🎭 Big Theatre Kid Energy is a theatre podcast and review show celebrating the best of Los Angeles theatre and beyond, hosted by LA actor and Try Guy Ryan W Garcia. Each episode features candid interviews with actors and creatives, behind-the-scenes insights, and reviews of plays, musicals, and live performances across LA and beyond. Funny, passionate, and just the right amount of dramatic, Ryan is on a mission to prove that Los Angeles is a world-class theatre town.
Curt Mega ( Glee, Team Starkid ) joins to talk StarKid’s newest musical TOMB QUEST at The Colony Theatre. We talk being Joseph Gordon-Levitt lookalikes, our love of the movie Newsies, and how making art with your friends is KINDA THE WHOLE POINT! Check out all that Team Starkid is up to at: https://www.teamstarkid.com/ And go see Tomb Quest at The Colony Theatre through August 23rd: https://www.colonytheatre.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Curt: https://www.instagram.com/curtmega/ Support local theatre!
Rachel Rosenbloom ( Silicon Valley, Platonic, Good Trouble ) joins to talk PROOF at El Portal Theatre. The show starred Ed Begley Jr. and his daughter Hayden Begley, and was a fundraiser for Parkinson’s research, with all the net proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. You can still donate at: https://www.michaeljfox.org/be-fundraiser SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/rachrosenbloom/ Support local theatre!
Kiki Andersen (TWO EMMY AWARDS, Stand Up Comedian) joins to talk MEXODUS at Pasadena Playhouse. They talk about how BLOWN AWAY they were by this live looping hip hop musical all about the little known underground railroad that went south into Mexico. SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Kiki: https://www.instagram.com/itskikiandersen/ Support local theatre!
EXCITING NEW FORMAT! Cailyn Hoertz (Social Media Department Lead for TryGuys) joins to compare the different versions of Phantom of the Opera. Which is best? The movie, the touring production (at Pantages), or the immersive Masquerade now running in NYC?? This episode was maybe my favorite so far! SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Cailyn: https://www.instagram.com/cailynhoertz/ Support local theatre!
Karalynn Dunton ( Phineas and Ferb, The Runaways, instagram sketches ) joins to review MAMMA MIA! at Ahmanson Theatre. They discuss how they’ll never be able to sing like these UNBELIEVABLE talents on stage, Karalynn’s foray into writing, producing and performing sketch comedy, and why switching gender roles doesn’t make being a “predator” a good comedic choice. Go see Mamma Mia! at Ahmanson Theatre through July 19th! https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Karalynn: https://www.instagram.com/karalynndunton/ Support local theatre!
Nik Walker (Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Masquerade, Hamilton, Chicago, too much Broadway shit to list) is BACK to talk all things SHREK at The Muny in St. Louis, MO. They chat about weather delays in outdoor theatre (opening night got rained OUT), being TERRIBLE at receiving compliments, how being a comedian requires endless generosity of self and talent. Check out all the things happening at The Muny this summer! https://muny.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Nik: https://www.instagram.com/nikkywalks/ Support local theatre!
Kacie Rogers ( The Pitt, Two Time NAACP Award Winner ) joins to talk about ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS at Geffen Playhouse. They talk working on The Pitt, the taboo nature of discussing the lack of fully fleshed out female characters in August Wilson plays, and why that “glassy skin” look is in. Like… why is it in? Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous runs at Geffen Playhouse through July 12th. https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Kacie: https://www.instagram.com/kacie.rogers/ Her Theatre Company: https://www.instagram.com/bottletreetheatreco/ Support local theatre!
Brian Rosenthal ( Tin Can Bros, Starkid, Make the Damn Show ) joins to talk about How to Have Sex Again at Odyssey Theatre, written by Louis Reyes McWilliams and produced by The Rebel and the Warrior in residence at Sanguine Theatre Company. They talk about how to produce indie theatre, the secrets of LA parking, and how bad ass the producing duo Rosalind Bevan and Hannah Beebe. Learn more about Odyssey Theatre https://odysseytheatre.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Brian: https://www.instagram.com/brianro__/ The Rebel and the Warrior: https://www.instagram.com/therebelandthewarrior/ Support local theatre!
Jonathan Faircloth Kirk ( Try Guys, Shoulda Books ) joins to talk about PRIMARY TRUST at Mark Taper Forum. They talk about how there are TOO MANY ADS in playbills, Jonathan’s work as a writer/director, and his enrichingly delicious podcast SHOULDA BOOKS, all about the books you SHOULDA read by now. Go see Primary Trust playing at Mark Taper Forum, playing through June 28th: https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Jonathan: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/ Shoulda Books Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldaBooks See you at the cast party!
Marissa Rivera ( Good Trouble, Lucifer, Try Guys ) joins to talk about HELL’S KITCHEN at Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Ryan picks Marissa’s brain about her incredible success as a commercial actor, the incredible voices and moves of this Hell’s Kitchen cast, and what it’s like for actors to become YouTubers . Go see Hell’s Kitchen at Hollywood Pantages Theatre, playing through June 21st: https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Marissa: https://www.instagram.com/themarissarivera/ Courtney and Marissa’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dead-and-kind-of-famous/id1772096980 See you at the cast party!
Whitney Avalon (Princess Rap Battles, Phineas and Ferb, St. Denis Medical ) joins to talk about BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse. They discuss the hard work that goes into producing your own work, the genius of this adaptation of a classic musical, and our connections to Jack McBrayer, Jefferson Mays, and Alfred Molina (all in attendance at opening night). Go see Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse, playing through June 14th: https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Whitney Avalon: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitneyAvalon https://www.instagram.com/whitneyavalon/ Cool Broadway Etsy Earrings: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CosplayCreatives See you at the cast party!
