(This is an auto-generated transcript, so please excuse any typos or other grammatical errors.)

Patrick Oliver Jones:

With Beetlejuice now officially back on Broadway, there has been an extra layer of excitement running through the company as 14 of us are stepping onto a Broadway stage for the first time. Because no matter how long you've been performing or how many credits you've stacked up, that first moment under the Broadway lights, it just hits differently. It's certainly something I've worked toward for two decades, and with it finally happening, it makes all those late nights and the no's and the missed opportunities seem worth the struggle. Sharing this milestone with so many cast mates has made the whole experience feel even bigger and more meaningful. But there's also a 15th debut happening in this production, and it's the one that's drawing the most attention.

Lydia-Renee:

Hi, I am Trisha Paytas. I am from Los Angeles, California, currently living in New York City. I am a social media personality, I guess. Been doing YouTube for about 20 years now, so a long time. And now I'm on Broadway making my Broadway debut here. So happy to be here at the Bucket.

Patrick Oliver Jones:

Trisha has spent the last 20 years building a career that's hard to pin down and even harder to look away from. There's acting, singing, YouTube, music videos, reality TV, and all of it woven together with her own very particular brand of honesty and unpredictability. She's gathered millions of followers on YouTube and TikTok through every twist and turn of her life, and it is her mix of vulnerability, humor and reinvention that has been a big part of why so many people feel like they they've basically grown up with her. In our conversation, we talk about her love for Beetlejuice, the musical, and how this unexpected Broadway chapter came her way. We also get into her family background and those early years when she was first making a name for herself and the two decades she has spent navigating the Internet. And sure, that level of visibility brings opinions from every direction, but she's very candid about the lessons that she's learned, the moments that she handled differently, and the work she continues to do on herself. And through it all, there's this reminder that none of us stays the same. We just keep learning, stumbling, trying again, and hopefully growing a little bit along the way.

Patrick Oliver Jones:

I'm Patrick Oliver Jones and thank you for joining me on Season nine of why I'll Never make it, an award winning theater podcast where I talk with fellow creatives about three stories or moments of personal struggle and professional hardship. Subscribers will get additional audition stories as well as early access to the episodes. The website is why I'll never make it.com where you can subscribe, donate, and learn more about the podcast again. That's why I'll never make it dot com.

Speaker C:

Well, welcome, Trisha. It is such a pleasure to have you on the podcast and to be in your dressing room here on Broadway.

Lydia-Renee:

Oh, my God. Dream come true. Dream for me. I'm, like, such a fan. Like, it's so cool to get to be here with you and everyone on Beetlejuice. It's so cool.

Speaker C:

Well, it's been such a pleasure to have you. And you kind of just dove into this. I mean, you know, because you hadn't. You know, it's been a while since you've done the theater thing, right? It's been. It's been a little.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, like, hardly ever. I'm just a fan. And even as a kid, I never got casted in a community theater, and my uncle was, like, director of every single play, and I never got casted. I guess I just, like, yeah, I just wasn't. I wasn't good enough. But that's okay. Like, it was fine. And, you know, my passion for musical theater brought me here.

Lydia-Renee:

So. Yeah, it's good. It's a cute little part to, like, you know, get to be on Broadway without having to do, like, the happy lifting like you guys do. Like, you're.

Speaker C:

And you've been a fan of Beetlejuice for a long time, though, love.

Lydia-Renee:

I saw it. Yeah. 2019 in the winter Garden. I saw again when I came back after Covid was it the marquee was Italy, and then I was the tour I saw in Orange county and then. Yeah, now here. So I've seen it every time.

Speaker C:

What is it about Beetlejuice that you love so much?

Lydia-Renee:

Honestly, like, I love all musicals. Like, I love the Music Man. I love just. I like every single musical. But Beetlejuice is, like, very, like, contemporary and modern and just like, really fun. And it just is, like, really catchy music. I think if you. If you like musical theater, like, like Dear Hands, it's very show tuning, which I love.

Lydia-Renee:

I love the. The cast recording. But, like, Beetlejuice sounds like pop music. Like, it's just super catchy. And that's what I. I love about it and the story. It does everything. I wasn't even, like, a massive fan of the movie.

Lydia-Renee:

I liked the movie. I wasn't, like, a huge Stan, but after I saw the musical, I literally turned my entire, like, dining room. Our dining room is an exact replica of the DC signing you, like, exactly to a T. And I just became like, really obsessed after seeing the musical.

Speaker C:

And so I'm. I'm curious of this process. How did you go about getting on Broadway? Like, did you contact them? Did they contact you? What. What was that process? And how did you get here?

Lydia-Renee:

That's kind of a gag. I. I was. I was just talking to r. Just make a peer about that because I was kind of like, I would like to know. I really do think, like, manifesting is a big thing. I kind of always just talked about it so much. I've done a ton of fan music videos.

Lydia-Renee:

I did Sing My Name where I played all the parts. I did what I know now, and I just, like, was like, putting, like, the art out there and whatever. It's kind of like manifesting. And then this year I did a tour where I just, like, do my own songs, but I did a little Beetlejuice medley. So, like, I did 40 shows this year and I did Beetlejuice medley every single time and played Drake a City Music hall, which was really fun. And I really think something like that may be aligned. I know one of the producers here at Beetlejuice knew the people who produced my. I did a Broadway show earlier this year at St.

