If I were to propose a new documentary reality show, it would be called “Life on a Broadway Tour”! Tour life is unlike any other performing gig. You’re constantly on the move — traveling across the country (or even the world), checking in and out of hotels, learning the space and goings-on of always changing theatre venues, performing the same show to different audience demographics nearly every night, and living out of an “under 50-pound” suitcase. Oh, and you live, work and travel with the same group of people — sort of like a magical and/or dreadful never-ending field trip. Until MTV picks up this ingenious idea for a new reality show, Dance Informa will keep you in-the-loop with all things tour life: current shows on the road, audition and callback stories, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, advice for aspiring dancers, and honest challenges that inevitably go along with these dream contracts.
Mandie Black. Photo courtesy of Black.
Mandie Black
Hometown: London, England
Show: Something Rotten First National Tour
Role: Ensemble, Assistant Dance Captain
Is this your first tour?
“I’ve also performed on tour (in the UK!) in The Naked Truth.”
What was the audition like?
“The audition was fairly simple on the surface — a tap routine and singing a couple of songs from my repertoire in the first appointment. After that, I had callbacks, and each time I tried to focus on being open in the room and showing the team what I could sincerely offer them. I was nervous at times but tried to remind myself that if I were right for the show, then the opportunity wouldn’t pass me by.”
Tell us about the show and your role.
“Something Rotten is a hilarious musical in a world where Shakespeare is a rock star and the players write a sort of love-letter to the American musical. There is a never-ending stream of production numbers, and you are sure to laugh. As one of the ‘tall’ ensemble ladies, I have a more dance-heavy track, which is fun but also hard work. I play anything from a Shakespeare fan, to a tap-dancing showgirl, to an egg!
As Assistant Dance Captain, my job is to serve the Dance Captain in any way I can to ensure that the show stays artistically true to the way it has been set. This involves learning all the tracks so that I can help with teaching new performers being put into the show.”
How does dancing on tour differ from other contracts you’ve done?
“In many ways it is similar, but the main difference is not having access to things that you may rely on when working at home — like a certain Pilates instructor or a particular massage place for those aching muscles at the end of rehearsals!”
What is the hardest part of being on tour?
“Sticking to an eating plan is difficult. It can be easy to resort to buying food out, but that is not always the healthiest food. So staying disciplined and planning grocery runs and meal prep ahead is the way for me to stay happy and healthy.”
What has been your favorite part about being on tour?
“I love living without excess in terms of clothes, et cetera, so the simplicity of living life out of a suitcase is actually one of the highlights for me. I also love getting to experience new cities, meeting the locals, and having opportunities to interact more than you would if you were simply visiting as a tourist.”
What advice would you give to a dancer about to go out on his or her first tour?
“Be prepared! If there are certain home comforts that really are important to you, then don’t underestimate their value. For me, I really love to start my day with a cup of English breakfast tea. This meant buying a kettle, mug and enough tea bags to last me for months! It seems silly, but it really does ensure my day starts the way I feel best. If that means having a candle or certain photographs that you can put up in your hotel room, then do whatever it takes to feel comfortable and ‘at home’ away from home.”
Nikki Croker. Photo courtesy of Croker.
Nikki Croker
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Show: West Side Story Centennial World Tour
Role: Margarita (Shark Girl), Jet swing, Understudy for Graziella/Anita
Is this your first tour?
“I’ve performed with The Spirit of Christmas tour and on cruise ships with Mamma Mia (Royal Caribbean) and Disney Cruise Lines.”
What was the audition like?
