Originally released: October 2021
In this classic episode, I talk with Dennis Arcano—an all-around force in the musical theater world: Educator / Audio Engineer / Synth & Drum Programmer / Composer. He's subbed on shows like Death Becomes Her, tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jagged Little Pill, and more.
Dennis and I go way back, and in this episode, we talk about how he broke into the scene, from his first professional gig at Candlewood Playhouse to subbing on Broadway. He shares how a single connection led to his first Broadway subbing gig on Follies, and how that eventually led to touring tick, tick...BOOM! with his wife alongside him.
He gets into:
How to properly prepare for a subbing gig (and what not to do)
His path as a multi-instrumentalist and why that matters
Why it’s important to play like the drummer you're subbing for
His philosophy on groove, gear, teaching, and building trust in the pit
What it was like to come back to Broadway years later for Jagged Little Pill
This episode is a masterclass in professionalism, humility, and the power of staying ready. Whether you’re a drummer looking to break into the Broadway scene or someone who wants to understand what it really takes to make it, this is one worth going back to.
Listen now and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring and honest conversations with the drummers behind the shows.
And grab your copy of my book: BroadwayBoundBook.com
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