Broadway Drumming 101
Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast
PODCAST 81: Ryan McCausland
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PODCAST 81: Ryan McCausland

Touring drummer for Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, and sub for Hamilton, Wicked, and more!!!

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In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, host Clayton Craddock chats with Ryan McCausland, a drummer who made his way from Southern New Jersey to the heart of the New York drumming scene. Ryan talks about his early influences, the importance of being kind, and the ups and downs of making it as a professional musician.

He also shares stories from his time playing on Broadway and touring with hit shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing. Ryan offers practical advice about how to stay healthy as a drummer, especially when it comes to avoiding injuries. This episode is packed with personal stories, tips for musicians, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Broadway drummer.

Whether you're an aspiring drummer or love Broadway, this episode gives you an inside view of the challenges and rewards of a music career.

Episode Breakdown:

  • 00:00: Introduction and Welcome

  • 00:48: Growing Up and Family Background

  • 02:12: Early Musical Experiences

  • 03:48: High School Dreams of Broadway

  • 08:04: College and Musical Influences

  • 12:20: Playing on Cruise Ships

  • 16:15: Touring with Dirty Dancing

  • 20:23: Landing the Dear Evan Hansen Tour

  • 28:51: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome on Broadway

  • 29:31: Life on the Dear Evan Hansen Tour

  • 30:15: Moving Between Different Shows

  • 32:09: How to Avoid Drumming Injuries

  • 34:35: Staying Sane on Tour

  • 38:05: Exploring Cities While Touring

  • 39:32: Moving to New York for Broadway

  • 42:43: Subbing on Broadway Shows

  • 43:53: Playing with Orchestras

  • 46:11: Getting Gigs with Wicked and Hamilton

  • 51:37: Advice for Drummers Who Want to Play on Broadway

  • 53:41: Favorite Drum Gear

  • 56:22: Looking Back on a Career in Music

Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation!

For more: https://www.ryanmccausland.com

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Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste CymbalsInnovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com

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Broadway Drumming 101
Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast
The Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features conversations with musicians who currently play on Broadway, have worked on shows in the past, and showcases emerging musicians making their mark in the industry.