Lydia-Renee:

James for charity, and they knew each other. So I think everything just kind of, like, aligned somehow. And then my agents called me after my tour. I was like, you want to audition for Beatrice musical? I was like, what? I was like, for what part? Like, I can't even imagine. And my first inclination was like, to say no, because Broadway is like, amazing performance. Like, the vocals are. I know that's not my vocal range. But then when they told me what part it was, I was like, okay, maybe this is something I could do.

Lydia-Renee:

So I'm very excited.

Speaker C:

And what was that audition process like for you coming in?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, I did. Yeah, it was. It was actually the most intimidating. I do a lot of self tapes, but this one I did like, with the. The casting and like, this is instructor. And so it was. And it's very different than like a self tape or even like an ally audition. Lally audition.

Lydia-Renee:

Like, oh, that was great. That was wonderful. New York is very like. All right, thank you. It was like a five minute. I did my Maxine scene. It was like five minutes. All right, thanks.

Lydia-Renee:

And I was like, oh, I botched it. Like, I remember just being like, that was so bad. Like, obviously not. And I couldn't hear for months. And then I heard a rumor on TikTok and someone DM me this, like, Broadway fan on TikTok and he's like, oh, I heard you're being in Beetlejuice. I'm like, I didn't. Haven't heard that. What are you talking about? And then my un called me, like, a week later, and they're like, they'd like to offer you the role for three weeks.

Lydia-Renee:

I was like, I'll take it. I'll take anything. So I was.

Speaker C:

Crazy how rumors start before you even know anything about it.

Lydia-Renee:

I had no idea. Yeah, it was a rumor that I was, like, getting a new character, and they were a song just for me, like, something crazy. And half of it was true. But, yeah, I was, like, so shook. I was like, yeah, it was cool to find out.

Speaker C:

And so describe that very first night. I mean, obviously, the audience was crazy for you. They were applauding. They were going crazy. But for you, what was it like that first night on Broadway?

Lydia-Renee:

Honestly, it, like, felt more comfortable than I thought. Like, I was, like, nervous. But with Broadway and, like, the rehearsal of it all, I had a week of rehearsal, and they really drill it. Okay. I'm in, like, one scene. It's an iconic scene, and I make every single, like, second last on the stage. But. But, yeah, they just, like, ran it with me over and over where it was like, there's no choice but to just have it in your body.

Lydia-Renee:

You know, it's just, like. It just seeps into you. I don't know if I was talking to you or somebody else where they were saying, like, it just, like, osmosis. It just, like, comes into your body. There's, like, muscle memory. So it's like, by the end of the first rehearsal, I'm opening night, I was just like, oh, like, I could do this in my sleep. And it's been fun. And now on my second week, it's.

Lydia-Renee:

It's really fun. I get to, like, didn't, like, really get to me and it. So fun.

Speaker C:

Yeah. Because I remember wherever we did your put in.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah.

Speaker C:

Before then, you had just kind of had maybe a couple of people you were working with.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah.

Speaker C:

And then you all of a sudden have everybody on stage with you.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, yeah, it was. That part was wild because you really do just work with, like, one choreographer and then tell you what's happening. And then. Yeah, the. I did one rehearsal with the. With the swings. That was really fun because they're, like, so good, too. And then when I get the put in, then it was, like, the full everything with the hands.

Lydia-Renee:

And then it became. It becomes easier when there's, like, other people to, like, be in the scene with you.

Speaker C:

Yeah.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah.

Speaker C:

And so when it comes to Maxine, like, what do you find so fun about her as a character?

Lydia-Renee:

She's fun because she's there for a good time. I feel like Beetlejuice has, like, so many, like, emotions, and all the characters go through so many. Like, even Ortho, like, there's just so many, like, emotions. And, like, great. She's kind of just there for, like, a good time. And she also ranges of emotions, too, though. She's, like, there for a good time. She's happy that she's scared.

Lydia-Renee:

Then she's like, okay, cram out of here. Like, I don't know. It's just such a. It's just a fun role because you get to do so much. I thought, like, I remember seeing the show, I was like, okay, she has a couple lines. It's cute, whatever. But it's such a big, like, choreographed, like, scene. So I think that's, like, the fun part of it all.

Lydia-Renee:

And, yeah, just get. Every night I do a different line delivery because I have, like, I feel different every night as her, you know, so it should probably be the same for Broadway, but for this particular role, I'm like, she has it. Sometimes she's mad at Maxi, sometimes she's, like, flirty with him. You have to make it count.

Speaker C:

Well, that's one thing that I love about the way they've been directing, because it's the same for us as actors. Swings, understudies, the main characters, that we each get to kind of bring our own selves into these characters and kind of. Well, if you have an idea, go with it, you know, because, like, my Otho is very different from the previous Otho, and your Maxi is going to be different from the previous Maxi. So. So yeah, you're. You're. You really get to bring yourself to this.

