#FFB: Kyle Scatliffe
Kyle and I were defining spirituality about three minutes into meeting each other. :) As I always say, nothing like a mind, body, spirit approach to living a full & Fit for Broadway life! Witnessing the cast of The Color Purple was so incredibly special and Kyle's recount of the cast's unparalleled connection to each other every night on stage was even more awe inspiring. Kyle's journey will only keep climbing as he defines in every way what it takes to be Fit for Broadway!
NOTE FROM KYLE: Hello! I'm Kyle and I play Harpo in The Color Purple on Broadway. I was born in Washington DC and grew up in Westwood, NJ.
INTERVIEW:
Q: Kyle! I'm excited to hear where this all started for you... What was your journey like to Broadway?
A: It was a long road of surprises that I didn't see coming. I had the pleasure of performing in England in a fantastic show called Scottsboro Boys that was produced by Catherine Schreiber, created by Kander and Ebb, with a book by David Thompson and directed by the incredible Susan Stroman. It will go down as the most important piece I have ever been a part of because it started the train of crazy that came next. It was a few days after opening at The Young Vic when Cameron Mackintosh came to see show. Luckily for me he hadn't cast an Enjolras in Les Miz on Broadway yet and he felt like I fit the bill. I went into audition on the stage of the London show which was a trip and got the part. My life became one of those stories my teachers were always telling me about.
Q: How has fitness and health been a part of your performance journey?
A: During Scottsboro Boys and since then, I have been specific about what I need from my body for each show. I stretch and do yoga every show day to get my body in check. My family has a history of bad knees so doing this now has been immensely helpful.
Q: Before I had even shown you the "You Are Enough" pullover, you mentioned that a huge part of this business is knowing that you are enough. Do you have any day-to-day practices or past experiences that help/helped you embrace that mantra?
A: It was something instilled in me at AMDA in NY where I went to college. Elaine Petricoff, the head of musical theatre, would always say that. Our individuality is what makes us special. That's the difference between getting the job and not getting it. There is only one of you and they want to see that you can tap into what makes you special. Can you bring yourself to the character as well as create one. I would say to anyone that they should take life one step at a time. Learn what you like, dislike, and tolerate. Know them very well. Be politically active in some way. Politics and theatre go hand in hand a lot more than you could possibly believe. Be aware. Be woke.
Q: What does a typical week of workouts look like for you?
A: Eat, Stretch/Yoga, Weight bands, Rinse, Repeat. That changes if I'm in a show that requires me to look bigger. I'll just switch out weight bands for full weights at the gym.
“You Are Enough” Pullover from Fit for Broadway Apparel
(click HERE or click the picture!)
Q: How much does food play a role in your feeling Fit for Broadway every night?
A: If I walk out on stage hungry its going to be a bad night haha. Food is massive. Most singers will tell you that you should sing on an empty stomach. Your whole body is a muscle and it needs fuel. Your voice is a muscle. Two strands of vocal chords muscle that can get tired and break. It also needs fuel. Protect your gifts.
Q: Your Top 3 Tips for Vocal Health?
A: Top 3 Tips...
Don't Drink Too Much Alcohol.
Drink Plenty Of Water (Especially coconut water. Extremely hydrating)
Get Some Rest
Q: How do you stay present and enjoy the journey without getting anxious about what comes next in this industry?
A: Its actually rather easy when you have bills to pay! Haha. Those will keep you as present as you'll ever be. You have to trust that you are here for a reason. That you have a purpose in this career that isn't self serving. Don't do it for yourself. Do it for something else. Do it to enact change.
Q: The cast of The Color Purple is otherworldly. What are the top 3 lessons you've learned from your cast?
A: Top 3 Lessons...
I've learned what it means to have to truly trust everyone on stage with you because they are all you have. This is your family.
The story is bigger than we are and not one of us are bigger than the story.
Trust yourself. Trust the team. Trust the vision.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: I'm inspired by sports players and other actors. Someone like Shaquille O'Neal who was so dominant on the court but did it with a smile and a wink. I'm impressed by our three leading ladies who are the most talented women I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with but hold the story we are telling in such high regard. I'm inspired by those trying to enact change for the better in the world we live in. Life inspires me.
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who are working towards a career on Broadway?
A: Do it not because you want to, but because there is nothing else you'd rather be doing. Do it because it lives in you and is as present as your heartbeat. And always, always, always, be yourself.
CONNECT
Instagram @SirBlackalot | Twitter @KyleScatliffe
