Dana P. Rowe Chats with Cameron Mackintosh, Bob Avian & Albert Poland in First Epsiodes of New Podcast- TAKE IT FROM THE TOP

American composer Dana P. Rowe announced today the launch of his new podcast series TAKE IT FROM THE TOP: Life-Lessons from Creative Maestros to Awaken Your Artistic Soul. The first three episodes of TAKE IT FROM THE TOP are available for download on iTunes or at tiftt.com.

Each TAKE IT FROM THE TOP episode, hosted by Rowe, is comprised of conversations with guests from all facets of the creative arts, including producers, directors, choreographers, actors, artists and more. Rowe's guests share - in their own voices - their philosophies on life, their experiences and their well-earned wisdom. They explain how they got where they are, how they deal with their own fears, doubts and challenges; and the advice they'd give to aspiring artists. TAKE IT FROM THE TOP is an opportunity to celebrate and learn from the accomplishments of some amazing folks in the creative arts.

"The idea for TAKE IT FROM THE TOP," said Rowe, "grew out of my experiences coaching and mentoring artists and creatives who aspire to great heights, but somehow feel stuck. Additionally, the series was inspired by questions I receive on a regular basis from theatre enthusiasts." TAKE IT FROM THE TOP aims to inspire listeners to be more courageous in their lives; to awaken new thinking about life's possibilities; and to motivate action.

"I was delighted to share my experiences with Dana," said Bob Avian, legendary choreographer and guest for Episode 2 of TAKE IT FROM THE TOP, "because I believe it's vital for artists to give back, to offer guidance to the next generation and, hopefully, to inspire anyone wanting to move closer to realizing their dreams."

Rowe released the first three TAKE IT FROM THE TOP episodes to listeners today:

• Episode 1: Sir Cameron Mackintosh, world-renowned producer of megahits The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and the soon-to-be-revived Miss Saigon and Cats
• Episode 2: Bob Avian, choreographer and co-creator of A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls
• Episode 3: Albert Poland, General Manager to dozens of successful Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

Future episodes of TAKE IT FROM THE TOP are to be released every other week. Rowe's upcoming guests include performers Lucie Arnaz, John Barrowman, Larry Luckinbill, Emily Skinner and Christopher Sieber; choreographers Jerry Mitchell, Stephen Mear and Christopher Gattelli; directors Eric Schaeffer, Karen Azenberg and Bill Castellino; conductor Kevin Stites; songwriters Amanda McBroom and Jeff Blumenkrantz; theater historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper; psychologist James C. Kaufman; London theatre critic Mark Shenton; and theater educator Marc Tumminelli.

For more information about TAKE IT FROM THE TOP (#TIFTT), visit tiftt.com.