Lydia-Renee:

That's what's fun. And I love getting to see you in particular, like, because, like, when I. When I do my scene, you're a lawyer in the scene. So, like. And then I see you, like, we see each other for bows, and I see you as Ortho, and I'm just like. It blows my mind how you guys can, like, shift characters. Because, like, I feel like I try to get, like, all method act to be in one character, but I have to, like, switch so many times is. It's truly talent, like, my respect.

Lydia-Renee:

It's always been like that for Broadway, but after doing the show and just seeing what everyone goes through backstage, I'm like, even today's show, like, just like last minute switch, like a last minute, like, put in, like, all of a sudden it's like, now you're this character and having to like, switch all. Like, it's insane. It's actually insane how talented everyone is here. It's wild.

Speaker C:

Well, it's been a joy to have you and I'm glad that you're able to kind of enjoy it because as I said, the fans out there are certainly enjoying it and they have come in droves to see you. That. That must feel good to. To have that support behind you.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, it's literally the reason I'm here. And I know that I'm so big before. I never forget it because it's like, yeah, I have really supported people online and I'm 37, like, and this is like, you know, the first time I get to actually, like, live a dream. Like, I've wanted to do this literally since I was 12, and it just like, never happened for me. So it's really because of people online that support me and like, buy tickets to my things that I'm able to do that. And I. And I'm fully aware of it. I'm so.

Lydia-Renee:

I'm like, so lucky. And I think that's what I. That's what, like, drives me. And then I really want to be good too, because I don't want to just, like, be here, be like, okay, there's people who like, buy tickets to see me, but I also want to be, like, really good because the show is so good and I would hate to, like, bring it down. Even if it's just one scene, it's a really big scene. So I want to make sure it's.

Speaker C:

Good too, like, coming. I mean, obviously you've done a lot of, like, on camera stuff with your YouTube and everything else and music videos, but when it comes to this, this is live theater. Is there something that you're almost wanting to kind of prove to yourself, I can do this live as well, not just on camera?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah. Because to me, it's in my personal opinion, like, I always, like, looked up for Broadway performers. I've seen Broadway, so I was like 10 years old, maybe 6, I think was Donny Astin, and Joseph was my first one. And I remember, like, looking up to that, like, so much is like, that's what I want to do. That's what I want to be. So I think to me, it was like my ultimate challenge. Like, always wanted to be an actress, never really got the chance to do it. So getting this chance has Been like the best thing ever to just like, prove it, like myself and to like, people that I could do it and commit to it.

Lydia-Renee:

Because my younger self would not have been able to handle this. Like, I was such a mess. I probably wouldn't have shown up for call time. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I would have been such a mess. But I'm so like, I want to be here. I want to do like anything I can to just like, I'll come early, I'll stay throughout, but you'll like anything to do this. I want to do it again. It's so much fun.

Lydia-Renee:

So I don't know what role that would be. That's something.

Speaker C:

Well, you mentioned about growing up and how you've been watching theater since you were a kid. What was the home life like? Was it an artistic family? Were they going to the theater with you as well? Like, what was that like?

Lydia-Renee:

Not really. My. My parents just worked a lot, so we were just watching a lot of like moving musicals on, like, like Little Shovel Chorus. I like how that. My VHS player, like, Till it like Grand Blue Joseph was a big one for me, so I played that. So I was watching a lot of that. And then when I got into like middle school, we had like theater trips to. Which is cool.

Lydia-Renee:

Like, even Beetlejuice today, they had like a bunch of like a school here. And so we had to do that kind of stuff. And my first Broadway show in New York was producers at the St. James. And that was Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane. And that was just. Oh my. Like, when I saw Oola up here, I was like, I want to be her.

Lydia-Renee:

I was like 10. I. What I wanted to. It just felt so glamorous. And it is glamorous. Like even getting to be backstage and doing all this stuff, it's like, it is a very glamorous job. I mean, you guys are doing the most and it's a lot of work, but it is like, fun to watch.

Speaker C:

And for you, you did, you did, you know, because you started in la, then your family moved to Chicago for a bit and then you came back to la. Was. And so was your goal still theater or. Obviously LA is more of an on camera, TV film town. Did you kind of go in that direction a little bit more?

Lydia-Renee:

I wanted to, but I just didn't know how to go about it.

Speaker C:

So.

Lydia-Renee:

Thank God for YouTube because I think I always just wanted to be like. Sounds like so silly, but back in the day it's like wanted to be famous and I think I just. I didn't really have, like. And I don't say this to be, like, humble or anything. I didn't really have, like, the talents. I was, like, mediocre at everything, but I was never, like, exceptional. So I think, like, it just, like, wasn't in the cards for me back then because I just, like, wasn't confident to, like, act or anything. And then YouTube came out when I was 18, and so that was, like, my outlet to find, like, fame or an audience or perform in some capacity.

Lydia-Renee:

And. Yeah, so then I just kind of stuck with that because it's the one place where people, like, watched, you know, because, like, I kind of get casted in anything probably because I wasn't taking classes, I wasn't, like, putting in the work. But, like, you know, now that I'm, like, getting opportunities, I am, like, trying to, like, take acting classes again. Like, starting at 37 is crazy because everyone's so young in these classes. But I'm trying, you know.

