Sean McDaniel - The Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Interview

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.🎙️ Broadway Drumming 101 – Classic Episode: Sean McDanielOriginally Released: September 3, 2021Updated Notes: March 30, 2025Welcome back to another Classic episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast.This time, we’re revisiting my in-depth conversation with the incredible Sean McDaniel, one of the most versatile, hardest-working, and well-respected drummers in the Broadway community.When we first recorded this back in 2021, Sean had just come off of playing Frozen on Broadway—a gig that ended due to the shutdowns of 2020. Since then? He’s been on fire.Sean went on to hold the drum chair for the hit musical Some Like It Hot, then moved over to the current Cabaret on Broadway, and is now the drummer for the highly anticipated new musical Smash. Yeah—that Smash. He’s still crushing it and evolving with every new project.But long before those recent credits, Sean built a serious career playing on shows like The Book of Mormon, Spamalot, Violet, La Cage aux Folles, and 9 to 5. He also originated the Off-Broadway run of Hamilton, and has been heard on screen in Tick Tick Boom, Fosse/Verdon, Vivo, Annie Live, South Park, Better Nate Than Ever, and even Broadway at the White House.He’s played for artists like Clay Aiken, Barry Manilow, Sutton Foster, Audra McDonald, Jennifer Hudson, Dolly Parton, Sting, and more—and has earned both a BM from the University of North Texas and an MFA from NYU.In this episode, Sean and I dig into:* His early days growing up in Texas, Oklahoma, and Atlanta* Starting drums on a kit he inherited from his uncle* Being inspired by rock drummers like Ricky Rocket and Tommy Lee before diving into jazz and musical theater* His wild experience subbing on 11 Broadway shows at once (yes, 11)* The importance of building relationships with MDs, conductors, and fellow musicians* His experience getting his first Broadway chair with Spamalot* Working on cast recordings (and what can go right... or wrong!)* How he got involved with readings and workshops—including Hamilton, Frozen, and Newsies* The mindset and preparation it takes to be a top-level sub and drummer on BroadwaySean’s journey is a masterclass in professionalism, versatility, and humility. Whether you're trying to break into theater or just want to hear the story of a drummer who’s done it all, this one’s worth every second.🎧 Stream this Classic episode wherever you get your podcasts.📺 Video versions available on BroadwayDrumming101.com and YouTube.Let me know what you think—and if you’ve ever subbed 11 shows in one season, hit me up. I want to hear your story too.Thanks for listening.Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.Clayton’s Broadway and off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe