On The Road: Colby Lindeman
This week's edition of “On The Road” features my sweet friend, Colby Lindeman! Colby is a Wicked Broadway alumni, an incredible dancer and one of the genuinely nicest guys you'll ever meet. I first met Colby in 2015 backstage at Wicked when I started working as a swing dresser there. This past fall, Colby was on the road with the beautiful show “An American in Paris,” and I was able to set up a photo shoot for him with one of my friends in Washington, D.C., at The Kennedy Center. I hope you enjoy Colby's interview!
What role do you play in the show?
I am one of 10 swings cast in the touring company of AAIP. I am responsible for knowing anywhere from 4 to 8 male ensemble tracks, each completely different from one another. We have a great team of swings all working together to make sure the show goes on without any missing parts. It's our job to make sure the audience gets the full experience each night.
What is the most surprising part of your job?
It's always a surprise when you get called to go into the show at intermission! It's the thrilling part of the gig.
What are some items you absolutely can't live without backstage?
My swing notebook! It has everything for all the parts I cover: blocking, entrances & exits, choreography notes, pictures, costume changes, where to get props, everything! It's an essential part of my swing life. Not to mention, it's laminated and bound and pretty.
What is the most interesting day at work you've ever had?
During rehearsals for the show in NYC, we were learning our staging and the music and the choreography, but one day we took a break to meet a special guest. We all got to hear the story of a Jewish WWII survivor, who was helped and saved by a French family. His emotional story resonated with us all as we were learning to tell this similar story. It reminded me that there were good people during that horrible time who made some big differences.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Every time we travel to a new city and get to the theatre, there's an excitement in the air. Walking out on stage for the first time is always a breathless moment. Every theatre is unique and seeing all these different houses from on stage is a favorite moment. Stepping out onto the Kennedy Center's stage was awe-inspiring. The rich red fabrics, the sparkling lights, and the space were simply stunning. It was a view of a lifetime.
What is the most challenging part of being an actor on tour?
The challenges I've found of being on tour have been about finding routines. I can be a creature of habit and not having the same routine in each city can be difficult. I try to find things that give me sense of comfort and familiarity -- yoga, coffee shops, gyms, groceries, etc. But life is a balancing act and I do try to see and do new things in each city.
How is performing in An American in Paris different than being in Wicked?
This show is different on many levels, but the most obvious is the moving of set pieces for AAIP. The entire set is on wheels and is moved, placed, and removed by the ensemble while dancing and swirling. It makes the transitions of this show a masterpiece. In Wicked, the sets are moved by automation, so the ensemble dances around and through the magically moving pieces. Different artistic feelings for two different pieces.
What is it about this job that makes you come back each day?
I was actually off of the tour for about 6 months after starting with the original company last year. I returned to the show again because of how much it means. This is such a beautiful show with so many beautiful souls. And it's the generous (and talented) people that make up this company that make coming to work a joy. Getting to hear our orchestra play this iconic Gershwin music is also a treat. ;-)
What is your favorite show you've ever worked on?
One of my favorite shows to ever be a part of was a production of West Side Story at Music Theatre Wichita. It was one of my first musicals and it really stretched me as a performer and a person. It meant a lot that the creatives on that production gave me their faith and trust to tell that intense, meaningful story.
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to move to NYC and pursue a career in the arts?
I get asked this often, and my advice is always the same. Be nice. The theatre community is small and close knit. Be kind to other performers, the crew, the house staff, anyone and everyone. Kindness is free, and it goes a long, long way.
What is the best advice you've ever been given?
At an alumni workshop in NYC, one of the best things I heard was "to get out of your own way." Life has enough obstacles, why set up so many road blocks in our own minds preventing us from reaching our potential, our desires, and goals. Break through those self imposed mental barricades and give yourself possibility. It was something that struck me then and still does now. I try daily to get through my own road blocks and live with possibility.
FUN FACTS:
Where did you go to college?
Oklahoma City University.
What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?
Ragtime.
What is your favorite Broadway show you've ever seen?
Fosse. ((I'm obsessed))
What is your favorite costume you've ever worn?
The fringe vest and wig from Trip of Love.
What is your favorite US city you've visited on tour?
Philadelphia (hometown pride!)
What is your favorite restaurant or bar you've found on tour?
Flying Saucer
Snooze, best brunch in Texas & Colorado
