#FFB Couple: Cameron Adams & Jeremy Woodard
The only thing better than being on Broadway has to be being on Broadway with your main squeeze! Imagine having a teammate at all times to rock alongside you on The Great White Way, plus someone to keep you motivated on your FFB journey. Hello, gym partner! :) We're getting the inside scoop about life on Broadway and life as a Broadway (soon to be married!) couple from Jeremy & Cameron. These seasoned professionals are two of the nicest New Yorkers you'll meet so read closely and absorb the awesome vibes of a couple that, together or apart, knows exactly what it means to be Fit for Broadway!
“Constant support and the occasional tough love. It’s not an easy industry but having someone who helps you get motivated, because you both have to do it, makes such a difference”
- Cameron & Jeremy
NOTE FROM CAMERON: Hi! I’m Cameron Adams. I’m originally from Myrtle Beach, SC and I’ve been living and working in NYC for the past 16 years. I’ve been lucky enough to perform on Broadway in The Music Man, Oklahoma, Hairspray, Cry-Baby, Shrek, Promises, Promises, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Gigi and She Loves Me! I’m obsessed with basketball, books, my dog Rudy and a good cocktail at the end of the night. Been lucky enough to work on some cool TV stuff, regional theater opportunities and one very fun national tour! I absolutely love to teach and it’s become a major passion for me. I teach for Broadway Dance Center, Broadway Artists Alliance, Broadway Classroom and many other summer theater programs. Fitness is a huge part of my life and I’m game to try any new class or sport. So happy Jane asked me to be a part of the blog and that Jeremy and I get to share it together!
INTERVIEW WITH CAMERON:
Q: Cameron, you give off good vibes girl, I’m so excited to finally have you on the blog after keeping up with your Broadway life via Instagram! Where did it all start for you? What’s been your journey to Broadway?
A: I grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC and started dancing at 4 years old. I was very active at a young age. Sports, theater and dance. As much as I love basketball I knew I wasn't going to play in the WNBA and my heart was fully set on dancing and singing and performing! I competed in dance competitions and studied outside of my hometown over the summers. My name was given to the casting director of the 2000 revival of The Music Man and I flew up for an audition and got the show! I was still in high school so I finished via correspondence with my high school in South Carolina and I've been here ever since. 16 years!
Q: How have health and fitness played a role in your performance career?
A: When I was younger I wasn't as into fitness and eating healthy, as I'm sure most people aren't when they’re young. As I've gotten older and I'm more educated on what healthy food and a healthy lifestyle do for you, it's a part of my everyday life. That way, when I have a lazy day and eat whatever I want, I don't feel guilty about it. It's a reward for busting my butt the rest of the week! I'm a huge ClassPass fanatic because I love to mix it up and do lots of different types of exercise. It keeps it fun and never dull.
Q: Can we play “My Fitness Week”?
A: My Fitness Week...
M- I usually take a spin class on Monday's, but this week and next week I'm teaching at Broadway Dance Center which is an awesome workout.
T- Tuesday's I love to do Pilates either at home or many of the awesome studios in my area. I've also tried Wundabar recently and loved it. Pilates for super woman is what I call it.
W- I take a fabulous barre class at Exhale before my matinee. Super intense and also incredibly encouraging.
Th- I either take Thursday's off or do some light Pilates.
F- Either FlyWheel or FlyBarre, depending on how many classes I've taken in the month with my class pass. My friend Ben Thompson's flywheel class is my favorite!
S- Cyc fitness spinning class or Row House rowing. Rowing is an amazing full body workout. Both great warm ups for a two show day!
S- I almost always take off Sunday's before my matinee. Unless there is a super exciting class like Ashley Yeater in town with Define or something special like that.
Obviously my week will vary depending on my show schedule and auditions but I like to mix up with Pilates, spinning, barre, rowing and I'm obsessed with my friend Simone De La Rue's studio Body By Simone. Awesome full body and lots of cardio.
Q: What has been one of your greatest lessons learned during your time on Broadway?
