Broadway Drumming 101

Mike Dobson is a drummer, percussionist, and Foley artist who has spent over 20 years bringing stories to life with his unique combination of live music and sound effects.

With degrees from The Hartt School (B.M.) and The New School (M.M.), Mike has the training and the creativity to tackle any project. He co-wrote the offbeat production Room 17B and has worked with top directors like Tina Landau.

Mike’s journey started behind the drum kit, but his passion for sound grew during his early days performing in circus and clown shows. That’s where he learned how sound effects can create humor and enhance storytelling, lessons he’s carried throughout his career.

One of his standout roles was as the live Foley artist for The SpongeBob Musical. I first met him there and was able to work with him when subbing for Damien Bassman. He continued that role in The SpongeBob Musical Live On Stage, proving that sound can bring just as much personality to a show as the actors on stage.

He’s the drummer and percussionist for the Broadway show Water for Elephants, based on the bestselling novel. In this production, Mike doesn’t just play drums—he helps create the world of a traveling circus during the Great Depression and uses traditional percussion, found objects, and custom instruments.

Water for Elephants runs through December 8, 2024, so go see it before it ends!

For more: https://www.mikedobsonmusic.com/home

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, Aquarian Drumheads, and Empire Ears in ear monitors.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com