The first time I met Kristolyn, we were partnered in a fitness circuit class and she inspired me right away. She was determined and focused and pushed me the entire workout (probably without even knowing it!). After seeing Dear Evan Hansen, I knew she'd be able to offer advice not just about being physically ready for 8 shows a week, but what it takes mind, body, and spirit- basically what it takes to know "You are Enough". Soak it in buddies.... today, we're diving in and discussing all the layers of being Fit for Broadway!

Note from Kristolyn: Hi! My name is Kristolyn Lloyd and I moved to New York three and a half years ago. I was currently living and working in Los Angeles but decided to make the move for a show here in The Big Apple. I'm originally from Spring, Tx where I grew up playing sports and singing in the shower. I graduated with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and I'm in the Broadway Show Dear Evan Hansen!

Q: It's always fun to be your #SweatBuddy in CRF workouts, but I'm super excited to be your #BwayBuddy today and dive in to your story! Can we start from the beginning? What's been your journey to Broadway?

A: It's been a pretty ideal one even though it took almost ten years since I graduated college. Truth is, I was having a blast working and traveling as a missionary in that time.  I lived in LA and was working on a Soap Opera three years after I graduated school. While doing the Soap I still performed on stage in LA because I loved theatre. So, coming to New York just made sense. I booked Heathers The Musical and  did it Off-Broadway for a couple months. I decided after that to give New York a try. Things have been very busy since then! I've been in five Off-Broadway Shows, worked at Williamstown Theatre Festival, American Repertory Theatre, City Center and now Broadway!

Q: Who or what were your greatest Broadway inspirations?

A: LaChanze was the first black broadway star I had ever heard! Her voice is so wonderful and she's also an amazing woman just all around. Audra McDonald's Ragtime without a doubt, Tonya Pinkens Caroline Or Change and oh! Billy Porter.

Q: How have health and fitness been intertwined into your journey as a performer?

A: Something about harnessing focus and building determination as an athlete really changed the way I approached life. I find when I'm challenging myself physically I tend to do it in my art and life as well! While I was on the Soap I did my first triathlon and I was so fired up about having accomplished that. It was a fundraiser for the network so I loved doing it for Charity as well.

Q: Do you have any holistic practices to stay balanced as a performer?

A: I find so much joy in meditation through Yoga. The practice of emptying my mind is such a wonderful challenge. I believe life is about balance though, so I also love prayer. Focusing on God and filling my mind with goodness, truth, and love is so important.

Q: Fill in the blanks.

A: The best part about being on Broadway is... Getting to do what I love at the highest level!

The most challenging part about being on Broadway is...Keeping your time outside of performing productive! Staying creative as an artist is very important so discovering hobbies and passions is fun and essential!

Q: We're big fans of the phrase "You Are Enough" at FFB. Dear Evan Hansen has similar themes of acceptance and finding your way. Any advice about believing in yourself as you journey to Broadway and even when you're on Broadway?

A: Believing that "You Are Enough" means trusting in something bigger than your perspective. It's knowing that you don't have to force or make anything happen. What's supposed to happen is going to! Keep bringing your best and working on your gifts and skills. The rest is out of your control.

Q: We've both been through The CRF Nutrition Narrative! What's been your journey with nutrition and how does it play a role in feeling your best for each Broadway show?

A: I spent time in LA being very active and also a little too concerned with my body. Like I said, I believe in balance so being fit and eating healthy is important but should not be an obsession. At least not for me. I always want to take the advice I would give someone else, especially a young woman in the business. I know it's a spiritual, mental, emotional and physical battle. A healthy lifestyle is all those things in harmony. Too much sugar or salt can kill the harmony but so does deprivation! Moderation is really the key.

Q: What’s your advice for aspiring performers who have their sights set on Broadway?

A: Work hard! That ensures longevity and a future career filled with many successful markers and memories. It's also important to enjoy the people you work with! They make coming to work such a blast. So build up relationships and find a community.