#FFB: Anthony Norman
"yo! My name is Anthony Norman. I'm from Chicago, IL (not to brag). I never expected to make my Broadway debut as a dancer on Broadway, I always assumed it was going to go along the lines of an actor/musician type deal's,yet here we are, and holy cow, am I happy and very grateful."
Q: Can we start from the beginning… What’s been your journey to Broadway?
A: I graduated from Millikin University in 2015, moved back to Chicago since I had work lined up there. I started my Chicago career working at Drury Lane and Porchlight music theatre as well as playing solo shows at Davenport's piano bar. In 2016, I closed out the first national tour of Newsies, and that is what put me in the New York market as well as gave me my equity card. So I moved here in 2017. After a year of several no’s and “should have been the thing” auditions, my agent emailed me with an audition for...THE PROM. I attended a dance call on a Monday morning, had a callback for Casey Nicholaw on Tuesday, and got the call on Wednesday.
Q: How have health and wellness been a part of your journey as a performer?
A: I’ve always been very conscious of what I put it into my body and get to the gym at least 6 days a week. Regarding what I eat: I like to stay as balanced as possible. I crave fresh veggies and fruit most of the time, but there are times where all I want is a bag of sun chips or a pint of ice cream. My philosophy is, if you are hungry for something you never eat, whether it’s salty or sweet, EAT IT. I just have to make sure I eat enough, especially if I’m in a show. My body burns through food quickly. So I’ll load up on quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, lots of greens, and plenty of good fats (avocado, flax/chia seed, almond butter).
Q: Top 3 tips for maintaining energy for your show.
SLEEP.
Water
Time alone. To decompress, refresh, and listen to a podcast.
Q: What’s been a personal challenge you’ve had to navigate as a performer?
A: In regards to auditioning- I’ve had to find the balance between falling in love with a potential project (to make sure you’re doing the best work YOU can), but staying detached to a certain amount so not be completely heartbroken if it doesn’t work out. However, I feel like that’s a lifelong pursuit. Eventually your less susceptible to letting disappointment break or discourage you, right? Every experience is VASTLY different, thus, it’s an endless learning experience.
Castmate Cameo by Caitlin Kinnunen
Q: What creates the biggest impact on your performance feeling great or not so great?
A: Feeling great? If I’m there with the other person or people onstage. REALLY listening. Really reacting, honestly. Discovering new things during the performance.
Not great? If I eat too much or don’t eat enough before the show, too much caffeine, not enough sleep the night before, or performing the show without a proper warm-up.
Q: Top 5 products, companies or brands that are shaping your lifestyle right now.
Alpha Brain
Mabis steamer
HyperVolt
melatonin
Q: Fill in the blanks…
A: The best part of working on Broadway is… the people. That you get to work with and that you get to meet.
The most challenging part of working on Broadway is… maintaining a healthy body and mind
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: Jeff Buckley
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who have their sights set on Broadway?
A: Practice, practice, practice. Do everything for YOU. Not for anyone else
Q: What’s your personal definition of being “Fit for Broadway”?
A: Maintaining a healthy body and mind, eating enough, and exercising daily.
Anthony is wearing “FFB PRIDE Burst” by Fit for Broadway Apparel
Photos & Interview by Jane Jourdan