Based in NYC since 2011, Adam came to New York by way of Houston, TX where he completed his Master's Degree at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music (2008). Adam grew up in Northeast Ohio where he attended Cleveland State University (2006). Formally studying classical percussion throughout his education, Adam also actively performed as a freelancer on drum set. His classical background combined with his drum set skills gave him a unique set of skills that turned out to be very well-suited for working in musical theater. After playing its out-of-town tryout at Houston’s Alley Theatre, Adam was offered the drum set chair on Frank Wildhorn’s WONDERLAND when it transferred to Broadway (Spring 2011).Â
With his foot in the door from his first Broadway show, Adam set about the work of subbing and building a reputation in and around the city. Subbing on shows as diverse as RENT, EVITA, MATILDA the Musical, AVE Q, CATS, HELLO DOLLY, ANASTASIA, THE PROM, and many more, Adam routinely demonstrates a wide-ranging versatility. A unique hybrid player, Adam is equally at home playing drum set and percussion and excels in situations that demand both contemporary drum set styles and legit classical/orchestral sensibilities. Adam’s most recent NYC chairs include 2017’s BANDSTAND on Broadway (TONY Nomination for Best Orchestrations and TONY WINNER for Best Choreography), Jerry Springer the Opera, and CLUELESS the Musical.
When not in the theater, Adam is often found in NYC recording studios playing for singer/songwriters and composers like Desi Oakley, The Jack Mosbacher Band, Michael Mott, and David Mallamud, playing at cabaret spots like Feinstein’s 54 Below, and downtown concert venues such as Rockwood Music Hall, Piano's, or The Bitter End. Adam also maintains an active teaching practice at his studio in Midtown Manhattan and produces music and drum tracks from his at-home project studio. Connect with Adam on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or use the contact form for bookings and any other inquiries.Â
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Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and Newsletter. He has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud.
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