Brent Bailey (Hot Santa at Target, LBJ, The Lincoln Lawyer, Holiday Dating Guide ) joins to talk about a classic: Death of a Salesman at A Noise Within Theatre. They discuss the business of being a BUSY working actor, the relevance of Arthur Miller’s play, and why using your notes app as a calendar is the least efficient way to function in society. Check out A Noise Within Theatre: https://www.anoisewithin.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Brent Bailey: https://www.instagram.com/brentmbailey/ Brent’s AFFORDABLE Headshots: https://www.instagram.com/artistfootprint/ See you at the cast party!
Jared Popkin (Poppa’s home the bitch is back) joins to talk about Reefer Madness at Wisteria Theater. They talk about the difference between performing as an actor vs. as a Try Guy, how baller the women who own and operate Wisteria Theater are, and all about the power of the almighty REEFER! Reefer Madness is playing at Wisteria Theater through May 17th: https://www.wisteriatheater.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Jared Popkin: https://www.instagram.com/jaredpopkin/ See you at the cast party!
Manuel Oliver joins to talk about his show Guac at Kirk Douglas Theatre. They talk about the power theatre has to create real change as a form of activism, how to bring real authenticity to the stage, and how to turn something as traumatic as the Parkland High School Shooting that took the life of 17 students, including his son Joaquin “Guac” Oliver, into an art piece that can change the world. Guac is playing at Kirk Douglas Theatre through May 17th: https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Links for the non profit foundation Change the Ref, founded by Patricia and Manuel Oliver: https://changetheref.org/ https://youtube.com/@changetheref?si=YMQE5ZePAOfApsS_ https://www.instagram.com/changetheref/ See you at the cast party!
Leah McKendrick (Bad Moms, M.F.A., Scrambled, Voicemails for Isabelle) joins to review Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at Hollywood Pantages Theatre. They talk about Leah’s past as a record label signed Pop Star and burlesque dancer, the INSANE talent of Darilyn Burtley who played Tina Turner, and Leah’s upcoming Netflix feature film Voicemails for Isabelle, starring Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, Harry Shum Jr. and Nick Offerman. It will be live on Netflix Jun 19th! See what’s next at Hollywood Pantages Theatre: https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/venues/detail/pantagestheatre SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Leah: https://www.instagram.com/leahmckendrick/ See you at the cast party!
Tommy Hobson ( The Fresh Beat Band, That Girl Lay Lay ) joins to review “Master Harold” …and the Boys at Geffen Playhouse. They talk growing up as child actors (ESPECIALLY Tommy, he was on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine for crying out loud!), the deeply moving real life story of South African legend John Kani (King T’Chaka in Black Panther, and lead of this play), and how powerful and important art is for the health of society and humanity. “Master Harold” …and the Boys is playing at Geffen Playhouse through May 10th. https://www.geffenplayhouse.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Tommy: https://www.instagram.com/tommyhobson/ See you at the cast party!
Ava Lalezarzadeh ( English on Broadway, Before Apple TV, The Morning Show Apple TV) joins to review English at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. They talk having to relearn their mother tongues (Farsi and Spanish respectively), Ava’s incredible short film In the Garden of Tulips, and what it’s like to be thrown into the deep end as a young actor. English is playing at The Wallis through April 26th. https://thewallis.org/show-details/english SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtheatrekidenergy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigtheatrekidener Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTheatreKidEnergy Apple Pod: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-theatre-kid-energy/id1838234535 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DFCft7YJEddofnqd0UIHp?si=TOURv5gJQm2SKw3XQuxFAQ Ava: https://www.instagram.com/avalalezarzadeh/ https://www.avalalezarzadeh.com/ In the Garden of Tulips: https://vimeo.com/1014413019 See you at the cast party!
YB joins to review Kim’s Convenience at Ahmanson Theatre. They talk about YB’s first time EVER seeing theatre, being cast members of the TRY GUYS, and growing up children of immigrants, . Kim’s Convenience is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre through April 19th. https://www.centertheatregroup.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: @BigTheatreKidEnergy TikTok: @BigTheatreKidEnergy Youtube: @BigTheatreKidEnergy YB: @xoybox See you at the cast party!
Daniel David Stewart ( Spring Awakening, Catch 22, Memory of a Killer) joins to review Richard III at A Noise Within Theatre. They talk the road to getting on Broadway, how relevant Shakespeare is to current events, and why some pillows are decorative and some pillows are for hugging. Check out the current productions at A Noise Within Theatre: https://www.anoisewithin.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: @BigTheatreKidEnergy TikTok: @BigTheatreKidEnergy Youtube: @BigTheatreKidEnergy Daniel: @danieldavidstewart See you at the cast party!
Hannah Pilkes ( Leanne, Hacks, Dropout, Comedy Bang! Bang!) joins to review Dragon Mama at Geffen Playhouse. They talk all things relationships and solo shows. Hannah is performing in her own: Skiing at the Elysian Theatre on 3/31, and directed her partner Greg Nussen’s show QFWFQ, which will be at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this season. Dragon Mama is playing at Geffen Playhouse through April 12th: https://secure.geffenplayhouse.org/overview/dragon-mama SUBSCRIBE TO AND FOLLOW BIG THEATRE KID ENERGY Instagram: @BigTheatreKidEnergy TikTok: @BigTheatreKidEnergy Youtube: @BigTheatreKidEnergy Hannah: @hannahpilkes Greg: @gregorynussen See you at the cast party!
