Protecting Possibility
How does one build a career defined not just by talent, but by joy, leadership, and resilience? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Kate Baldwin, Tony-nominated actor, singer, and teacher, whose perspective on craft and community is as generous as it is practical. Kate discusses her current play, Murder on the Links at Two River Theater, and reflects on her career thus far, working with visionary directors like Darko Tresnjak, Susan Stroman, Michael Grief, and Jerry Zaks, who all taught her the power of shared vocabulary and artistic trust. She offers tools for navigating creative rooms like adapting to a director’s language, leaning into humor, and remembering to “protect the possibility of a happy ending.” Together they talk about how vulnerability and embracing messiness connect us more deeply to audiences, why leadership in a cast is also about setting the tone of care, and how stepping into advocacy roles helps shape her sense of responsibility in the industry. From navigating criticism and awards to showing up with curiosity and benevolence, and sustaining joy through community, this episode reminds us that what endures is the ability to keep learning, laughing, and lifting others up along the way.
Listen now: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/katebaldwin
