Stephanie Klemons, Nathan Peck, and Ryan Steele Featured in THE ENSEMBLIST's 'Dance Captain' Episode
By: Nicole Rosky Feb. 03, 2014
Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone announce the release of The Ensemblist's 16th episode: "Dance Captains."
The episode features interviews with Broadway actors Stephanie Klemons, Nathan Peck, and Ryan Steele. From running auditions to relationships with other members of the creative team to emergency put in rehearsals, the life of a dance captain is always a busy and complex one. In this episode, we learn about the specific demands of the position, along with the perks and the challenges that come with it.
Klemons (In the Heights, If/Then) served as assistant dance captain for In the Heights off-Broadway and was promoted to co-dance captain when the show moved to Broadway. She is the associate choreographer for Bring It On: The Musical and currently serves as dance captain for If/Then. She shares how working with choreographers Andy Blankenbuehler and Larry Keigwin has helped her with "the challenge of variation."
Peck (Dance of the Vampires, Taboo, Boy from Oz, La Cage Aux Folles, Wicked, Kinky Boots) served as assistant dance captain for Vampires, was offered his first dance captain position with La Cage. He shares the story about how the choreography for "Sex is in the Heel" was created for his current show, Kinky Boots, where serves as dance captain.
Steele (West Side Story, Billy Elliot, Newsies, Matilda) served as dance captain for Newsies, both in its regional premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse and on Broadway. He shares the challenge of taking on the dance captain job while also being one of the youngest cast members.
New episodes of The Ensemblist can be downloaded every two weeks through the iTunes store by searching for "The Ensemblist." Episodes can be also be streamed on the Stitcher Radio app and downloaded directly from Podbean at theensemblist.podbean.com.
Upcoming episodes will feature actors who have performed in long runs of shows and stories from previous guests about their Broadway debuts (with a special guest host!)
Videos