#FFB: Patrice Covington
Patrice is just as inspiring offstage as she is onstage! My first impression of Patrice after seeing her in The Color Purple, was her quote, "Don't be a star, be a galaxy." Which is now my mantra of the New Year (and should definitely be a design for an FFB shirt.. Right?!) Patrice has a glow that can only come from a deep confidence in her journey and in herself. She is the epitome of what FFB is all about, exuding strength in mind, body & soul making Patrice FIT FOR BROADWAY!
Note from Patrice: Well my name is Patrice and I'm here to say, I'm gonna rock the Broadway stage in every way.
Interview:
Q: Yay, Patrice (& Lyric!) :) So excited to have you on Fit for Broadway. You were incredible in The Color Purple! What was your journey like to Broadway? Where did it all start?
A: I didn’t really take Broadway as a career very seriously until I was about 20 years old. I feel I have hit every rung on the ladder to get to this moment. Dinner Cruise Ships, Theme Parks, Bus and Truck tours for $2 per show (-:, larger productions, Broadway tours, and now I’m Here!
Q: You have also had an amazing health & fitness journey in your career...
A: I spent most of my childhood and adult life in a beautiful plus sized body. Heartache and life threw me into learning how to love myself into this new body and healthy frame of mind. After losing nearly 100lbs I have gone from playing Effie on the National tour of Dreamgirls to playing Squeak in The Color Purple on Broadway. I’m proud of that and me.
“Choose to Shine” Short Sleeve Sweatshirt from Fit for Broadway Apparel
(click HERE or click the picture!)
Q: I love approaching health- mind, body, & spirit. How did all of those shift or stay the same throughout the changes you were experiencing?
A: I didn’t seek to lose weight. I was happy and actually didn’t really know I looked the way I did. I didn’t feel unhappy or have low self-esteem. Me loving myself from the inside out resulted in me just wanting to be my best in every aspect of my life and then everything just started to change. You are what you think.
Q: How did & does nutrition play a role in your health and career?
A: It’s important to me to eat as healthy as possible for every meal. I try to eat mostly clean. I do love wine, cheese, and fries. Those may be my vices. But when I eat the best I can I ultimately have more energy and stamina to do my show the best I can.
Q: Top 3 tips for vocal health?
A:
Rest and proper breathing
Warm Up vocally and physically even if you’re not dancing
Don’t over use it on the phone, excessive talking in restaurants and clubs
Q: Your quote “Don’t be a star, be a galaxy” is AMAZING. Where did that come from? What other words do you live by?
A: I made it up one day over 10 years ago. Nothing shines as bright as the Galaxy. No actual star cares what the star next to them is doing. It just simply shines as bright as it can. We are all STARS at so many things. Why not combine all your greatness and be a great big shiny galaxy. We can do everything we put our mind to. It’s up to us to shine.
Q: Top 3 health & fitness tips for performers?
A:
Eat Well and Clean
Be Active when you can (getting to the gym is hard, so use other things has a workout, you should see my walk to work and through the train station sometimes)
Rest!
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: I am inspired by anyone that has achieved their goals or is working hard and diligently to get there without making any excuses. Also, by women who have overcome, lived, loved, and continue to empower.
Q: What is your advice for aspiring performers who want a career on Broadway?
A: Ask questions. See shows, Take classes. Pray.
CONNECT
Instagram @sangtrice