Speaker C:

Well, the thing is, it was 36 whenever I moved to New York for the first time. So I had, like, like a lot of, like, traveling around, doing different kinds of performing. So I. I came to New York, I guess, quote unquote, late in life myself.

Lydia-Renee:

So silly though, right? It's like. It's so crazy because it's like, any age, but, yeah, it is black. Oh, my gosh. So you were doing, like, theater before that?

Speaker C:

Yeah, community theater, regional theater, cruise ships, theme parks. I. I kind of ran the gamut when it came to performing. Kind of wherever the. Wherever I could get a job.

Lydia-Renee:

There's like, an early age from, like, right out of high school.

Speaker C:

I started, like, in. In high school doing some, you know, like, community theater. But then it was at college when I started actually making money doing summer stock and doing that kind of stuff, like, professional.

Lydia-Renee:

You were in college? Wow, that's amazing. To make money as an actor is very difficult.

Speaker C:

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Especially as, I mean, especially when you're starting out. You're. You're doing community. The. You're doing, you know, 100 bucks, 200 bucks, 300 bucks a week. You know, just this kind of nothing to really, like, live off of, but just like, oh, someone's going to pay me to do this, right?

Lydia-Renee:

It's the most bizarre thing. Like, it's so fun you guys get to do this and, like, this is your job, because it is. I would, I would. I always say this. I would pay to be on Broadway. Like, I'd pay anything to do this. Like, it's literally like an experience that's so fun. I love it so much.

Speaker C:

Well, before YouTube, there was something that I wanted to ask you about, because I read that you, at one point, were trying to break a Guinness World Record. You did your research. Please tell me about this, because it has to do with fast talking. Yes, please. Okay, please tell me how this came about and when you discovered this talent.

Lydia-Renee:

Well, I mean, talent very loosely. It was my only, like, claim to fame that people thought was cool. I had a viral video in, like, 2000, like 8 or something that went viral. I was, like, reading Steve Martin's book, and I did it, like, really, really fast. So it just went viral. So, like, just a bunch of TV shows picked up on us. So, like, America's Got Talent asked me to audition. So I auditioned for America's Got Talent.

Lydia-Renee:

I was on Ellen, and then. Yeah, then Guinness World Records had a show called Guinness Unleashed. And it was on. Yeah, it was on true tv. And it was, like, really fun. I got to go to New York and be on, like, Good Morning America. Got to do press for it. I was, like, young.

Lydia-Renee:

I was, like, 21. So it was my only, like, somewhat talent that got me noticed. And it's not. It's definitely not a talent at all. And even when I went to do the Guinness World Record, I, like, technically broke the record, but, like, when they slowed it down and you couldn't understand every word I said, so, like, it didn't qualify me to, like, win.

Speaker C:

Oh, I see. Right. You have to be able to. To understand each and every word. Each and every word has to be.

Lydia-Renee:

Spoken and learned it. Yeah. And it was Hamlet soliloquy. So, like, how are you supposed to, like. Oh, my God. Pronounced it right? You know, it was very awesome.

Speaker C:

Easy thing to read.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah. You know, I was like. To be honest with you, that's the question. And it was like, so. And then all of a sudden, I just started exploring all the words, and it was really hard.

Speaker C:

But so. So I'm curious. How does one practice that? Like. Like, are you just picking up whatever you can, A book, a magazine, and just reading it as fast as you can to practice or.

Lydia-Renee:

No, I think it's like, no practice. That's why I like you when you have this, like, a. Like a. Like your voice, Right? Like, yes, you can take classes, like, get better, but you either can sing or you, like, can't. You know what I mean? Like, there's people who are just, like, I don't know, a pitch. I don't know, a key, but it's like, probably comes so naturally to you. And I feel like with talking fast, I'm just like, it just always been my thing and reading fast, I just read very quickly.

Speaker C:

They call it the gift of Gap. You got it.

Lydia-Renee:

Thanks. Yeah, thank God for podcasts because that's like, my calling and I, like, love it.

Speaker C:

So when YouTube, it came around for you, like, what was it that drew you to that? And when did you kind of realize, oh, this is something I can do?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, it was MySpace. We're on MySpace.

Speaker C:

Oh, I remember my space.

Lydia-Renee:

I loved MySpace.

Speaker C:

So I think that was like 2006 and seven when I joined that.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, yeah, exactly. So I was like 18. I was fresh out of high school. I was definitely not going to college. And so I remember I. My MySpace page was like, dedicated to. I loved, like, Quentino, which is why I moved to la. And I felt like I'm going to get his attention.

Lydia-Renee:

I'm going to be in a Quentin Tarantino movie, whatever. So I. I did MySpace. And then in order to put videos on your MySpace page, you needed like an 8 HTML code back in the day, and YouTube would give you that. So I just started posting videos on YouTube to get the code and then post on MySpace. But I didn't start making money off YouTube for like a few years because I don't think they were paying people until like 2008 or something like that.

Speaker C:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I mean, because this was still in the early days of just social media in general.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah.

Speaker C:

You know, because. Because Facebook was barely a thing.

