#FFB: Paul Scharfer
Part II: Paul (Part I: Paul & Paloma, Coming soon Part III: Paloma) Nothing better than a #FFB series on a wonderful, healthy couple! : )
If you need to learn about discipline and hard work, take a few notes from Paul! Dedicated to his craft as a performer, Paul is equally passionate about fitness and health. It's obvious that discipline is the key to his physique through Crossfit and Paleo with his intuitive understanding of his body and health. His strength is matched by his terrific personality which makes Paul Fit for Broadway!
Paul's BIOGRAPHY
Fun Facts:
I wish I owned a pigmy goat. They are damn cute and they produce loads of milk, and goat cheese is from heaven.
I can deadlift 500 lbs.
I took a lot of tap dance at a kid, and I often hoof a little on the wooden Olympic platforms before I lift a heavy lift.
I'm a raging liberal. I love good political theatre, and seeing how many points of view there are about everything.
I played poker online, and paid my bills for 2 years doing it. : )
INTERVIEW:
Q: What is the most physically challenging part of performing?
A: I'm much less of a dancer than Paloma, but I find a lot of physical challenges in singing large parts. Being in good aerobic shape helps me sing longer lines and not be out of breath, but being tense in my torso and neck can cause complications in singing freely. I spend a lot of time releasing neck and pec tension after workouts by digging lacrosse balls into tight muscles. I also have to save my energy sometimes when I'm on for different leads, and skip my workout or do a lighter one so that I'm not exhausted performing a track I don't do every night.
Q: How would you describe your fitness routine?
A: I'm a happily obsessed crossfitter. If you don't know what that is, google it, and you will see a whole world that has been growing like mad. Crossfit is a class based high intensity/strength experience that incorporates Olympic, gymnastic and boot camp movements. I've actually moved onto an individualized program that a trainer writes for me. I hit the CrossFit "box" or gym for about 2 hours, 5 days a week. A lot of that is warming up and mobilizing tight joints, and prepping for each movement I have for the day. I usually do some strength portion, squats or strict presses/pulls; a technical portion, Olympic lifts or gymnastic work; then a high intensity couplet or triplet of movements for time. Usually I'm on the floor heaving and leaving a sweat angel on the floor at the end of the workout. If I am lucky, I train with some good friends that makes it enjoyable and competitive. It has brought me so much joy over the last few years. I should send a shout out to my box: go Reebok 5th Ave Ninjas!
Q: How do you keep your voice healthy?
A: Like I said before, I do a lot of work trying to release any tension in my neck and chest that might affect my singing. I generally only drink or go to loud bars on nights when I don't have to sing the next day. I drink water all the time. I take regular voice lessons. I also think environment plays a huge factor in long term vocal health. As Paloma will attest, we have two humidifiers running all year long at night, literally shooting vapor over our bed. If it's dry all night, I wake up with swollen cords.
Q: Do you follow a specific diet?
A: I am 90 percent Paleo/Zone. I work really well with structure, and that is about as structured as you can get. Paleo helps me determine what to eat, and the Zone helps me determine how much to eat. I've been doing it for a few years now and have never felt better. Basically, I weigh my meat, eat a lot of fruit, love healthy fats, and try to stay away from gluten. I think diet is very particular to every person, and what works for me will not work for the next person. We all have different chemistries/genetics/psychologies, and everyone should find what works for them.
Q: What is your favorite energy-boosting snack/meal?
A: I am a huge fan of good fatty organic chicken thighs fried in coconut butter, and a pint of fresh blueberries. I eat a lot of food so there's not much time for snacks. Some good organic salted cashews is a quick helper.
Q: What is your favorite late night snack after performances?
A: I'm an eggs morning and night fan. I fry up some chopped jalapeño sausage in some coconut oil, then add 2 eggs with half a cup of egg whites. Top with some fresh crumbled goat cheese and I'm a happy camper. I usually eat an apple and an orange with that, and splurge on some almond butter. (I just read Paloma’s response, she knows me too well)
Q: What is your best advice/strategies to fight fatigue?
A: Cut your sugar and alcohol. Fat is not your enemy. Too much coffee is just too much. Also a quick little intense workout will help you with energy all day long. It helps spike your metabolism and happy hormones.
Q: What is your best advice for stage confidence?
A: I think just prep as hard as you can, be as healthy as you can be (well slept and fed), and then accept whatever happens on stage. Live theatre is a crazy thing and good and bad things happen all the time. Acceptance of that reality is key. You are what you are that day, and that is a beautiful thing.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: I think it changes all the time. I'm inspired by incredible singers and athletes who challenge the limits of artistic and athletic pursuits. I love people like August Gold, who inspire people to find their god given path, and has a knack for saying exactly what I need at this moment. I'm inspired by Paloma's doggedness and joy in this business; she has the best work ethic and attitude of anyone I have ever met.
Q: How does your physical fitness affect your performance abilities?
A: I think that it helps on 8 show weeks to maintain energy. Big long singing is easier with better breath support. I hope it helps me fill out my costumes a bit onstage :).
Q: Tips on finding the time to stay physically/vocally fit?
A: I schedule my week in the gym at the beginning of the week, and have a training buddy or two to keep me locked in. Vocally, warming up before the show helps my vocal longevity. You can find time for anything if it's important. I make sure I don't sing too much every day. If I have a heavy week, I try to be good to my voice the following week.
Q: What is your advice for those trying to perform on Broadway?
A: Get after it. Training and building skills is a lifelong pursuit, and this business is about tenacity and passion. And not taking anything personally. We pour our heart and souls into pieces, audition with them, and then walk away. Being given the job is a perk. Rejection is commonplace. Taking it personally will drive you out of this business.
#FFB
COMING SOON to FFB: A FULL GUIDE by Paul Schaefer on Crossfit and Paleo for those interested in these amazing and healthy lifestyles!! : )
