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This post is part of a series of Queerty conversations with models, trainers, dancers, and, well, people who inspire us to stay in shape–or just sit on the couch ogling them instead.
Name: Zach Schanne, 31
Occupation: Actor, model, and fitness trainer (Rowhouse, Equinox, and Bach fitness)
City: New York City
What is your favorite gym for working out?
TMPL – Hell’s Kitchen. Something about that moody space that gets you pushing harder.
Do you have a favorite exercise playlist?
I love a good early 2000s R + B playlist mixed with some current hip hop thrown in. Some alt-rock from my high school days creeps its way in too (we all had that phase, right?). And sometimes am guilty of a Beyoncé radio gym strut 😬.
What’s the best food to eat prior to a workout?
I love dates: chewy, sweet, and full of energy. Carbs are energy, that’s what you want before you hit the weights.
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What’s the best outfit for working out?
My faves are Gym Shark and Jed North. Always need that combo of the right fit and a fly look.
How do you balance staying in shape and having fun?
Staying in shape is definitely a commitment. I try to remind myself that you can’t be motivated every day, gotta practice discipline. Balance is definitely key, though. I love a happy hour with friends. Not to mention, sweets are my downfall. I could eat a whole carrot cake any day of the week, and I have been known to. All in moderation. Plus, working out can be fun. Mix it up with some hiking, rock climbing, boxing, sports. Keeping it fresh keeps you less bored too.
I practice intermittent fasting too, so that when I eat I can really pig out. I’m a huge foodie. I also love trying new restaurants and cuisines. I make sure to prioritize trying out new places, even if they have to be lunch dates. NYC has the best restaurants in the world.
What’s a basic, if useful, workout tip you can offer?
Progressive overload. Match or up the weights you use every time you lift. Also, stick with the same moves for a few weeks at a time, consistency is key. And eat more! So many people don’t eat enough food.
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What made you choose to become a certified personal trainer?
Romeo & Bernadette is a fall out of your seat laughing comedy. It’s intelligent, sexy, and exciting! It’s certainly a cure for all that pandemic fatigue. A great opportunity to forget your troubles for two hours and get lost in 1960s Brooklyn. The score is made up of a bunch of songs you’ve already heard and loved with some really interesting pop/doo-wop/jazz updates – the nostalgia factor is huge.
I play Tito – he’s the baddy. I have so much fun terrorizing the rest of my cast on stage. It’s been fun building some heart into him as well. Not to mention, we finish my number with a Magic Mike-esque shirt rip-off. We’re pretty insane and cooky, but damn, we have fun. The cast is a mix of Broadway vets, seasoned actors, and incredible debuting talent.
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Plus, writing by the Emmy Winning Mark Saltzman. It’s exciting to be in a new musical with a really funny, well-written book. Which makes it so much easier to play every night, and it makes it fun for us, too. There are new jokes we find every day, and each one has us laughing harder. Direction by Justin Ross Cohen, who you may remember as Greg in the movie, A Chorus Line. Orchestrations by Steve Orich, the stunning brain behind the arrangements of Jersey Boys. Tony-winning designers (Shoutout to Ken Billington’s gorgeous lights and Walt Spangler’s spot-on sets.) We are so lucky to be surrounded by greats.
We can’t wait to share our world with you! Come join us at Theatre 555, you owe yourself a few (hundred) laughs.
The rehearsal process can be grueling. What special considerations do you take to stay mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to meet the needs?
Getting enough sleep is paramount. Your body is your instrument in this business and sleep equals recovery. I make sure to fit in time with my chosen family as well. Support from friends is invaluable when you’re exploring something so vulnerable as a new show.
Thankfully, R + B is not Shakespearean drama. The emotional toll on this show isn’t crazy on us. We’re mostly having fun so being at work actually refills our tanks. The audience really helps fill usup, too. That is definitely what keeps us all going, we love the shared experience. Our Stage Management team works very hard to keep us safe, both physically and emotionally. We are blessed with a solid team behind the scenes. They’re the true heroes of the theatre.
How do you find time to maintain fitness when so much of your life is consumed by a show?
Commitment is important. During rehearsals, I’m up at 6 and at the gym by 7:30 to make it before we start. There’s no way around it, the time has to be carved out. The gym is a happy place for me, so working out recharges my battery. Not to mention, I get a little extra workout in whenever I’m teaching a class and it’s important for me that I continue to train even when I’m in a show. I also get to stay active running around our set and dancing in the show.
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How does routine change when you’re doing a run of a show?
The show schedule can be tough (especially because all I want when that curtain falls at 11 pm is a double gin & tonic) The truth is, though, that you can’t party on eight shows a week so you live in a sort of monk-ish fashion. I try to carve out some more “me time” as well. That could be a nice day in Central Park/Sheep’s Meadow, going to the movies, seeing friends. It all gives you the energy you need to step on step every night.
As a vocal performer, how do you maintain your voice?
STEAM. I steam twice a day most days to keep my chords in shape. Warming up is very important also. Your voice is a muscle and I prefer to keep them in gear. And, yes. I am that guy with the gallon jug of water, hydration is most important when taking care of your chords. And once again, SLEEP.
What’s the best way to prevent aging?
Activity. The body wants to move. Eating a balanced, healthy diet also helps. Rewarding yourself every once in a while will keep you motivated. Maintaining muscle as you age is important – it all has important functions. The unhappiness you feel when you restrict yourself too much can affect you also. Your hormones can wreak havoc on your body just as much as that comfort food. Obviously, happiness can’t be bottled and sold, but doing things that lift your spirit can also have a positive effect on your body. I believe in enjoying life.
What’s your ritual just before showtime? How do you prepare to go on stage every night?
I actually don’t have one. I always hit the gym before a show but the best way to prep is to connect with my castmates. We have an amazing team (we call it the “Familia”) that tells the story as a unit. It’s definitely a team sport we play. We’ve been with these characters for so long, that they all fit like gloves. Not to mention, my character speaks closely to my natural Jersey accent. It is easy and super fun to give in to the really obnoxious accent I worked so hard to neutralize. Our leading lady, Judy Mclane, brings around some Angel Cards and we each pick one out before the show for some intention. We can’t wait to start picking those out again.
What do you keep on your nightstand?
My nightstand has three tiers. I’ve got a picture of my five best friends, lots of candles, THC gummies for a quick slumber, Mala beads, a pocket Thomas Merton book, lots of incense and I rotate whatever it is giving me motivation.
Romeo & Bernadette runs at Theatre 555 beginning May 3. Tickets are available via the official site.
Bonus Pics:
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Odd
You look too thin for your body type but I could be wrong, it wouldn’t be 1st time.
BennyTheHill
This dude’s body looks pretty average to me. He mustn’t be working out as hard as he claims.
Kevan1
Show us a pic of your perfection.
732Gary
Zach looks amazing – hes put in a lot of work for that body.
Its very hard doing 7 or 8 shows a week – maintaining voice and body is hard work and Zach knows what hes doing to stay healthy and physical during his run of the show.
And we will be going to the show. As a Production Manager, I love to see theatre that will take me out of my problems and make me giggle/laugh.
Congrats Zach on a great run!
twomen4u
Zach
Any suggestions for a 76 year old gay man who has artificial knees and does not want to stress them as one is 21 years old and the other 20 years old?