Lydia-Renee:

I don't think it was.

Speaker C:

Right.

Lydia-Renee:

Colleges and.

Speaker C:

So what was that first video that went viral that got you noticed that you went, oh, I can keep doing this and build a fan base.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, I. Probably the fast talking one. Probably that fast talking video. I remember people, again, 6,008 people were like, wow, this is so crazy. Like, I don't know, it was like, it's like cat videos or something back then. Like, people just were like, didn't have that kind of entertainment and it was kind of like more of like a freak show thing. So I thought maybe like, the more crazy I appeared to be online, the more like money I can make. Because I was like, I had no direction.

Lydia-Renee:

I just wanted to be a performer and, like, had no way of making that happen. I didn't even sign with an agency until literally last year. Like, I never had a manager, agent, so I don't know how I would thinking of getting these roles other than putting it out on the Internet and hoping somebody would see me, which worked like fast talking. It worked to some capacity.

Speaker C:

And so with, with YouTube, I mean you're basically getting to be yourself but then you start to incorporate whether, whether it's singing or other things and kind of starting to actually get to play act on, on camera as well.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, that's what's really cool about it is like, yeah, you build an audience. So it's kind of like the reverse, right? Like you'd like, you usually audition and you get a job and there's like a built in audience like Broadway. There's always going to be an audience whether they like, you know, anyway. So for me I had to do it the reverse way. I had to like, like build an audience and like, you know, I got to do my passions more so. And at the beginning, like I started at 25, like putting my singing videos out there. I did a smash cover of Don't Forget Me. And I remember everybody at first was like what? But I think over the years it's become camping kind of like niche now it's kind of like, I don't know, people just like supporting me, just like, oh yeah, you know what if I, I would do this too if I could.

Lydia-Renee:

So I've been doing cover songs. I did like little shuffle horrors playing all the parts and stuff. And so I like, it's been, it's been fun. People just like have shown support. So I really now get to produce my own kind of art. And again, Beetlejuice like coming kind of was so like manifested through like my videos because I, I think I performed the entire Beetlejuice the musical on my YouTube, like the entire two and a half hours of it. I think I did during COVID and I don't know if it's still up, but it's like a three hour video. It's just me doing the entire play by myself and musical rather.

Lydia-Renee:

And yeah, I really think it just like manifested. So it's really cool to be here and get to like, like meet other people who love like acting and playing pretend and stuff.

Speaker C:

Well, the thing is, I think that's what one of the great things about theater is. Like I'm not a great dancer, but yet I still can pick up choreography and I can do okay, but I can't do what like our dancers in the show, I can't do what they do. Like that's a skill that I don't have. However, I kind of make it forward in other areas and it's the same kind of thing like, you don't have to have a great voice, but if you have a presence, if you have a personality, and so there's a place for, I think, really anyone when it comes to theater.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, that's what's kind of cool, that. That, yeah, like, you. You know, you give me hope, you give me inspiration. I say that. I'm like, sometimes passion can take you a long way. And like you said, it's like what you lack. If you can pick up in other ways, you know, it can. It could take you.

Lydia-Renee:

It could take you places. Because I had never thought a million years I'd ever, like, make a career. My chorus teachers can tell you I'd never gone a solo. Like, and even my own tour is, like, singing. Never did. I think I'd be like, I'm a singer. I have 10 albums. But, like, you know, you make it happen, and someone out there appreciates the art or whatever it is, whether it's camp or whatever.

Lydia-Renee:

And. Yeah, just.

Speaker C:

Yeah.

Lydia-Renee:

And having fun is a big one. But I'm. I'm like, yeah, like, if I had a good singing voice, oh, my God, I'd be unstoppable. I'd be like, Armenia Grande or something. Like, I think I, like, that would be. Oh, my God. People have singing voices.

Speaker C:

Amazing oblivion. Great respect for them as well. Yeah. I feel like mine is. Is good for what it is, but. Yeah, there's no way that yours is so good.

Lydia-Renee:

I was hearing you guys sing Happy Trails the other day. Someone was leaving, I think, from the crew, and I was, like, in my room because I didn't know what it was. I actually didn't know, like, what Happy Trails, like, met, like, I love Broadway. And I, like, didn't know. And I heard you guys singing, and someone explained it to me, and you guys were singing in, like, perfect harmonies. It was, like, beautiful. Because most people would seem like happy trail to you, like, just to be silly. You guys are, like, perfect, like, harmonies, everything.

Speaker C:

I know. We like to show off our harmonies.

Lydia-Renee:

That that's my dream. It's like hearing or even, like, in bows. It's Matt next to me, and he's always, like, harmonizing, like, work it all the time. Like, he said, that's so good. And I'm like, wow, everyone's really giving it their all.

Speaker C:

Well, now, getting back to YouTube, you are part of that generation that grew up with. With social media kind of beginning the being on camera, kind of putting your life out there into the public. And so was that ever daunting to you or did you ever really think about, like, oh, I'm, like, sharing my innermost thoughts with strangers?

