Broadway a Sport?

As I've spent the last few weeks in physical therapy and filling out the requisite paperwork for actors injured on the job, I think it's a good time to write a bit about the sport of Broadway.

While working with director Doug Hughes on a reading of Ever After a few weeks ago, he coined the term 'athletes of the theater' when referring to our cast of actors working double-duty (in rehearsals for Ever After during the day and performing in a show that afternoon/night). He couldn't be more apropos.

Working in a Broadway musical is very much like being a professional athlete only without the perks of on site doctors, massage, therapy, etc; and off season training. We have eight games a week with at least 2 double headers (3 during holiday weeks) per week, less than 48 hrs. rest/week, and in addition many cast members (understudies) have weekly rehearsal. And at 2 hrs. 55min, Les Miz is as long as most professional football and baseball games.

Whereas athletes train in the off season, actors often don't know what job is coming next. I make it a point to always eat well and workout, stretch, take voice lessons, etc; But for a role like Enjolras in a show like Les Miz, that's not really specific enough. I had hoped to gauge the difficulty of the role in rehearsals, but it's often difficult to acurately gauge the degree of difficulty of a role/show while in a rehearsal studio. With Les Mis for example, we moved from a flat (though revolving) rehearsal deck to a raked one at the Broadhurst. We transitioned from a barricade made of small ladders and tables to a 15ft. high jungle gym of wood, metal, bars, boxes, etc; Throughout tech and previews the actors get a chance to work on the new set, but had I known the degree of the athletics involved in playing Enjolras the way I want to, I would have spent at least 2 months preparing my body in the gym to meet the physical demands.

Naturally, once the grueling schedule of 8 shows a week settles in following the stress of opening and the holidays, performers get sick and injured. I've been fortunate to avoid the former by treating my body with the utmost of care (eating incredibly well, getting plenty of rest, taking vitamin supplements, etc;), but alas the stress on my neck of taking a stage punch 8 times a week has led to me having to miss some shows to help a disc and some nerves heal. Injuries happen, it's just difficult to heal while performing 8 shows a week.

Thankfully, workman's comp covers actors for injuries on the job, and there are wonderful therapists throughout the city who give the gift of their healing powers to any actor in need.

To all the fans I've disappointed with my absence--I'm so sorry!!! I'll be back soon I promise! And to all the actors out there whether you're working or not, you're an athlete--take care of your body!

Stay healthy and Happy New Year to everyone!