The Wiz, Mentorship & the Stage That Changed Everything | Ft. Keith Myles Sr.

The Cinematic Soul is where we revisit Black films, look at how they were made, talk about what they get right, and what they leave behind.This week, I’m joined by Keith R. Myles Sr., a drama teacher and mentor whose journey into theater didn’t follow a straight line.We start with The Wiz, but the conversation naturally moves beyond the film. For Keith, that experience helped shape how he saw himself and what he believed was possible. It led him into teaching, into directing, and into spaces where he could pour into others the same way people once poured into him.In this episode, we talk about finding your footing without a clear roadmap. Keith shares how he taught himself theater, how he stepped into opportunities when they showed up, and what it felt like to be hired on the spot and trusted with a classroom. There’s a lot here about discipline, connection, and the kind of presence it takes to really reach students.We also spend time with The Wiz. The way it sits in the culture, the choices it makes, and the scenes that still linger. That subway moment comes up, and how fear in film can stick with you long after the credits roll. More than anything, this is a conversation about mentorship. About how one person showing up can shift someone else’s direction. And how those moments, even the small ones, don’t really leave you.If you enjoy the episode, follow The Cinematic Soul, leave a rating, and share it with someone who knows what a good teacher can do.⸻Timestamps00:00 Welcome back and introducing Keith Myles Sr.03:20 Finding theater without a blueprint08:45 Getting hired on the spot and stepping into teaching14:10 The Wiz and what it meant at that time20:30 Building relationships with students and classroom impact27:15 Faith, community, and staying grounded33:40 Improv, fear, and unexpected moments40:10 The Wiz film and its place in the culture48:20 The subway scene and how fear lingers54:30 Music, performance, and emotional connection01:02:15 Mentorship and long-term impact01:10:40 Final reflections⸻Follow The Cinematic SoulInstagram @cinematicsoulpodThreads @cinematicsoulpodYouTube: @CinematicSoulPodFollow me @ebeknowing