Lydia-Renee:

No, like, hindsight. Like, I wish, like, maybe I didn't share every little thing about my life, but in the moment, it's like, all I had. You know what I meant? I just thought, like, if I shared every single thought, everything, like, it just showed, like, realness or rawness or something that people liked and resonated with some. It's the only thing that was, like, making me money and giving me a chance to, like, quote, unquote, perform on camera. But yeah, like, hindsight, now I don't, I don't share. I share a lot, but not as much. Yeah. Because it's.

Lydia-Renee:

It's a little too much sometimes. Stuff.

Speaker C:

Well, and, and also. And as I'm sure that you. You have come to find out that there's people who's going to love it and there are people who are not going to love when you do. And so you. You've definitely had both. Both sides of that. How do you deal with those who either just don't like what you do or go even further and have stronger opinions about it? How do you deal with that?

Lydia-Renee:

I think it's, like, been so many years now. It's really been two decades online. I think it's really just, like, just ignoring is, like, that's the best thing I could tell people is, like, if it gets to be too much, like, one, obviously don't be on social media if it's like, too much. Or also just don't look at comments. My, like, I. My comments lately have been wonderful and it's great. But I think back in the day, like, yeah, or even doing this, you know, there's obviously some Broadway fans that are just like, why is she on Broadway? And it's like, like, you kind of just, you know, I respect it all, right? Like, I respect it all. Like, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but it doesn't mean that I have to, like, hear it or, like, look at it, because it can be like, you know, I only just try and do my best and just, you know, keep it moving.

Lydia-Renee:

But it's hard. It's hard. I. I just think, like, ignoring it, it's not for everyone. It can take a toll for sure. When I was in my 20s, it definitely, like, hurt more than it does now. It also depends on the comment. If someone just calls you, like, fat or ugly, right? Like, that's not a big deal.

Lydia-Renee:

If someone, like, attacks my character and be like, that's a bad person, then that, like, hurts. But I overall just try not to look at comments too much one way or the other.

Speaker C:

And. And did those comments that you would read, would they impact the. Okay, well, I'm going to do different videos than Based on these comments, or I'm going to say different things or do different things.

Lydia-Renee:

Well, yes, but for the, for the worst, I would kind of like. It's called Rage Bait. Do you know what that is?

Speaker C:

Okay.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, like, back in the day, someone's like, I hate this about her. I would just, like, lean into it more to, like, make people upset, which is, like, not a good thing. But it would, like, get me views. Yeah. And people still do it today, and I get it. And like, even companies like, like Rage Bait, and I get it because I used to do it, but it's just like, not a good look. It's just, like, bad overall energy. So when I was, like, feeding into negative energy, I felt like negative things were coming my way.

Lydia-Renee:

So I was like, let me not, like, troll people like this anymore. But I used to, like, lean into it a little too much. Someone's like, I hate this about you. I would just, like, lean into it more.

Speaker C:

Right? Oh, you hate that. Well, what about this?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I would. I would constantly just, like, yeah, lean into what people do to, like, which I'm like, hey, that literally so silly. So now I just do stuff I like, and if people like it, they like it, and if they don't, it's okay, too.

Speaker C:

And the things, as I was saying, like, you basically are kind of growing up on camera. And so, like, I mean, for me, you know, I grew up in an era where we weren't on. On social media. So all the stupid things and dumb things that I was doing were just me and my friends. But you have, you know, a hundred thousand, a million people who see the stupid things that you do. And so it's. It's just. There's a lot more interaction there.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah. I, like, I was like, 18 when it started, so, like, I was a little older. But yeah, like, these kids that are like, 13 on Emma, like, yeah, it's. It's hard. I would say, like, don't do it, but at the same time, like, I was doing stupid stuff at. At. It's gonna be out there forever. That's why I tell people.

Lydia-Renee:

I'm like, just know that it'll be. It'll be out there forever. I'm hoping one day when my kids are older, there's a way to erase some parts of the Internet because I don't want them to see, like, everything I did. So, like, fingers crossed in 15 years, that's possible, but, yeah, I have to deal with the consequences. But be careful what you put out there, you know, because people want to talk. Are you on TikTok?

Speaker C:

No, I'm not.

Lydia-Renee:

You're on TikTok.

Speaker C:

I know, I know. I've. I've kind of found Instagram, and that's my lane, and I love it. Love it.

Lydia-Renee:

TikTok. And Beeldia's just so big on TikTok. That's, like, what blew it up. But TikTok. Yeah, TikTok people, just regular people who live in, like, Alabama or wherever they live, like, what, can post something about their lives and it goes viral. It's like, millions of views and it's like, something like, talking about how toxic their husband is or how awful their kids are, they're like, it's crazy how much people over share and how the Internet just, like, thrives on it. And it can, like, ruin people's lives. It can change people's lives, too, but it's kind of this thing.

Speaker C:

It.

Lydia-Renee:

It's scary how powerful it can be, you know?

Speaker C:

And so with 20 years of doing that, do you. Do you look back and be like, I wish I'd done that, or are you trying to, like, curate your. Your feet a little bit better now?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah.

