Personal life of a Broadway performer- Page 4

[zamedy]

Posted: 3/2/10 at 9:44pm

Brooke,

I officially nominate you for an "Ask Brooke" column on Broadwayworld.com! Your replies to the barrage of questions are the most entertaining, enlightening and fascinating responses I have read on here in a very long time. Bravo to you for following your dream all the way to the Great White Way. And, as a HUGE HAIRSPRAY fan, congrats on being part of what became one of the longest running shows in Broadway history (currently 19th)!

And since I.. and many other readers here.. are big HAIRSPRAY fans, can you share with us some HAIRSPRAY tidbits/secrets? How amazing it must have been to be part of the OBC...which spawned so many future stars. What was it like working with Harvey? What was it like hearing the roar of opening night from the wings? And... was there really a vocal track played under "You Can't Stop The Beat" to support the dancers? I don't know how anyone can sing and dance to that song without passing out!

Best wishes for continued success in all you do!

Updated On: 3/2/10 at 09:44 PM

[singtopher]

Posted: 3/2/10 at 10:08pm

YES!! "Ask Brooke" would be a wonderful addition to the site. A once a week or month column would be terrific.


I too would like to personally thank Brooke for being so kind and open. You seem like a wonderful human being and I'm glad that you have found such success in your career. Best of luck to you on the west coast. As a young character man, I don't see my dreams coming true by 26, but you certainly give me inspiration and hope.

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 3/2/10 at 10:37pm

Thank you so much. It's been nice to clear up some things that I've seen folks speculate about (usually incorrectly) over the years.

It was amazing to be part of Hairspray from Seattle to Broadway.

Since I was a swing for the first 2 years I was with the show, I wasn't on for opening, but stage management let the swings put on our finale costumes and do "You Can't Stop the Beat." A huge thank you to William and the whole costume/wardrobe crew. If our costumes weren't ready it wouldn't have been possible. How can I describe the fulfillment of a lifelong dream? I could see my parents up in the balcony, and we were all crying. All that hard work and all those years of hoping. They know what I went through to get there, and seeing them in that moment is a moment I will treasure forever.

About the vocal track... funny, the things I've read here over the years. At the very end of the song when the vocals split into a round of 'you can't stop the beat' - when we overlap each other (do you know what part I mean?) - we recorded a sweetener track for, as I recall, the last 4 bars of the round. I don't know whether or not it was actually ever used due to the fees that would have to be paid to either the original performers for continued use of their voices or fees to re-record replacements.

I don't know if folks know this, but the ensemble sang every song in the show except "Timeless to Me". When the Motormouth kids were on stage, we were belting are faces off in the wings and vice-versa. We weren't in a booth like Mamma Mia. We just stood in the wings.

We closed the Vogue VH1 Fashion Awards one year. We did our finale at the Neil Simon, jumped off of the front of the stage, ran up the aisle, on to a bus, and had 4 minutes to be police motorcaded over to Radio City where we ran in the front door, down the aisle, up onto the stage, and did the finale all over again on live tv. One of the most exciting nights ever.

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 3/2/10 at 11:25pm

I have a story that involves this board.

The week that I took over Penny, a particular poster began harshly criticizing my performance. It got worse and worse over time, culminating in this poster sharing what seat they'd be in the next time they came to the show and which performance they would be attending. This poster threatened to trip me as I walked down the aisle for the finale.

Now me - I didn't think anything of it. But my mom read this and was a worried mess. She called me in tears. All she could see was a screen name. She didn't know if this was a kid or someone actually threatening.

The performance came. During the finale I saw her. Turned out to be a completely non-threatening teenage girl. While we were all dancing about the stage, I mouthed to her, "I know who you are."

She waited for me at the stage door. She was shaking. I said, "You can say whatever you'd like about my performance - I know that I can't please everyone, but when you threaten physical harm, you are crossing a line. My mom read what you wrote and she was terrified and in tears."

She started crying and hyperventilating. She explained that she didn't actually think that I was bad in the show. Her best friend told her that I was mean to her at the stage door. She was avenging her friend.

Now, I have NEVER been mean to anyone at the stage door, so I don't know what was up with the friend, but nonetheless, the friend said she needed avenging.

When someone can hide behind a screen name there is an opportunity to mask intentions. Take this into consideration when reading this, or any, message board.

A story on a lighter note:

When I was Belle, I finished an evening show, spent about 30 minutes at the stage door, said goodbye to everyone and headed toward 8th Ave. I saw a fella that I had had a fling with. I spur of the moment kissed him. Not a peck. A long, passionate kiss. As it was winding down, I heard a tiny voice say, "That's not the Beast." I turned around and saw a little girl, holding the rose her mom had bought her in the lobby. Let's just say that I mentally wore my ball gown a little further than the corner of 8th Ave and 46th street from then on.

