspired.✨ Connect with Ali! ? Instagram | ? Website ? Attend a book launch event with Ali!? Los Angeles: SKYLIGHT BOOKS, September 30 - 7:00pm? New York: THE CORNER BOOKSTORE, October 6 - 6:00pm?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
86. Season Premiere: Masquerade, Hello Dolly, and The Courage to Conjure the Silly
Welcome back to Season 4 of the Broadway Vocal Coach Podcast!In this season opener, Chelsea and Cynthia catch up after a jam-packed summer and share the lessons they’re bringing into the year ahead. From Chelsea’s behind-the-scenes work on the new immersive Phantom production (Masquerade) to Cynthia’s dream-come-true experience working with Broadway idols on Hello, Dolly!, this episode is all about what it means to live and work through different seasons of life.You’ll hear us talk about:Why your career is a long game (and what surprising doors can open years down the road).Warren Buffett’s 5/25 rule and how it applies to performers juggling endless priorities.Taylor Swift’s reminder that your energy is a luxury item—and how to guard it.Why laughter, silliness, and play aren’t optional extras but essential fuel for artists.What it’s like to say “yes” to singing again after years away from the audition room.How we’re reshaping Broadway Vocal Coach offerings to serve actors at every stage of the journey.Whether you’re balancing school, gigs, auditions, or family life, this episode is a gentle reminder: you’re not behind—you’re just in a season.?Connect with @bwayvocalcoach and @chwils ??Submit for Office Hours here? Get Chelsea's free Friday Newsletter