Speaker C:

How does that work?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, I guess, like, because it's out there, I have to just look at it as, like, okay, well, at least it's part of my journey, and I can show that people can grow and change because I have a really, like, severe, untreated, like, mental illness for a long time. And I feel like at least my story can show, like, growth is possible and you can, like, live a, like, normal, quote, unquote, normal life with a mental illness. So, like, that's good because I found stability and I can show, like, the progress. So that's, like, a good thing. But of course, I mean, now that I have kids, I, like, regret 90% of, like, been out there. I was like, oh, my God, I was. I never thought I'd have kids. I never thought in my mind, I'm like, I'm never going to live past 30.

Lydia-Renee:

Like, that's always how I envision my life, and now it's so the opposite. And it's like, gosh, I wish I would have just put a little less out there.

Speaker C:

Well, but this is what happens in our teens and our 20s. We're kind of finding ourselves and kind of who we are, who we want to be. And sometimes that's great, and then other times we can be assholes. Just. It happens.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah. And then, like, just putting it on the Internet for it to be screwed. It's. It's rough because I, I remember some.

Speaker C:

Of the conversations I would have and. And you know, because I was. I was 25, 26, I. I knew what I was talking about and how, you know, and so I would talk back to people or I would say this or, or kind of like dismiss people. And it's like, I look back at that now, I'm like, why did I treat them like that?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, that works.

Speaker C:

Do crazy things.

Lydia-Renee:

That. That is so true. Yeah, I think that's what it is. It's like, like, yeah, especially in your 20s, I always say, like, kids, but in your 20s, you're even like, a.

Speaker C:

Little more because you know enough to be dangerous and stupid at the same time.

Lydia-Renee:

That part, you're right. You do know enough. And so it's like kids, like, okay, they're kids. They don't know better, but adults, like, you know. And you're still being that way. No, that's wild. Do you, do you interact with people online? Do you ever, like, interact in the comments or.

Speaker C:

Yeah, yeah, every now and then. And for the most part, you know, I don't have, like, a huge following. But at the same time, every now and then they'll. They'll like this or they'll like that. And certainly Beetlejuice has given me some fans that love Otho, and so that's been great. But yeah, every now and then someone will just have a snark and they'll just like, you know, oh, this was stupid. Or why do you even call your hover before, you know, stupid thing?

Lydia-Renee:

It's not crazy. You're like, on Broadway. You've been doing theater for so long, and it's like, people still, that. That's what's wild to me is people with, like, actual talent who, like, have been proven performers still get like, hey, it's like, what do you mean? Like, what do you mean? Why do you apologize, performer? It's excitement performing for so many years, you know?

Speaker C:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I posted one thing about, about. Because in the. The Bible that I use, this is, you know, whoever was before me, they. They actually put the priest script in there because it's a Bible. So they just put it in there. So I was kind of giving a behind the scenes look about. Here's.

Speaker C:

What's this? And you know, Showing the. The. The opening scene with the. The casket and everything. And then someone commented, are you a grown man? You know, like. Like, why do you need the script? It's like, like, well, it's just there. People just say whatever they want. They literally just say whatever they want.

Lydia-Renee:

That is such a funny comment. You're like, I'm literally an actor in a show.

Speaker C:

Yes. I actually am.

Lydia-Renee:

People are really funny. I know. Some of those comments, I mean, are kind of silly. They kind of make you laugh, right? Like, it is. It is wild.

Speaker C:

And I mean, for us actors there, there's like, kind of two camps when it comes to reviews. Like, some people, like, Like, I will read all reviews. You know, I'm doing a community retro production, whatever. I'll read the reviews. I'll just kind of, like, see what people are thinking, you know, that they liked me. But. But I've certainly been those productions that did not get reviewed well, you know, but there are other people who's like, I never read reviews. I don't want to know.

Speaker C:

I don't want to hear. And so, like, backstage, you just kind of. It's an understanding that you don't talk about reviews if.

Lydia-Renee:

Oh, really?

Speaker C:

Yeah, yeah. So if someone wants to hear it or wants to read it, then. Then they'll go find it. But you. You just don't bring it up backstage.

Lydia-Renee:

Oh, I didn't know.

Speaker C:

Because there's some people who don't want to do it, and I imagine. And you've kind of had to have your own boundaries when it comes to comments online.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, no, I don't want to hear anything good or bad because it's so funny. Because Ryan Makeup here, he was saying the same thing. He's like, I don't want to tell you what I love about your performance because then you focus on it. Because there's so many things that I love, and then that makes me feel good. But at the same time, I know what he means. Because if someone good or bad, it can swing so much. So it's like, I'd rather just experience it, just do it. If there's notes or something from the creatives, of course I always listen to it.

Lydia-Renee:

But yeah, if it's reviews, because everyone also. It's also taste, right? Like, someone could come to Beetlejuice and be like, I love it. Some people like, not for me. And it, like, it doesn't. It just tastes. It doesn't really mean like, the show's good or bad. It just, like, taste.

Speaker C:

Well, yeah, but I mean, that's that's the beauty of art. Whether it's a TV show or a Broadway show, I mean, people are very subjective, and they like what they like.

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah. And theater Broadway fans can be, like, so, like, critical. Right. Like, I mean, I've just seen, like, other shows that I opened recently, and it's just like, wow. People really do have, like, strong opinions on shows. And it's like. And you could be the most talented. We've seen, like, the most talented Broadway stars and still get, like, criticized.