[christian_drake]

Posted: 3/3/10 at 12:10am

Aww that's a wonderful the little girl had to say!!! That had to have been very rewarding :)

that's awful about the teenager who posted all those things about you. I believe that it's okay to criticize, and obviously, that's going to happen when you're on Broadway, but there is a difference between criticism and being just plain rude. That was awful of her to threaten you like that. Kudos to you for what happened at the stage door :) Obviously, her friend was just sticking up for her. I wonder why she'd wait at the stage door if she saw you mouth "I know who you are"? Maybe she didn't see? In high school, I hear a lot of "she's such an awful singer." and "Why was he cast as that? He's awful!" It bothers me when people complain, complain, complain. If I have something negative to say about someone, I say it politely and how they can improve. Very rarely to I criticize though.

One thing that annoys me about high school theatre is that we're never nit-picked. What I mean by that is, while the director tells us what to do and what not, I wish they could help us make it BETTER. Whether it be how to say something or how to move, etc. It feels like what happens is: "Alright. Cross downstage left, say you're line, then exit." We can figure out how to act and say our lines well for that, but we can't see ourselves. We want to know what we can do to improve. Even if it's just one line! Does that make any sense?

About Hairspray:
That sounds like quite the rush! Getting on the bus then running into RCMH. Now I know why you guys were running down the aisles when I watched the clip online :) I wonder what would have happened if you guys were late?? D: Four minutes to finish a performance, get to the next place, then run down the aisles, is not a lot of time at all!

[Daniel2]

Posted: 3/3/10 at 6:26pm

Christian, thank you for what is turning out to be a very interesting thread. I'm glad you were able to get beyond the initial snark. No matter what these people think it can be a challenge to maintain relationships (or even friendships) when you work such odd hours and are often on the road for long periods of time.

I am very good friends with a gay couple both of whom are actors primarily in musical theatre. They both spend a lot of time on tours, usually seperately, but have been together for over 30 years now. They say it has been very hard but they make it a point to see each other at least every month--this is hard sometimes especially if they are in different cities, states, etc... but they say if they don't it really puts a strain on their relationship. It's too easy to let it go if you don't work on it--plus, with so many gay men there is always temptation on the road. They don't have kids but they do have a house (that neither of them are in for long periods of time). One of them is currently in a national tour and the other is in a sit-down production in a different city.

Also, we've talked about how their schedule puts pressure on their friendships. It is hard to maintain friendships when you're out of town often for most of the year and that the friendships within the companies aren't always satisfactory. Luckily they do have friends who are always willing to see them when they can and don't take offense if they don't call back immediately.

[Revolutionary]

Posted: 3/3/10 at 7:47pm

On the other hand, you'll learn exactly how to separate your true friends from the kind who are temporary and convenient. I have people that I consider best friends, whom I talk to maybe 4 times a year. It's a quality-not-quantity thing.

And if a friendship takes a lot of *maintenance* then maybe it wasn't right to begin with. just saying.

[christian_drake]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 3:26am

BUMP!

Recently, I've thought of a few more questions

Brooke, did you find it difficult to stay happy doing the SAME show for 2 years? Did you get bored with it at all? How did you keep your energy up and keep every performance fresh? Me, I'm so comfortable on stage and don't get nervous at all (except for opening nights) so I'm worried that something happening that's not supposed to will cause me to get distracted and possibly even break character. Also, having some pretty damn bad ADHD, that doesn't help either! Haha. BTW, this question is basically for anyone who's worked with a show for a while.

Thanks

BTW, I saw the Orkin commercial that you're in. I LOVE that commercial! I didn't realize that was you. Cool!

[Heather79]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 7:30am

You know Christian, every single performance is unique. A lot of things can happen even if it is the 500th time you are performing so you naturally remain concentrated all along.

It is a professional responsibility because as much as it is your passion and you are having fun, it is still your job. You aren't in your bedroom singing along a tune but in front of an audience that paid to see you and a lot of other people perform.

Now when you start getting bored with a role, it means it is time to do something else. Some actors prefer to change rather often, others feel comfortable with a sort of old routine. I guess it depends on everyone since we are all unique.

Spending a lot of time on a role can allow you to study it in depth and bring strength to it. Though if you start wondering too much, it may also ruin the first ideas you had of it and the result will sound lame.

