Jeff Kready, T. Oliver Reid and Rashidra Scott Featured on The Ensemblist's Tony Awards Episode

Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone announce the release of The Ensemblist's 24th episode: "Tony Awards."

It's the most exciting night of the year on Broadway. Our industry's annual opportunity to show the country what we've been up to for the past twelve months. The Tony Awards are that one moment of the year where you feel like Broadway is truly the center of the universe. But that magnified exposure also leads to immense pressure on behalf of everyone involved. There is so much planning, money put into making those 3 ½ minutes perfect, and the performers aren't immune to any of it.

On this episode of The Ensemblist, they hear from three Broadway actors, all currently in shows nominated for Best Musical at the 2014 Tony Awards, and who have also performed on the Tony telecast in the past: Jeff Kready, T. Oliver Reid and Rashidra Scott We hear from them about what goes into creating a Tony Awards performance: the scheduling, creativity and rehearsals, and the insane schedule of Broadway's biggest day.

Kready (Les Miserables, Sunday in the Park with George, Billy Elliot, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder) is one of three ensemble men in the Tony nominated new musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, where he plays a Guard, Tom Copley, Newsboy and Actor, and covers the leading role of Monty Navarro. On this episode of the podcast, he shares the long, twisting process of creating the Tony performance for Billy Elliot.

Reid is in the cast of After Midnight, his ninth Broadway show. He has performed at the Tony Awards as a member of the casts of Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wedding Singer and the 2004 revival of La Cage aux Folles.

Scott (Avenue Q, HAIR, Finian's Rainbow, Sister Act, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) currently plays a Sherelle and the role of Janelle Woods as member of the hard working ensemble of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. On the podcast, she shares her experience performing "Raise Your Voice" on the Tonys telecast with the original company of Sister Act, and shares a little-known secret about singing live on the show.

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 Stitcher Radio, TuneIn, and downloaded directly from Podbean at theensemblist.podbean.com.

The Ensemblist celebrates its first anniversary with a live show: Monday, June 16 at Birdland in NYC. With performances by Ariana Debose, Rachel Bay Jones, Alysha Umphress, Daniel Watts, Jeff Pew and Luke Hawkins, and The Skivvies: Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina, it's an evening you don't want to miss. Tickets still available at birdlandjazz.com.

Upcoming episodes will include features on Broadway Bares and a podcast featuring highlights from our live show on June 16.

Their website, TheEnsemblist.com, features stories, Q&As, and blog posts from those in the know about life as an ensemblist, plus cool stuff they can't NOT share. You can also follow @theensemblist on Twitter and Like us at facebook.com/theensemblist.