Words From The Wings: Alyssa Emily Marvin of APPROPRIATE Shares Favorite Backstage Moments, Routines, and More!

BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines!

Today we're chatting with Alyssa Emily Marvin, who is currently in Appropriate! Alyssa told us all about her favorite backstage moments, routines, and more!

Check out her answers, along with photos taken by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski, below!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

The first thing I do when I arrive at the theater is sign in and go to the green room to say hello to the rest of the company. The great thing about the Helen Hayes is that there is a central hang out spot in the green room, so there’s a lot of cast bonding and fun times that happen there. If I have extra time before half-hour, I will try to get some school work done. I’m currently a sophomore in high school and time management can be a little tricky sometimes with the theater schedule, so I try to use any time I have to get assignments done.

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

The last thing I do before I head down to the stage is drink a ton of hot water, but the last thing I do right before I go onstage for the first time is make a heart with my hands at my guardian and wave hello to her. This has become a backstage ritual for us, and is one of my favorite moments.

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

I’m not big on snacks backstage before the show, but I am a firm believer in the post-show beverage and post-show sweet treat. I particularly love Starbucks and bubble tea.   I often like to get bubble tea after the show (and then regret it several hours later when the caffeine keeps me awake). I also love dark chocolate, so that is a must after the show for me backstage! 

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

I don’t really have a daily pre-show ritual that others would find weird. However, on two-show days I have a ritual others might find weird.   I like to go to Starbucks before the first show and get a London Fog Iced Tea Latte with almond milk, and then put it in the fridge in my dressing room so I can drink it as a little treat after the second show at night.

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

A blanket is a big must-have for me, specifically my very soft and cozy blanket that has one of my favorite actors Paul Dano’s face on it. This blanket first began its journey in my dressing room at Grey House this summer, and now is a necessity for everything I do. I also love to keep little trinkets, so I have many tiny figurines that take up my station. Some more practical must-haves are chapstick, water bottle, and a book (currently The Picture of Dorian Gray).

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

There is a fantastic sequence at the end of the show, which I can’t say too much about because it’s something you really need to experience for yourself. It’s an incredible moment of lighting, sound, and scenic design that still makes me freak out with excitement every time I watch it.

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

My favorite backstage moments are ones that I get to experience with the rest of the cast, specifically about audience reactions. We had a student matinee a few weeks ago, and it was so much fun to listen to their laughter and excitement and talk about it with my castmates. This play really is a wild ride, and it's so thrilling to get to share that with this incredible company.

About Alyssa Emily Marvin

Alyssa Emily Marvin recently made her Broadway debut originating the role of A1656 in Grey House. Marvin also originated the role of Cathy in Trevor: The Musical off-Broadway and on Disney+ as well as the title role of Edie in the world premiere of Edie Saves the Birdsat Theatre East. She toured the US and Canada with the First National Tour of School of Rock and Asia with the International Tour of Annie. Marvin is represented by BUCHWALD.