A: Never take any opportunity or experience for granted. Of course it's my job and it's hard work at times but I get to do what I love for a living. That is, unfortunately, pretty rare.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My peers inspire me, first and foremost. Women like Chita Rivera, Donna McKechnie, Shirley MacLaine and Karen Ziemba are who I look up and will always inspire me. The true triple threat. Song and dance gals!
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who want a career on Broadway?
A: Never stop learning and educating and putting yourself out there. That will never stop and it's all just part of the ride! Be open to a lot of different opportunities because you just never know what could come from it.
NOTE FROM JEREMY: Hi. I'm Jeremy Woodard. I am originally from Garner, NC and I have been living and working in NYC for 14 years. Since moving here in 2002 I have been extremely fortunate to work on a couple of national tours and Broadway shows that include Miss Saigon, Hairspray, Glory Days, Rock of Ages, The Last Ship and School of Rock. I've also gotten to do some really cool TV gigs as well. I'm a huge sports fan and grew up playing any and every sport I could which has helped influence me to maintain and stay fit throughout my adult life. It's also clearly important in our work as actors as well. In fact, one of my favorite parts of getting to perform in Broadway shows is that it means I also get to play in the Broadway softball show league and pretend I play for the Yankees. Big thanks to Jane for allowing me to be a part of this blog and taking some cool photos of me and my lady, miss Cameron Adams.
JEREMY INTERVIEW:
Q: Jeremy, it’s so great to connect with you via your awesome gal. Let’s start at the beginning… What’s been your journey to Broadway?
A: Oh man...well, I guess it started in high school. I quickly learned that basketball probably wasn't going to work out for me so I decided to take chorus and drama because it was an easy elective and there were girls in there. :) And I caught the bug. I thought I was decent at it but never really knew if others would think so. And I honestly never thought my voice would be something someone would want to hear on its own. But I gave it a shot and headed to East Carolina University. They have a terrific program there and I told myself if I got into it I would pursue it and if not, maybe I'd try business school. And then here we are. After a couple of national tours and a few bar tending gigs, my first Broadway show was Glory Days. And it closed the day after we opened (haha). And while I've been lucky enough to have a few more come my way, nothing will ever top hearing that you booked your first one.
Q: Can we play “What I Ate Yesterday”?
A: What I Ate Yesterday...
Breakfast- kashi go lean cereal
Lunch- vegan protein shake
Dinner- chicken and rice
Snacks- turkey jerky, hummus, turkey pepperoni , peanut butter
Miscellaneous- try to make healthy tacos, wraps, shakes. I'm a boring eater
Q: How has fitness been a part of your performance career?
A: Well, in the shows I've done in the past we've had to dance (or move) our butts off so being fit has always been a part of the equation. Stamina, injury prevention, it's all a must. But it became even more important to me when I somehow started getting cast in shows where I had to be shirtless. Which SOMEHOW keeps happening. I don't know why. Bye bye ice cream.
Q: Finish the phrases...
The best part about working on Broadway is…. Getting paid to do what you love. (And getting to play in the Broadway softball league)
The most challenging part of working on Broadway is… 8 shows a week. Staying healthy and trying to have a life when possible.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: The list is extremely long but my mother by far. One of the strongest women I know.
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who want a career on Broadway?
A: My advice would be to learn as much as you can and make sure you love it. It never gets easier. And there is no one way to do it. Find your path and get moving. Who knows where it will lead.
BOTH:
Q: How did you meet?
A: We met through mutual friends and saw each other out and about on occasion but we started dating on the national tour of Hairspray about a year later. Thank you, Jerry Mitchell! We are just shy of our 10-year anniversary.
Q: How have you helped each other reach your goals with fitness, health, & Broadway?
A: Constant support and the occasional tough love. It's not an easy industry but having someone who helps you get motivated, because you both have to do it, makes such a difference. Also, we want to look good and feel good when we are together.
Q: What is your favorite date night (or day) healthy meal?
A: We have an outdoor space and grill so we love to grill! Pretty much anything that tastes good on the grill. Our favorite is a delicious steak with roasted broccoli, zucchini and sweet potato.
Q: If you could play any on-stage couple, who would it be?
A: The Thenardier's ;)