#FFB: Adam Jepsen
Adam is musical theatre gold! Charming as he is talented, Adam is in the fast lane of success in both theatre and film. His dynamic personality no doubt contributes to his appeal on and off the stage, so it's no surprise...
Adam is FIT FOR BROADWAY!
BIOGRAPHY: I grew up in a small suburb outside of Chicago called Park Ridge, IL. During high school I trained privately at Piven Theatre School, The Actors Gymnasium, Joel Hall Dance Centre, my public high schools theatre, vocal and dance department, and at Carnegie Mellon’s pre-college summer program. I had an easy transition into dance because I was a competitive gymnast in middle school. I went on to study Musical Theatre at Penn State University, which is where I received my BFA. I took a year off after my sophomore year to tour the country as the Scarecrow in the national tour of The Wizard of Oz. I spent my remaining summers at college working at the Ogunquit Playhouse (which is where I got my Equity card) and at the Muny in St. Louis. I then moved to NYC and booked my first Broadway show after 5 weeks of living here - it was incredible. I was cast as the swing in the original Broadway cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. I also had the honor of performing on the Macy’s Day Parade, the cast album, and the Tony Awards with this extraordinary cast. I then joined the Broadway Company of Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre in October, which is where I still work today. I additionally did Guys and Dolls this spring in NYC at Carnegie Hall with an all-star cast. In 2013 I was also cast in three independent short films called ‘Grotto’ by Dave Scala (which ran in multiple film festivals around the world), ‘Mirrors’ by Jingyang Cheng, and ‘SIAB Inc.’ by Anna M. Alaimo. The latter two are currently in post-production. I recently found out that I was cast in two independent films called ‘Pink Moon,’ by Sal Bardo and ‘Astrid in the Alleyway,’ by Nadia Zoe. I am very excited to work on both of these films, which are currently in pre-production.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What is the most physically challenging part of performing?
A: Maintaining a healthy, working body is the hardest thing. Doing eight shows a week isn’t easy and it’s very taxing on your voice, mind, and body. It’s always a constant battle but I’ve empirically learned that first two months you do any job are the hardest because your body doesn’t know how to handle it.
No matter what show you are working on, something about it is most likely going to hurt your body. Whether it be that the choreography is very dominant on your right leg, the petticoat for the skirts are heavy on the lower back, or it’s difficult to freeze and hold a certain position- whatever. Broadway shows typically have physical therapists assigned to them that you can consult with to arrange a plan to fight fatigue, pain, and injuries.
The hardest part for me is maintaining a good physique by lifting at the gym regularly and having enough energy to not be tired for performances. It’s not too hard if you live a healthy lifestyle, which means no excessive drinking, drugs, or yelling/talking. You also need to get plenty of rest and WATER. Everyone’s body is different but those are the things I live by to do what I need to do.
Q: How would you describe your fitness routine?
A: I lift weights 3 days a week. I always start by doing abs because I think it’s important to have a strong core and it warms my whole body up. I rotate the three days by switching between free weights, resistance machines, and bar work. I always do a full body workout because I don’t believe in targeting certain parts of the body. I also run in Central Park or Astoria Park about once a week in between May and September because it’s too nice out. Then I do 8 shows a week for my cardio.
Q: How do you keep your voice healthy?
A: WATER, WATER, WATER. I’ve learned that for me, my intake of water is huge when it comes to my voice. I generally stick away from loud bars where I have to yell to talk and I don’t drink often…about once a week. I also make sure I get 8 hours of sleep a day. It’s important!
Q: Do you follow a specific diet?
A: No, I do not…but I do generally try to focus all of my diet around getting either protein and/or vegetables for every meal. I try to not eat ‘carb meals’ like a plate of pasta or pizza…but I, of course, do have them about 3 times a week. Again, I don’t drink alcohol…maybe once a week. I drink lots of water and tea. I don’t drink coffee or soda, unless it’s with alcohol. I also cook a LOT because I think it’s important to know what exactly is going into your food.
Q: What is your favorite energy-boosting snack/meal?
A: A protein shake. During intermission at shows I generally have a cliff bar or an apple or orange. My roommate is getting me interested in Quest Bars though…so that will most likely replace my Cliff Bar snack soon.
Q: What is your favorite late night snack after performances?
A: This is by far my most embarrassing health question to be asked. This is usually when I ‘cheat’ with a bad meal. I generally am so tired after my day so it’s usually a microwavable meal of some sort…or ice cream or cheese and crackers.
Q: What is your best advice/strategies to fight fatigue?
A: Sleep and water. Catching a trend?
Q: What is your best advice for stage confidence?
A: Preparation. If you do your homework and are prepared, you have no reason to feel anything else. Same goes for auditions.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My parents and my unbelievable friends. I surround myself with great people. Too many actors that inspire me for various reasons.
Q: How does your physical fitness affect your performance abilities?
A: I think it makes my job easier. I’m more awake and aware for my shows at night if I workout before them. It also effects my day outside of work. I become very productive and positive. It has a huge positive effect on my mental health and mood.
Q: Tips on finding the time to stay physically/vocally fit?
A: I think you make time for what you find important. If your health is important to you, you’ll make it part of your life. I think it’s a no brainer. I once read a book that said “There are 24 hours in a day. If you spend 8 hours sleeping, 8 hours working (typical), and spend 6 doing whatever you want, you still have 2 hours left.” Everyone surely has the time, they just don’t use it.
Q: What is your advice for those trying to perform on Broadway?
A: Take classes and study your craft constantly. It’s an extremely competitive field that constantly changes so the more skills you have the better off you’ll be. There’s no “right” or one way to make it. Everyone has their own path. Don’t expect it to be easy though, all of my peers who are on Broadway are extremely hard workers and are the type of people who don’t take no for answer…without being crazy. Surround yourself with good people who believe in you. This business is too hard to not have a good support system. Be a good person, work hard, and always be as prepared as you can possibly be for auditions...and then you just have to wait your turn.
**See Adam in CHICAGO the MUSICAL now!!**