“The audition happened the day before I took a trip home to Australia. There was a ‘Jet girl’ call in the morning, and I believe there were at least 100 girls there. We did a ‘type’ cut (small technical dance combination) across the floor. After that, we learned the girls’ section from ‘Cool’, and another cut was made. We then learned a ballet combination and, after one more cut, the remaining dancers each sang 16 bars from their vocal book. My boyfriend had auditioned the day before, and so when I went in to sing the creative team was aware of my travel plans. After I sang my 16-bar cut, the music director called me over to the piano to sight-sing the Anita material. After that, I learned the ‘America’ combination from the assistant choreographer and performed it by myself for the whole creative team. It was the longest day, and I was still nervous that my trip to Australia was going to stop me from getting the job. But on my very last morning in Melbourne, I got an email with the offer! It was such a surreal moment to be able to run into my mum’s room (she lives in Melbourne) to tell her the news in person. This job has been a dream for me for so long, and getting the offer is a day I’ll never forget.”
Tell us about the show and your role.
“My regular role is as a Shark girl, a Puerto Rican who has moved to New York City. I do a lot of dancing, and my favorite number is ‘America’. But when another dancer is injured or out of the show, I swing their role as a Jet girl, Graziella or Anita. I love being a swing because it keeps the show fresh, and I get to dance the incredible choreography of both the Jets and the Sharks!”
How does dancing on tour differ from other contracts you’ve done?
“On a cruise, you unpack your belongings in your cabin, and your new ‘home’ essentially moves along with you from location to location. On tour, you have to unpack and repack every week. This is the longest contract I have ever done — 16 months! We have a traveling physical therapist, which has already made such a wonderful difference. We also take company class before every show.”
What is the hardest part of being on tour?
“It is incredibly hard to be away from my dog and my boyfriend back in New York City. But I’m so lucky because my boyfriend recently came in as a male swing for the next four weeks! I also miss being able to cook and prepare my own food.”
What has been your favorite part about being on tour?
“How can I possibly choose just one thing? First of all, I look forward to doing this show every single night. I love the cast and have really enjoyed exploring the amazing cities we’ve traveled to. We are currently in Europe and will eventually tour to Dubai, Asia, New Zealand and back to Europe in 2018.”
What advice would you give to a dancer about to go out on his or her first tour?
“Packing cubes are a lifesaver. Buy an e-book. Know that creating a daily routine will be difficult, but you can find little things each day that keep you working toward your goals and keep yourself healthy and happy. I aim to practice singing, meditate and workout before the show as often as I can. It is okay to go exploring on your own; make take time for yourself.”
Jenifer Dillow. Photo courtesy of Dillow.
Jenifer Dillow
Hometown: Lexington Park, Maryland
Show: Dirty Dancing National Tour
Role: Vivian Pressman, Ensemble, Understudy for Marjorie/Elizabeth
Is this your first tour?
“Yes! This is my first national tour.”
What was the audition like?
“I remember the initial audition was an equity dance call, and I was still non-equity at the time. But luckily the casting team was able to see everyone! The dancing was intense, especially the partnering. Each couple performed one at a time. Callbacks also consisted of reading sides and singing selections from the show. I was out of town for final callbacks but was able to submit more of my dancing, singing and reading sides on videotape. Casting actually told me up front that I probably wouldn’t get the job because I couldn’t attend final callbacks. It was truly a miracle when I got the phone call offering me the job!”
Tell us about the show and your role.
“The show is quite literally the movie on stage! My role is Vivian Pressman. Vivian is fun to play because she is the complete opposite of who I am in real life (and I get to wear a fabulous red wig that makes me feel like Jessica Rabbit). My track is great because I get to have little scenes and a song as Vivian, but then I get to change and dance in the ensemble numbers. I honestly feel like I get the best of both worlds, and I could not be more grateful.”
How does dancing on tour differ from other contracts you’ve done?
“I have found that dancing on tour is much harder on your body. Your only ‘rest’ days from dancing are on your travel days, which can be even more exhausting than your actual work days! It is really important to learn how to travel well and to rest whenever you can.”
What is the hardest part of being on tour?
“The hardest part of tour is not feeling grounded, as you are uprooted every few days. It is extremely important to make a routine to give your life some consistency. For example, I always unpack my suitcase and set up my room the exact same way, I find a yoga studio in each city I’m in, I put eucalyptus oil on my hotel pillow before bed, and I try to wake up each morning at 8am. All of these are seemingly small tasks, but being able to have some sort of routine in my life has kept me sane.”
