Carissa Gaughran Shares Backstage Secrets from THE GREAT GATSBY

We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving. 

In this edition, we catch up with Carissa Gaughran, who is making her Broadway as a swing in The Great Gatsby. Below, she takes us backstage at the Broadway Theatre (with photos by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski) to share some of her favorite backstage traditions, must-haves, and more!

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

When I arrive at the theater I say hi to our doorman. I sign in on our sign in sheet and head up to the dressing room. I always fill my water up and put my hair clips in to get started on my makeup. 

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

I have a sip of my water and a mint. I always shake my hands out before the slider opens for the opening number. 

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

Always need something salty and something sweet. The go to recently has been salt & pepper potato chips and trolli sour gummy worms. 

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

Nothing that I would call weird. The cast holds hands in a circle backstage before every show and we breathe together and say a few words before going on stage. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

1. Setting Spray
2.  Caffeine
3. Heating Pad
4. My Sonny Angels (they are little figurines that I collect and they sit on my dressing room station)
5. Music 

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

Definitely Eva and Noah onstage in “Beautiful Little Fool”. The heart and emotion these two pour out is INSANE every single night. It’s like magic. 

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

There are so many amazing backstage moments with our crew. Since I’m a swing, I’ve gotten to get a glimpse of almost every single thing that happens backstage during the show. Our crew is amazing and we have little bits throughout the show with all of them. My personal favorite is getting into the car during New Money and talking (goofing around) to Maddie. 

About Carissa Gaughran

Broadway debut! Pretty Woman First National Tour (Vivian - Principal & u/s). Other: Fulton, MSMT, NCL. Many thanks to creative/casting teams, The Mine, my amazing family and Connor. This one’s for little me. @carissagaughran

About The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby features music and lyrics by Tony Award nominees Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen. The Broadway musical features a book by Jonathan Larson Grant winner Kait Kerrigan (The Mad Ones) and is staged by award-winning director Marc Bruni (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and choreographer Dominique Kelley (“Mariah’s Magical Christmas Special”, “Dancing with the Stars”). 

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless, seminal novel comes to the Broadway musical stage for the first time ever,  The Great Gatsby. Transporting audiences to the lavish Roaring Twenties, the story follows eccentric and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of the lost love of his youth, Daisy Buchanan.

Through its fascinatingly nuanced characters – driven by complex inner lives, erupting with extravagance and longing – this epic tale has always been destined to sing. Now, it finally comes to life on the greatest American stage, through an electrifying jazz and pop-infused score, and a grand production befitting the 21st  century.