I'm afraid there isn't just one answer to this question but as many as there are performers.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 8:12am

Am just reading this thread, and have to comment on this:

Any of us could have gone to business school, gotten an office job, climbed the ladder of some company, and made a bundle - but we didn't. No doubt about it - being on Broadway rocks.

Really?
Do you really think that ANY of you could have done this? You have the skills and ability to make it in business school and business because it requires no special 'talent'? Really?

Really?
Do you really think that everyone in the corporate world makes a bundle? And, given the implications in this thread, that it happens easily with a 'normal' 9 to 5 job?

Really?

You may not have WANTED to follow that path, but please don't state that 'any one of you' could have done that. Many people who WANT to aren't able to. Do not put down the corporate path as something that 'anyone' could do.

Just sayin'

Updated On: 4/2/10 at 08:12 AM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 8:21am

How the hell do you sleep at night not knowing if or when your next paycheck is coming???? I'd have an ulcer

This isn't limited to people in the theatre. There are so many people working, or trying to work, who have no job security, could be 'downsized' at any time, and don't have a contract for employment. Life could change for anyone in an instant...

I understand that this thread asked about actors/performers, specifically.
I'm just trying to echo those here who have asked (rightfully) why actors/performers are being singled out?

The ability to find job security, buy a home, raise a family is not a given for anyone. There are many challenges across all careers and life choices.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 8:31am

...all that being said, it's been interesting to read the 'inside' view of the life of a performer.

[n2005]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:45am

I'd imagine that the reason actors are singled out is because most of us (definately those who would ask such a question) grew up in a world where people worked 9-5 or worked shifts/night work in a steady job. I know I did and I always wondered how actors had any social life. If you are working in TV/Film you are in make-up at 5am and if you're working on stage you work nights, weekends and your day off is usually Monday. On top of that the show could close or be cancelled at any moment and you have no idea when or even if you will work again. Yes, other professions have similar difficulties but most of us are comparing what we know with what we want. I actually was watching an interview with someone on youtube (can't remember who?) and they actually said they moved to LA to have a 'life' after years on Broadway so it's something Bway actors do struggle with.

Brooke shared some great info in this thread. I'm an actor and have booked work in TV but never seem to get a lot of stage work. But I still agree that you don't do acting for the money. Even though I've done TV work I still haven't broken even financially. The cost of joining SAG, AFTRA, headshots, classes, workshops, reels is still more than what I've actually earned.

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 8:44pm

No, not really.

NYadgal, I was in no way saying that the business world is easy. I was saying that it's stable. I was vague with my example - I'm sorry that was unclear.

Allow me to clarify my point: We could have chosen more stable professions that offer more opportunity for a direct climb, stable benefits, and a more probable pension. My idea of 'bundle' is quite modest. Enough money to own a home, have a couple of kids, and get them braces and a decent education is my idea of bundle. Oh, and take them to Disney :)

christian -

"Brooke, did you find it difficult to stay happy doing the SAME show for 2 years?"

Not at all. I loved both B'way shows that I was in so much. I loved the music so much that sometimes I would pop in the Hairspray CD even when I wasn't at work. Sounds crazy, I know, but who can resist Hairspray? With B&theB, I was living my little-girl-dream everyday.

"Did you get bored with it at all?"

Never, however sometimes I didn't want to change clothes so much in one day.

"How did you keep your energy up and keep every performance fresh?"

Keeping fresh: By being really into it. No matter what a person thinks of my performance in anything I've been in, I think most folks would agree that I'm really into it.

Keeping energy up: Youth, excitement, euphoria, and Red Bull.

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 8:54pm

NYadgal -

Another note - It is my general belief about humanity that yes, any one of us can do anything.

If a teenage girl can lead an army, if a 16 year old girl can sail around the planet, if a man with one leg can win a marathon, if a blind boy can develop sonar abilities to move through the world, if my aunt can beat cancer 3 times, then yes, any one of us can do anything.

I never said that it didn't take hard work and determination. It takes a lot of those things.

I can, you can, we all can. I believe in our unlimited potential.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:03pm

I'm never going to play Annie, and I'm perfectly okay with that.

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:11pm

Never say never, gal! I played Rooster at my Catholic school when I was 15.

I wasn't good, but I played it.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:15pm

Brooke, you sound like a fan of The Secret.

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:18pm

You know, other folks have said that but I've never read it. Is it along the lines of Many Lives Many Masters, Conversations with God, A Return to Love, The Power of Now, Who Moved My Cheese, etc.? I love all of those.

