This is Kris' story. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:09 - Early Influences and Discovering Musical Theatre 00:02:07 - Family Background in Performing Arts 00:03:16 - First Steps and Education in Musical Theatere 00:06:14 - Professional Development and Transitioning Roles 00:10:04 - Ensemble Importance and Recognition 00:12:05 - First Professional Gig and Transition to Teaching 00:16:35 - Reflecting on Career and Advice to Younger Self 00:23:05 - Teaching Philosophy and Approach 00:30:39 - Founding West End Prep and Adapting to Online Teaching 00:36:14 - Evolving Ethos of West End Prep 00:40:36 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Perfectionism 00:48:27 - Preferences: Working in Town vs. Touring 00:49:01 - Personal Life and Relationships in Theatre ---- FOLLOW ► https://www.instagram.com/fmcpod Oren: https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder Claire: https://www.instagram.com/showminds Kris: https://www.instagram.com/krismanuel LISTEN ► Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3 ---- If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful. In the first instance, helplines: Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service) Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight) Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds) If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help: BAPAM (British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) 020 7404 5888 Music Minds Matter UK 0808 802 8008 https://www.applauseforthought.com https://www.industryminds.co.uk https://www.bapam.org https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk https://www.artsandminds.org.uk https://www.artsminds.co.uk https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk https://www.mind.org.uk