What has been your favorite part about being on tour?
“I love that I get to travel to cities throughout the country. One of my favorite pars has been reconnecting with family and friends who live all over. I have been lucky enough to have people in almost every city come to see the show!”
What advice would you give to a dancer about to go out on his or her first tour?
“Pack light! I slowly downgraded the size of my suitcase after each layoff from tour. I currently travel with a carry-on suitcase, a backpack and a small shoulder bag.”
Svetlana Khoruzhina. Photo courtesy of Khoruzhina.
Svetlana Khoruzhina
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Show: Pippin National Tour
Role: Player (Ensemble), Understudy for Fastrada
Is this your first tour?
“This is my first tour.”
What was the audition like?
“The audition consisted of several dance combinations, then singing a harmony from the show, and then I got to read, dance and sing for Fastrada, the role I’m understudying now.”
Tell us about the show and your role.
“Pippin was first created in 1972. It was directed by Bob Fosse, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson. In 2013, the show was revived on Broadway with director Diane Paulus, choreographer Chet Walker (in the style of Bob Fosse) and a completely new feature — circus performers executing acrobatics created by Gypsy Snider. Pippin won the Tony Award in 2013 for Best Revival of a Musical.
The main character of the musical, Pippin, is a young prince searching for meaning and significance in life, followed by the group of mysterious performers (players), led by a Leading Player. I am one of the players (one of the three female dancers). During the show, I’m constantly changing masks and roles. I get to be a soldier, a fan-lady, a sex goddess, a noble…and even a pig! All players are constantly trying to convince Pippin to do things he’s never done before. In fact, we are the band of tricksters! I get to dance a lot in this show, and I love the choreography. It’s sassy, symbolic and joyful. And the show itself is multidimensional — it’s sarcastic, wise, humorous and deep.”
How does dancing on tour differ from other contracts you’ve done?
“The travel component of tour life is the biggest difference. We are constantly changing locations, performance venues and hotels. Therefore, we are required to be even more aware of the condition of our body, voice and general health. At the same time, it’s very exciting to dance on many different stages in front of different audiences. There is definitely a feeling of spreading this beautiful production through different cities and regions of the country. The touring life actually fits with this production of Pippin. We are a circus troupe, and our set is a circus tent! So it feels right to travel from place to place in this context.”
What is the hardest part of being on tour?
“Packing and unpacking!”
What has been your favorite part about being on tour?
“I love being able to perform in this show, being a part of a fantastic cast and exploring the United States.”
What advice would you give to a dancer about to go out on his or her first tour?
“Take care of yourself. Be kind to everyone you work with. Also, don’t pack too much stuff with you; you will get tired of fighting your suitcase to close. Journal. Enjoy every moment of the journey…and take pictures!”
Colby Q. Lindeman. Photo courtesy of Lindeman.
Colby Q. Lindeman
Hometown: Norristown, Pennsylvania
Show: An American in Paris First National Tour
Role: Swing
Is this your first tour?
“I have toured with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, but this is my first Equity tour.”
What was the audition like?
“The audition was exactly like the auditions for the Broadway company of An American in Paris. We went through a rigorous process of dance combinations for the creative team, showcasing all of the styles represented in the show: ballet, jazz, tap and lots of partnering. We also sang and read sides for the director, Christopher Wheeldon, and the musical director, Todd Ellison. There were several rounds of callbacks as they put together a unique and talented group of performers.”
Tell us about the show and your role.
“The show is a new telling of a classic movie, about a soldier who stays in Paris after WWII and falls in love with a ballerina. It takes you on a journey of love and hope and friendships, all in the setting of a tense city after the occupation.
My role in the show is to cover six of the male ensemble roles and be ready to fill in at any moment!”
How does dancing on tour differ from other contracts you’ve done?
