In the first episode of the seventh season of Why I’ll Never Make It, Blake Stadnik (This Is Us, 42nd Street) joins host Patrick Oliver Jones on just about the TV show that fueled his career. but also talks about his early beginnings in theater. They also talk about how the two met in his recent production of Goodspeed at his Opera House on 42nd Street, which is eager to come to Broadway.
Listen below!
Stadnik actually started tap dancing at an early age with the encouragement of his mother. It all started after he was diagnosed with retinal degenerative disease when he was six years old. Nine months later he was legally blind. His insightful mother decided he needed some kind of extracurricular activity, so he started tap classes. “I definitely wasn’t going to play sports, so that was totally fine with me anyway! I loved it and started singing right away.” I had to submit a report for , so I decided to do a 4 minute version with singing and accompaniment in a Phantom of the Opera costume. His teacher eventually got him into THE TALENT SHOW, wrote a book report, and grew from there.
Despite enjoying theater and dance, Stadnick battles his own self-doubt and argues with himself about his selfishness in wanting to be a performer. “There’s definitely something in the brain of anyone who likes being on stage or in front of a camera, knowing that thousands of people could be watching you. Just because he’s an actor makes me wonder what kind of contribution he’s actually making to the world. He cites a specific example when he was in Los Angeles on Street’s national tour.After the show, he met the people in the group.Recovering from an addiction.They expressed joy from the show and his performance. I am very grateful for the hope.
Finally, Stadnik shares the tragic loss of his father. His father battled alcoholism himself, leading to his parents’ divorce at an early age. His father died before his THIS IS US started, but he knew his Stadnik was on the show and he was very proud and supportive . There was one particular scene where his character Jack Damon had this visceral flashback of a traumatic event. However, Stadnik maintained a good relationship with his father throughout his life and continues to honor the memory and legacy his father left behind.
Other guests joining Why I Can’t Make It Throughout this seventh season include Dan Nechtgeth (25th Putnam County Spelling Bee, Xanadu), Sharon Katherine Brown (Dreamgirls, Caroline or Change), Lisa Howard ( 9 to 5, It Shurdha). Been You), E. Clayton Cornelius (Wonderland, Ain’t Too Proud). Interviews with other writers, actors and coaches are also scheduled, including Jocelyn Jones, Noah Crandell, Corrie Legge, Clifton Duncan, and Jocelyn Panton.
And it all starts with Blake Stadnik on Why I’ll Never Make It, available on all podcast platforms.
BLAKE STADNIK is best known for his role as Jack Damon on NBC’s This Is Us. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Stadnik discovered his acting after losing most of his sight due to Stargardt’s disease. After earning his BFA in Musical Theater from Pennsylvania State University, he went on to star in Sweeney He Todd, Les He’s The Miserables, Newsies, 42nd Street, and others, and found success. As a disabled actor, Stadnik advocates for all disabled artists.
WHY I’LL NEVER MAKE IT is one of Feedspot’s top theater podcasts and won the 2022 Communicator Award of Distinction. This podcast is delivered every other week and is hosted and produced by Off His Broadway and US Touring actor Patrick Oliver Jones (The Addams Family, Evita). The WINMI Podcast features other performers with disabilities, including Misty Rosas (The Mandalorian), Samantha Figgins (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), and Meredith Alega Wells (How the Grinch), sharing the challenges and joys of performing arts careers. have the privilege to share. stole Christmas).
