Zach Schanne on how keeping it steamy prepares him for life

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?

I was an obese teen, so I know the struggles of being out of shape. I also know the euphoric feeling that becoming fit brings. I promised myself I would never go back. Nowadays, I get that same, rewarding feeling from helping others achieve their goals. There is nothing like seeing your clients look and the mirror and smile because of the work they put in.

I try and remind people that being fit gives you a longer, healthier life. Think of all the family and friends that want you around for a long time. I think everyone wants to make the world a better place in some way, personal training is a really streamlined way to see your positive effect on others.

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?

Bonus Pics: 

 

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