Survival Jobs

Currently starring Off Broadway in The Play That Goes Wrong, Liana Hunt reflects on her path from touring productions to making her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia, and shares stories from her time in Wicked and Back to the Future. She speaks candidly about life on the road, the resilience it takes to build a sustainable career in theater, and the survival jobs that supported her along the way, including her continued work coaching and teaching young performers in theater. Watch in this video.

In this video, Bahiyah reflects on the incredible milestone of the show surpassing 2,000 performances, what it means to be the only current original cast member still in the production, and the deep honor of continuing to tell this story night after night. She also shares insight into working with director Alex Timbers and reflects on her Broadway journey, including playing Velma Kelly in Chicago and other notable stage credits.

In this video, Wayne Brady opens up about the foundation built through years of survival jobs, from working at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to navigating the challenges of being a struggling working actor in Los Angeles. He reflects on how those early experiences shaped his work ethic, creativity, and resilience, while emphasizing the importance of young artists taking risks, making mistakes, and honing their craft while they can.

Danny Strong joins the podcast to discuss stepping into the legacy of Chess, the iconic musical with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and lyrics by Tim Rice, and the responsibility of reshaping a beloved work for a new generation. In the episode, he shares insight into his approach to the material, the themes that continue to resonate now, and how this revival reflects his evolution as a storyteller across mediums. Watch in this video!

Survival Jobs is back with Episode 146, hosted by Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo, featuring the iconic actor, dancer, and artist Seth Stewart! In this rich and uplifting conversation, Stewart reflects on making his Broadway debut in Sweet Charity with Christina Applegate, the joy of bringing In the Heights to life under the vision of Lin Manuel Miranda, and the deep camaraderie within that original Broadway company. Watch in this video.

Survival Jobs just shared Episode 144 featuring the brilliant playwright and performer Ethan Lipton. In this heartfelt and engaging conversation, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo  sit down with Ethan to talk about his new play The Seat of Our Pants, now running at The Public Theater. Watch in this video.

This episode dives into an energetic and heartfelt conversation with actor, comedian, and singer Jordan Kai Burnett! Jordan opens up about the thrill of playing Heather Mooney in Romy and Michele The Musical, which just closed off-Broadway. Watch in this video.

Join Carly Sakolove as she shares her rise from YouTube videos to Broadway stardom in Mamma Mia! Discover her journey and insights in this exclusive interview.

On this week's episode of Survival Jobs, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo, sit down with the extremely talented and charming, multi-discipline artist Morgan Bassichis to talk about their one-person show Can I Be Frank?, now running at the SoHo Playhouse through September 13. Watch in this video!

On this week's episode of Survival Jobs, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo, bring listeners an intimate, lively and heartfelt conversation with beloved stage and screen star Constance Shulman, known for Orange Is the New Black and her voice work on Nickelodeon’s animated series Doug, as she discusses her acclaimed turn in the Off-Broadway sensation Well, I’ll Let You Go. Watch in this video.

In this episode, Daniel Yearwood reflects on the importance of sharing the stories of veterans, not only the soldiers themselves but also the impact war has on the families they return to. He speaks about the incredible camaraderie with his cast and crew, and how that sense of trust and collaboration fuels the emotional intensity of each performance. Watch in this video.

On this week's episode of Survival Jobs, a Podcast, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo, welcome the inspiring playwright, actor and Tony Award winning producer Paul Oakley Stovall, the author of Immediate Family, which is currently playing at Charlotte’s Booth Playhouse. Watch in this video.

In this video, Will Martinez, who played the lead role in the 2025 Oscar-nominated short film A Lien, shares how the film’s message resonates during a time when undocumented communities continue to face increasing hate and bigotry. He opens up about the responsibility artists have to reflect the times—and how A Lien gave voice to stories too often ignored!

In this video, Caesar Samayoa delves into the dynamic energy that Alex Timbers brings to the creative process, recounting the most valuable piece of advice he’s received from the Tony‑award winning director.

In a heartfelt and joyous celebration of Black excellence in theatre, Survival Jobs, a Podcast releases Episode 132, recorded live from the red carpet of the 2025 Black Women on Broadway Awards. Watch in this video!

This special episode features conversations from the NYC premiere of Twinless written and directed by James Sweeney , where actor Dylan O’Brien shares his experience not only starring in but also producing his first film — marking a new chapter in his artistic journey. He shared,  “you don’t really know what you’re going to get till you’re on the ground doing it. Watch in this video!

In this episode, Julia Knitel shares the exhilarating moment she learned of her Tony nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role for Dead Outlaw, delves into what makes the groundbreaking show resonate with audiences and critics alike, and discusses her unique experience as the sole female cast member in the production. Watch in this video!

Marjan Neshat, now officially the first Iranian-born actress ever nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Play, opens up about the unforgettable moment she found out about her Tony nomination for her performance in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play English. Watch the full episode in this video!

Watch in this video as Angelica reflects on her incredible rise to fame as a finalist on season 12 of the hit show America’s Got Talent, sharing the life-changing lessons she learned on that journey as a young performer. Now lighting up the stage as ‘Trisha’ in the three time Tony Award nominated musical, Angelica offers an exclusive peek into all things BOOP!

In this video, the radiant and rising Broadway star Hannah Kevitt! Currently understudying the role of Claire in the critically acclaimed new musical Maybe Happy Ending, Hannah joins the show to share the inside scoop on her whirlwind journey to Broadway and the power of believing in your path.