On this episode I talked with Allie about her journey to becoming a theater performer, her early involvement in sports and how her passion for theater was sparked by attending her first Broadway show, her gratitude for her family's support in pursuing the arts, despite their lack of a theatrical background, her path to attending the University of Michigan, which began with a friend's suggestion during a community theater production, theatre workshops she’s had the opportunity to participate in including her favorite workshop, "Fountain of You," her roles in productions of "Sweeney Todd" and "Grease,” her audition for Harry Potter and The Cursed Child which included physical movement tests and multiple callbacks, how she captured the essence of Moaning Myrtle while adding her unique interpretation, the day she made her Broadway debut and the emotional experience of performing in front of a supportive audience, Cursed Child’s appeal to a wide range of theatergoers and the significance of stage door interactions with fans, her dream roles in various Sondheim shows and "Wicked," the supportive nature of the theater community, and more!

On this episode I talked with Ayanna about her background in theatre, including her childhood in the Bronx and her move to Los Angeles, where she attended performing arts schools, the cultural adjustment she faced in LA and her longing for New York, especially during the pandemic, choosing to study at the Manhattan School of Music and appreciating it’s welcoming atmosphere and rich history, the significance of the people and experiences that shaped her artistic journey, her casting experience for "How to Dance in Ohio," which began with a self-tape submission after seeing a casting call on social media, her excitement when she received a callback for the show and the welcoming atmosphere during her final audition, how the show resonated with her post her autism diagnosis, her Broadway debut and experience as a swing in @ohiomusical where she covered five roles, her current role in Harry Potter & The Cursed Child on Broadway where she plays Rose Granger Weasley (the daughter of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger), being part of a new cast who debuted a new version (under three hours) of Cursed Child on Broadway, characteristics of Ron and Hermione that she has made sure to add to Rose Granger Weasley on stage, her favorite bit of magic that happens in the show, her real life Hogwarts house, dream roles she has, her passion for jazz music, and much more!

Backstage With Becca B. Episode 172 with David Schubert, the guest experience manager at the @civilianhotel is now LIVE on Youtube. On this episode I talked with David about travel tips for visitors to New York City, the hotel’s bustling holiday season, the unique atmosphere at The Civilian Hotel where staff members are encouraged to express their individuality, creating a welcoming environment by having genuine interactions with hotel guests, why it’s important the Civilian Hotel serves as a hub for people who have come to New York to see Broadway shows, notable art pieces and decorations throughout the hotel that celebrate the history of theatre, the design of the rooms which maximize comfort and functionality, the hotel’s goal to make trips more affordable and accessible by offering guidance on both paid and free options of activities in New York City, his own appreciation for live performances, influenced by his family's involvement in local productions, and much more!