“Dancing on tour takes some self-discipline and lots of flexibility. We are constantly in new venues that vary in size and space, with changing local stagehands, different weather conditions week-to-week and inconsistent living conditions. It requires you to take good care of yourself and to maintain an open and flexible mindset.”
What is the hardest part of being on tour?
“The hardest part is not getting to share your new and exciting experiences with your loved ones back home. It’s hard to be apart, although there are some fun ways to stay connected — FaceTime, social media, snail mail.”
What has been your favorite part about being on tour?
“Aside from getting to dance in this beautiful show, my favorite part of tour is definitely getting to know and create a family community with my tour-mates. I also get to see how different audiences around the country respond to and love this show, and that’s not so bad either!”
What advice would you give to a dancer about to go out on his or her first tour?
“My advice for a first time tour would be to explore. Try and experience something small and/or unique in each city. Time can fly by, but if you can, give each city a special memory. It will enrich your life experience.”
Brian Martin. Photo courtesy of Martin.
Brian Martin
Hometown: Wyoming, Michigan
Show: Elf the Musical National Tour
Role: Ensemble
Is this your first tour?
“This was actually my fourth national tour. I’ve performed with Bullets Over Broadway (Aldo, Understudy for Cheech), Guys and Dolls (Ensemble) and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble, Understudy for Lumiere).”
What was the audition like?
“The audition was very fun! I attended an invited dance call for the show. The choreographer taught a short combination to the song ‘Just Like Him’, and a cut was made. Following the cut, the choreography continued and became a tad bit more challenging but also allowed for freestyle moments to really show the casting team who you were as an artist and what you could bring to the choreography.”
Tell us about the show and your role.
“Elf is based off of the 2003 film with the same name starring Will Ferrell. The musical, however, has original music by Matthew Sklar and Chad Begueli that enhances the story and helps bring the characters more to life. I played a variety of roles ranging from an elf, a homeless man, an office employee, a policeman, a mall Santa Claus and many more. Needless to say, the show moves at a very fast pace and has a ton of energy.”
How does dancing on tour differ from other contracts you’ve done?
“Elf the Musical was the shortest tour I’ve been on because it’s just during the holiday season. Most tours go out on the road for about nine months. Dancing on tour is different from other contracts because you are constantly traveling from one city to the next. You don’t have the convenience of living in one stable location. This means if you needed to see a doctor for any medical reason, you only have what is available in that given area. Also, because you still perform eight shows a week, it is vital to maintain a strong and healthy body while you are traveling. Some travel days may be by plane, others by bus, and sitting for long periods of time can really tense up a dancer’s muscles. Rolling out, hitting the gym, taking a yoga class and being diligent about your pre-show warm-ups are very important on touring productions.”
What is the hardest part of being on tour?
“The hardest part about being on tour would be not having a permanent ‘home’ for a certain period of time. You share everything all the time. You live with your cast and crew in hotels, travel together, work together and then perform together every night. Alone time is very hard to find, but it is important.”
What has been your favorite part about being on tour?
“My favorite part about being on tour is bringing my passion for musical theatre to many people across the country who may not be able to make it to New York City to see a Broadway show. Whenever the curtain goes up, I spot a smiling face in the first couple rows and dedicate my performance to them. For some, it could be their very first show! For others, it could be a gift that means something special. Also, through touring I have been fortunate enough to see 48 of the 50 states (still working on Hawaii and Alaska), as well as some areas in Canada.”
What advice would you give to a dancer about to go out on his or her first tour?
“Focus on the larger picture of what it is you’re accomplishing on tour: bringing a special show to thousands of faces across the country who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the magic of live professional theatre. Let go of the small things! As dancers, we criticize and critique ourselves every day, and when you do the same show eight times a week, I guarantee it will not go the same way every time. It’s important to be a beacon of light and have a great sense of teamwork, as there are many people working to make the production possible. And last but not least, you do not need to pack that t-shirt that you maybe will wear one time. In terms of packing, less is more!”
By Mary Callahan of Dance Informa.
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