#FFB: Cody Renard (Broadway Stage Manager)
FFB is expanding it's Broadway horizons to include some extra special guests who help make the Broadway magic happen from behind the curtain, like Broadway stage manager, Cody Renard! I immediately knew Cody was a fit for the blog; full of positive energy, dedicated to a lifestyle of fitness and health, and obsessed with Broadway (just like me!) Cody is sharing what it's like to live the Fit for Broadway lifestyle behind the curtain!
PS: Cody's photoshoot was scheduled with his best friend, Borris York, who's currently Fit for Holiday Inn (and his featuring comes out Sunday!) We did a few FFB BFF pics & a question about how they empower each other's journeys on Broadway!
NOTE FROM CODY: Hey y'all! I'm Cody Renard Richard and I'm a Broadway stage manager. I absolutely love my job- one of the best things is seeing a production come together through everyone's hard work and passion! I moved to NYC a little over 6 years ago to pursue this little passion of mine. I've been fortunate enough to work on a handful of Broadway, TV and Cirque du Soleil productions- some of my favorites include Hairspray Live!, The Wiz Live!, Kinky Boots, After Midnight and my current gig; HAMILTON on Broadway!! God is good!!
“Broadway Full Out” from Fit for Broadway Apparel | click HERE or click the picture!
Q: Cody!! You are a beam of positivity! I’m so excited to have a totally different perspective on FFB today through the lens a Stage Manager. Let’s start at the beginning, what was your journey to Broadway?
A: My journey to Broadway has been such a wild ride. My first job in NYC was the Cirque du Soleil production of WINTUK at Madison Square Garden as a stage manager back in 2010. Crazy, right? A dear friend of mine (Sara Mills) hired me on that show after an internship I did while I was in High School at the Alley Theatre. And I thought- "I've made it," I just knew my next show would be a Broadway show. I mean, come on, Cirque to Broadway. NOPE. It was hard getting my foot in the door. I did a couple of Off-Broadway shows that only paid me a metro card for a year and then it happened! I interviewed and was asked to join the stage management team of Lysistrata Jones on Broadway as a production assistant.
Q: Energy and focus came up a lot in our conversation about your work. How have fitness and health played a role in establishing a strong foundation for you to bring your best every day?
A: It takes so much focus to call a show on Broadway. For me, it is extremely important that I come into work energized and ready for the day. The thing is- you don't have to be super fit to be a stage manager, BUT you do have to take care of yourself. So I make sure that I get enough rest, drink plenty of water and work out regularly so that my mind is clear and my energy level is up.
Q: On the topic of nutrition, how are you fueling for Broadway?
A: I try to have a strict-ish diet. I eat clean, I only drink water and I try to cut out processed sugar-which is so HARD. I mean I have slip ups or cheat days, but I primarily stick to this as a base. In doing so, I feel better and have way more energy than I used to. Last year, I did The Shred with Rodrick Covington and the folks over at Core Rhythm Fitness and it changed my life. Nutrition is key.
Q: What’s the best motivation for staying active and maintaining a consistent fitness regime for your job?
A: My friends! My friends are the biggest motivators in my life. They are all doing amazing things and we keep each other motivated so we can all reach our personal goals.
Q: Top 3 Tips for energy & focus?
A:
Journal your thoughts
Drinks lots of water
Manifest positive vibes!
Q: I’m a junkie for positive energy (and you got it!) obviously there’s a difference between having lots of energy and having lots of positive energy? What helps you maintain positivity day in and day out?
A: Girl, I am too! You will rarely catch me without a smile on my face. Life is a beautiful thing, why not spread joy whenever we can? It's great to have lots of energy, but it's even better when you can channel all of that energy into something positive. It's all about perspective, we have the ability to change almost any situation if we really want to. "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Q: Fill in the blanks…
A: The best part about being a stage manager is… getting to collaborate with the cast, crew, designers and artistic team to create a show.
The most challenging part about being a stage manager is… closing a show and moving on from something that has been such a major part of your life.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My friends, my mom and my faith. All of these things keep me going. I know that I can achieve whatever I want as long as they are in my corner. I truly believe that!
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring stage managers who have their sights set on Broadway?
A: Know that you really want to do it. Stage managing isn't for everyone and there's a lot that goes into it. So, know that it is something that you really want to do. AND if it is, don't give up. Be persistent, consistent and nice. Always be ready and willing to learn. Say yes to all of the jobs, the more you work- the better you will be for it. I'm a huge proponent of learning by doing.
Q: How do you and Borris empower each other as best friends in different parts of the industry?
A: I love that you used the word empower. Because we are HUGE on empowerment. Positivity, honesty and love is key. Through these things, we both know that we can do any and all things.
Instagram: @codyrenard | Twitter: @codyrenard | Facebook: Cody Renard
