Two enterprising Catholic University of America seniors are hosting a new podcast to connect current theater industry professionals with future theater industry professionals through interviews on YouTube and Spotify. Called Whatcha Doin’ with Brandon Horwin and Sophie Williams, the fully student-produced series is inspired by faith that the theater will thrive again.
Since its launch in November 2020 with the assistance of famed director Eleanor Holdridge (the podcast’s first guest) and an advisory board of CUA Drama educators, the series has featured an impressive lineup of theater and entertainment stars from DC, Broadway, and beyond, including Luis Salgado, Arturo Porazzi, Michael Berkowitz, Beverley Bass, Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte, Caesar Samayoa and De’Lon Grant, and beloved DC-area actress Tracy Lynn Olivera. An upcoming episode will feature Broadway actor and nationally acclaimed educator Hunter Ryan Herdlicka.
Other planned guests (subject to change) include veteran Broadway actor Ed Dixon, Sydney Beers of Roundabout Theatre Company, Josh Breckenridge of Come From Away, and the Tony Award–winning playwright and Lyricist Joe DiPietro. Through Whatcha Doin’ conversations, audiences have gained insight about how these artistic professionals are handling the pandemic, how they are keeping their creativity alive, and what advice they have for aspiring professionals at this challenging time (plus some cool anecdotes, such as name-dropping Julie Andrews or recalling when they met Sondheim or Hillary Clinton).
“We wanted to create something during this time that not only inspires us but helps inspire others to stay connected and engaged, while continuing to pursue their dreams,” Horwin said. Horwin hails from Jackson, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Donovan Catholic (’17) in Toms River. Baltimore-born Williams is a graduate of Institute of Notre Dame (’17). Both are contributors to Broadway World DC.
They plan to release episodes in the new year with some very special guests. To be alerted of news, follow the podcast on both Facebook (Whatcha Doin’ w. Brandon Horwin and Sophie Williams) and on Instagram @whatchadoinpodcast.
Whatcha Doin’ with Brandon Horwin and Sophie Williams is now streaming on Spotify and on YouTube under the same name.
