#FFB: Ektor Rivera
Ektor is such a light! I wouldn't expect anything less from someone in the On Your Feet! cast who are some of the most loving, sweet humans I know! He has such a warm spirit and amazing outlook on life and his career as an artist, both onstage and off. I can't wait to go back and see him in the show (which will make it my fourth time seeing On Your Feet!) Ektor and I had an awesome conversation about Broadway balance, which we believe is the key to living healthy, happy & Fit for Broadway!
NOTE FROM EKTOR: Hi, my name is Ektor Rivera and I’m currently playing Emilio Estefan on Broadway’s On Your Feet! I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Since I was a kid I always loved to express myself through the arts, specifically though painting, acting and singing.
Q: Ektor! I’ve seen On Your Feet! three times already but will have to come again to see you! FFB loves the On Your Feet! cast so much! :) Let's start at the beginning... What was your journey to Broadway?
A: Well, I did a self tape audition from Los Angeles, where I lived at that time, with 4 songs and 4 scenes of the current play. I knew it would be only a one time opportunity so I worked hard to get at least a callback. I prepared a lot for those scenes and songs and I sent it to the casting director. And I got a callback! I went to NY to perform in front of Gloria, Emilio and the whole creative team of the show! I felt incredibly comfortable with the team, who made me feel like I was already part of their family. Two weeks later, I was called to do the last callback. I performed in front of the whole team again. That same night I received a call from my manager with the great news that I got the part. I cried. I called my family. And I celebrated with appreciation that after more than 15 years working hard in Puerto Rico as an artist, I could finally enjoy a moment like this. Being part of Broadway and representing the life of a Latin American icon is definitely a blessing and a dream come true.
Q: Can you explain your philosophy on balance?
A: I find balance in nature. I just like to do long walks and see the details of nature, the shape of mountains, the flowers, the colors of the sky, etc. I can see art in every single thing. Another way to reach balance is through painting. It keeps me motivated as a different expression of art. The visual arts make me happy and has the power to expand my mind and creativity.
“Built for Broadway” from Fit for Broadway Apparel
Q: What are your beliefs on fitness and health in relation to your work on Broadway?
A: I believe we need to have the same discipline as an olympic athlete. We are doing 8 shows a week and we are not only giving everything physically, we are working with emotions and that can be very exhausting. That’s why balance is important— to keep our mind outside the same pattern. Regarding a healthy life physically, I walk and run every day, I try to eat healthy and balanced. I don’t drink regularly, I don’t smoke, and I go to the gym at least 4 times a week. Our body is our instrument of work and we are responsible for keeping it healthy for future projects.
Q: Tips for vocal health?
A: Warm up every day, drink a lot of water, don’t smoke, don’t drink in excess and sleep as long as you can. I need at least 8 hours. Ginger tea before sleep is good to repair a tired voice.
Q: Do you have a pre-show ritual?
A: Some members of the cast, including me, make a prayer circle before every show. That is something I enjoy doing after I warm up before every show.
Q: You are an amazing artist from what I can see on your Instagram! How does that creative expression differ from you as an artist on stage?
A: Both are expressions that I love and enjoy. The difference is that when I paint I am alone, so I feel free to experiment with my alter ego and express myself with something I could never explain in words. For me, it’s a cathartic moment that keeps me grounded. When I paint, I feel like the time stops and I’m alone in the world. That is a beautiful thing. On the other hand, when I am performing in the theater, I feel that my soul is united to those souls watching from the audience, and to receive that energy is an amazing thing. I am blessed and fortunate to live my life dedicated to the arts with the possibility to transform others in the way.
Q: Quote to live by…
A: Every situation has a solution, things can be transformed just by changing the perspective of it. /// And regarding our dreams: EDUCATE AND PERSIST.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: I have so many things that inspire me. I can be inspired by nature, faces, music, Puerto Rico, my family, pictures, books, art, movies… among many others.
Q: What is your advice for aspiring performers who have their sites set on Broadway?
A: Broadway is one of many platforms to express ourselves as artists and is not impossible. But education is important. I spent almost 20 years preparing myself, working, taking classes, pursuing opportunities, like a race, always with a clear focus and discipline. So my advice is to be focused, look for different ways to educate yourself, be the best you can be in every single part of your life, persist, persist, persist, visualize, enjoy your process and be creative. Don’t wait for opportunities, create them! Find partners. So when that big audition comes, you can be ready to kick ass. :-)
connect with ektor
Instagram: @ektorrivera | Twitter: @ektorrivera | EktorRivera.com