Lydia-Renee:

Like, oh, it's not. I'm like, I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it. But I suppose if you know you're talented, maybe it doesn't affect you as much, but maybe it does. I don't know.

Speaker C:

Yeah. Because I think when it comes to audiences, I mean, obviously there's many different ranges of audiences, but I think there's basically two audiences, those who just love the experience. The fact that people are on stage, they're just excited for that period. And then I think there's another camp where it's like, they're the purists. It's like, well, this is what theater should be. This is how you do this. This is the way we do this, you know? So I think those are kind of the two broad camps of people, and it's hard to please both of them.

Lydia-Renee:

You really can't. You really can't. I know. It is such a. To navigate. It is very interesting. Yeah. My Broadway show, I did earlier this year at the same James.

Lydia-Renee:

Like, it was. We broadcast it live. And, like, obviously, like, in Broadway, like, you never record anything. So I remember that was, like, such a hot button issue for, like, the Broadway enthusiasts to be like, why would you record a Broadway show? And it was just like. It was. We were trying to, like, merge the two worlds. And it was for charity. It was for entertainment Community Fund.

Lydia-Renee:

So it was, like, raising money for that. But it was interesting to see how many people, like, were not happy about that. They're like, no, it's a Broadway show. Like, not supposed to report it. And I was like, oh, that's so interesting. I get it.

Speaker C:

But. But see, coming from your world, the YouTube world on camera, like, I. I do think, yes, live theater is its own thing, but I do think that there's an importance, you know, like. Like, whenever Hamilton went on Disney plus, that was huge for Disney and also huge for people who love that show. And I think there's a way to document live theater. You know, you do have to kind of film it differently But I think, think video and incorporating theater. I mean, we're a video age now. You can't really separate the two.

Speaker C:

There has to be some kind of blending here and there in order for, I think, for both art forms to kind of like.

Lydia-Renee:

I agree. Because there are. And like, yeah, as a Broadway fan, too, like, it is. It is expensive to come see Broadway. So I think, like, doing those pro shots are so important because, like, that's what people want, right? They want to see the show and maybe they can't afford to travel to New York or, like, buy a ticket. So, yeah, it would be, like, wonderful if one day they can find that, like, balance. But I understand also why, like, Broadway doesn't want that, because live theater is so fun to, like, see an experience in person. So it is.

Lydia-Renee:

I'm on both sides. As a social media person, I love to see it, but at the same time, it's like, I love when people come to the theater too, because it's, like, such a fun show each time. So.

Speaker C:

And Hamilton is a juggernaut, so it's got to be successful no matter what. But it does prove that even with a show like Hamilton can be over Disney and it still sells out every night on Broadway. So it's not like, like, these videos are taking away an audience. Like, well, I don't need to see Hamilton in person now, right? No, they see the video and, like, now. Now I want to see them personally.

Lydia-Renee:

But I. I think that with Beetlejuice, the musical, I mean, like I said, not really knowing much about Beetlejuice beforehand, I saw so many TikToks with the sounds, and I was like, oh, I want to go see it, you know, because I kept seeing it all over Tik Tok. So, yeah, I do think I'm definitely on the social media, like, side of that, where it's like, I think it can. It can help. And I get why people don't like it.

Speaker C:

I get.

Lydia-Renee:

I totally get both signs. But I think it only helps at the end of the day because people, like, why won't they see it even more now?

Speaker C:

And so for you, with YouTube, you've done these music videos, these singles, you've done some stage work. Now you're on Broadway, you've kind of done a lot of different things. Do you find a kind of a connected tissue in all the different areas that you've been able to do?

Lydia-Renee:

Yeah, for me, it really is just like it was for me as a kid. Watching all the musicals is like, it's escapism, like, I just love, especially like Beetlejuice, like, I love just being in like a different world. Like, the world is hard, the world is tough, the world is sad. I mean, it has happy moments, of course, but there is just like, especially now, there's just so much like sadness and for like a couple hours, like getting to escape as an audience member is super fun because you're like in the world. But as like a performer getting to this stuff, like, I just don't think about anything else while like I'm on stage, you know what I mean? So you have that like moment of just like almost like meditation, almost like bliss in your mind where it's just like I'm in this other world where there's going to be a happy ending. And like, that's what I love love with my videos, with my music videos and with like Broadway. It's like kind of just gives you like a, like a happy place, you know, which is a beautiful thing. And especially BLGs like you're in this like crazy world.

Lydia-Renee:

Like it's so like, it's like a whole different world. And so it's like really fun. Especially on like two short days where we like stay in here. Now I'm like, damn. Like the real world, the outside world is like non existent, you know, it's like. So it's nice for a little while.

Patrick Oliver Jones:

Well, thank you so much for joining us today. And remember, you can get early access to our full conversation by going to why I'll never make it.com and click subscribe. Well, that about does it for this episode. I'm your host, Patrick Oliver Jones, in charge of writing, editing and producing this podcast. Stay tuned for the next episode when I ask the final five questions and we talk more about why I'll never make it.