#FFB: Kelcy Griffin
Confidence, strength and presence are qualities most people would like to embody and Kelcy is the prime example of them all! After the first few minutes of meeting her, it's clear she has an undeniable inner strength. Her Broadway debut in Bullets is just the beginning of a star career.
Kelcy is FIT FOR BROADWAY!
BIOGRAPHY: I'm a proud Chicagoan with a lot of hair! I'm in love with all things in the kitchen and love to cook. I'm really into trying new recipes and making things from scratch. I could spend hours in any grocery store going up and down every isle. I'm a huge foodie. My parents recently opened their own chocolate shop so now I'm quite the chocolate connoisseur! I also love to play golf on the weekends. I'm currently making my broadway debut in Bullets over Broadway. Being on Broadway is such an honor and I'm enjoying every minute.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What is the most physically challenging part of performing?
A: The most physically challenging part of performing for me is making it sound as if you are just standing and singing not dancing and singing. Stamina is a huge part of making it look easy. Keeping a strong stage presence and high vocal quality AND dancing demands a lot physically. With every show that I work on I find that stamina is something I have to focus and train hard to achieve!Q: How would you describe your fitness routine?
A: I actually really enjoy working out, I also have my personal training certificate. Some might say I'm hard core. I'm the girl in the weight room under the squat rack or bench press. I love feeling strong! Strength training is the only form of exercise that I've found that fills that hole. So I follow a 4/5 day strength training to keep in tip top shape. I also do yoga once a week and try to squeeze a dance class in there too!
Q: How do you keep your voice healthy?
A: I keep my voice healthy by staying hydrated! Lots of water and green tea! And warming up vocally before the show. I also love ginger.. I boil ginger and drink it as tea. I feel like it helps the phlegm. I also still take voice lessons, you should treat your voice like any other muscle in your body.
*APPLAUSE* I could not agree more! - J.
Q: Do you follow a specific diet?
A: I try to eat as healthy as possible! Lots of veggies and protein. I LOVE to cook! I cook everyday and try to keep it creative in the kitchen. I'm obsessed with Pinterest and Instagram for new fun recipes! I have to admit I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I try to stick to real fruit. But I do love gummy bears!!
Q: What is your favorite energy-boosting snack/meal?
A: Favorite snack is half an avocado with some crackers or tortilla chips! Or a spoon of some kind of nut butter. I've been really into sunflower seed butter lately. I also eat of lot of peppers and cucumbers. Those type of snacks will keep me going without feeling too full.
Q: What is your favorite late night snack after performances?
A: I try to eat light after the show. It's normally some veggies and hummus, or an apple with peanut butter, or protein shake. I eat a snack during intermission normally, so I'm not too hungry when I get home.
Q: What is your best advice/strategies to fight fatigue?
A: Green tea! Gives me a great boost. Also when I'm feeling very low on energy, I'll put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in cup of water. It will give you a caffeine free boost! I'm also a huge fan of acupuncture, I go once a week to help maintain my energy balance.
Q: What is your best advice for stage confidence?
A: Stage confidence comes from within! It's about knowing you are enough no matter what anyone else thinks! You are enough! It's a theme I live by.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My parents inspire me. They are the most driven people I know and worked so hard to set me up for success. So for me they are all the inspiration I need to work hard every day!
Q: How does your physical fitness affect your performance abilities?
A: If I'm not in good shape, my performance suffers.. If I don't make an effort to stretch consistently my dancing isn't as good. Keeping in good physical condition is everything to a consistent performance. Also staying in good shape really effects my brain! I feel foggy and tired if I don't work out.. So that also keeps me motivated to stay in shape.
Q: Tips on finding the time to stay physically/vocally fit?
A: My advice is to make it a habit. Don't try to do anything quickly. Make living healthy a daily effort and soon it will stop feeling like work and begin to feel normal.Q: What is your advice for those trying to perform on Broadway?
A: My advice for anyone trying to perform on broadway would be to never stop knocking down doors. You get knocked down so much in this business. You have to have the strength to pick yourself up and keep moving! "You can do anything you want to do as long as you put your mind to it." -my dad
[EXTRA] Q: Do the characters you play have an effect on you personally? Can you give a few specific examples?
A: One of the reasons I love my job, is the opportunity that I get to embody different characters. For example in Bullets I get to play the most glamorous, sexy women on stage. It is so much fun! It feels incredible knowing that you get to transform every night on stage. Stromans' choreography is the epitome of what a strong and sexy woman is. It makes you feel powerful, nothing beats that.
**See Kelcy in Bullets over Broadway NOW!**
#FFB
