From TikTok to the Grammys
In January 2021, two women took to social media to write a song.
Which turned into 3 songs . . . then 5 . . . then 10 . . . and 9 months later they released a full album.
And on Sunday, they won the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
So what happened? And how?
Let’s go back in time . . .
Netflix released “Bridgerton”, a series based on the historical romance book series by Julia Quinn.
Fans of the series, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, wrote a musical version of the first season and uploaded it to TikTok and Instagram.
It blows up. Attracting millions.
What makes it special?
These two women shared their entire writing process LIVE for their individual audiences – Emily Bear on Instagram and Abigail Barlow on TikTok.
By doing something that’s never been done before, they’ve allowed their fans to not only get a peek at the behind-the-scenes, but also participate . . . providing line suggestions, laughing along, responding in REAL TIME to choices being made.
And be engaging with their followers and allowing them to participate in the process, those same followers became more passionate about helping them succeed!
They spread Bridgerton far and wide . . .
And before you know it, Barlow and Bear signed with CAA, sold out shows across the country AND across the pond, interviewed Andrew Lloyd Webber at the TheaterMakers Summit, got commissioned to write more musicals, got nominated for a Grammy, and yes – WIN!!!
What’s their formula for success that YOU CAN FOLLOW today???
- Have an idea.
- Execute the idea.
- Put that thing out in the world.
- Engage with your community.
- Repeat, repeat and repeat.
And then, watch what happens.
You too could win WHATEVER AWARD you want.
Think that’s a crazy, pie in the sky idea?
Ask Barlow & Bear. They probably thought the same thing a few years ago.
Until it happened.
P.S. If you’re ready to speed things up but know you need some help, get on a call with my team. They’ll give you an honest assessment of where you are and if you’re ready to go to the next stage. Click here.
Podcasting
Ken created one of the first Broadway podcasts, recording over 250 episodes over 7 years. It features interviews with A-listers in the theater about how they “made it”, including 2 Pulitzer Prize Winners, 7 Academy Award Winners and 76 Tony Award winners. Notable guests include Pasek & Paul, Kenny Leon, Lynn Ahrens and more.