[christian_drake]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:35pm

Thanks for the response, Brooke! Having ADHD, I'm always very energetic. In my latest show, I was a very minor role, but I was in the major ensemble numbers, and people were singling me out saying how incredible my energy and facial expressions were. That meant a lot to me, really. The most I've ever performed a show is three times, so I can't say how I'd do if I performed it 500+ times, Lol. When I'm on stage, I really do think about "What does the audience think of me now? Am I believable?" That helps me boost my energy if it's needed.

To the people being rude, how about you knock it off? This is not the place for that.

Why am I singling out actors? Because it's a profession I'm interested in. Just because other people work late at night doesn't mean I'm interested in them. There is a difference between a night-shift police officer and a Broadway actor. Also, it's such an unsteady profession, which makes it different than many other jobs. Guys, PLEASE understand that I know that everyone working on the show has an equal part. Be it an actor or crew member. I KNOW that. Everyone has a different job, and I'm interested in the acting part. However, I DO want to know a few things about people besides cast members, like:
-The conductor. Is he hired by the show, the theatre, etc? What if he has to miss a show? Do they have substitutes? If so, how do they learn the show?
-Same goes for the orchestra. What if they can't be there?
-Also, any backstage crew (including tech crew, stage manager, etc.)

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 9:59pm

I once had an acting teacher (the best acting teacher there is, in my opinion) liken the theatre to church. He was "going to church". That was a very romantic idea to me and I adopted it. The respect, the reverence, the spirituality, the connection. I thought it was beautiful.

Then, years later, I was at my first understudy rehearsal at Hairspray. One of my castmates was laying down on the stage, eating a sandwich, drinking a Diet Coke. I was initially horrified by what I viewed as a lack of respect for the theatre.

As the run got on, and much more so when I went over to B&theB, I shed the theatre-as-church idea and adopted the theatre-as-living-room idea. There was a deep shift for me in the way that acting felt - a deep relaxation that allowed me to do better, more deeply connected, more spontaneous, freer, and more honest work. The theatre-as-church idea caused me to hold on to a formality that inhibited my work for awhile.

Now, I can be just as relaxed and at ease on stage as I would be in my living room, and I think that the audience gets something very natural and honest out of me as a result. That is my hope and my objective.

christian -

"What does the audience think of me now? Am I believable?"

Next time you're in a show, try not concerning yourself with this. Try making strong, justified choices and committing to them. Trust that your choices will read and hopefully you will have a good director to help you. I'm not sure one can be completely present in the scene with such questions running through one's head. I can't.

[Piper3500]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 10:48pm

Brooke
I watched you doing "a change in me" at Bryant Park. lovely

anyway, it is good you put up what you did. so many people see the leads and think it is all like that. the money is different at every stage and only really big names make the $35,000 a week pay scale. i am talking about hollywood actors making that kind of money. there was something about Julia Roberts that. i have no idea what a well known broadway actor in a leading role makes.

i did read the scale of average pays and your very honest post and breakdown of your take home is listed too.

i do agree with the posts that say "you do it for the love of it, not the money" stage is like nothing else. i have worked with and on both stage and screen. i probably got paid more being a feature extra in a film but the adrenaline and feeling of a live show is incomparable. there is no "take two" in a live show. nothing beats it!

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 11:16pm

Thank you, Piper :)

[christian_drake]

Posted: 4/2/10 at 11:30pm

I really like the "Theatre is a Church" principle. Honestly, I feel that knowing that now WILL help me a lot!

I just got done with a looooooooong discussion with my dad about college. I am planning on majoring in Music Theatre. My mom and my dad are both discouraging me from every school. Hell, my dad thinks that $3000 for tuition is expensive! If that's expensive, then he has no idea how much college REALLY costs everywhere else. Brooke, I told him about your finances (what you posted on the first page of this thread) and told him that that basically is the minimum pay and that I CAN make it. Now, that IS Broadway, and while that is a hard goal, I still showed him that on minimum pay, I can still make it. I told him about how you paid off the credit card debt, had around $250 per week to spend, and he STILL thinks I won't have enough money for anything! Ugh. But finances are for a whole other thread, probably more of a CollegeConfidential Forum thing. Lol.

I also told him that when you have the passion for something, you will pursue it, and if you have the strength and determination, you'll be successful, and that is what I am doing with this. He continues to say how most actors fail and I probably will too. I asked him, what about other college students? Acting is an unsteady profession, but how many college students get a good job right out of college anyways? Never got an answer.

UGH. The government is spending trillions of dollars. Why not make college free? Haha.

^Piper3500, what all have you been in? (Stage and film). I agree that the adrenaline in a show is great!

[BrookeTansley]

Posted: 4/3/10 at 12:13am

If your father would like to talk to me, PM me with his email, but only with his permission. I can address his concerns from a place of experience.