Broadway Sessions: Interview With Broadway Performer Sterling Masters

Welcome to the second installment of Broadway Sessions. I love how I get to take you backstage on Broadway with my favorite actors! This interview is very special to me, as it features one of my very first friends at Wicked, Sterling Masters. We first met back in 2015 when I started working at Wicked as a Swing Dresser. Sterling plays the Witch's Mother and is a member of the female ensemble, so I get to play dress up with her in Oz every day! She is an insanely talented dancer, loyal friend, bride to be and a cat mom. I am so excited for you all to get to know her and learn about her eight year journey in Oz!

How long have you been a performer?

I’ve been a performer for almost as long as I can remember. My first musical was ANNIE when I was 6 years old, and I knew at that moment I wanted to perform on Broadway one day. :) But even before that, I had been dancing since I was 2. My mom has had a dance studio in Charlotte, NC for almost 30 years (Jami Masters’ School of Dance, Ltd) so I literally grew up in the studio!

What was your "big break"?

I feel like there were 2 “big breaks” in my career..... when I was 19 I was cast in the National Tour of FOSSE which took me out of college at Florida State University’s Music Theatre program and jumpstarted my professional career. But my first big contract was the 1st National Tour of the A CHORUS LINE revival in 2008.

Have you ever been on tour?

Yes!! I was on tour for 9 years!! I have performed in the National Tours of FOSSE, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Dance Captain), JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT (Dance Captain), A CHORUS LINE, WICKED 1st National, and WICKED 2nd National (Dance Captain).

What is the difference between being a Dance Capitan versus being an ensemble member?

A Dance Captain maintains the show for the Choreographer (who isn’t at the theatre all the time) by watching the show and then giving notes to cast members making sure everyone is on point all the time. And they also teach the show to new cast members! Typically a Dance Captain is also a “Swing,” meaning they can perform any ensemble role at any given time. In the ensemble, we perform one track 8 shows a week. They are both challenging and exhilarating in different ways.

How long have you been a member of Wicked's Broadway company?

Almost 4 years. I joined Wicked on Broadway in May of 2014 as the Witch’s Mother, and then after a short stint as the Dance Captain on Broadway, I returned to the Witch’s Mother track.

How many tracks did you have to know as the Dance Captain?

In Wicked, I swung 10 tracks but I know and mantained the whole show, including the principle roles.

With fellow cast member Courtney Iventosch.

What is your favorite show you've ever worked on?

They have all been completely different experiences. I am the most grateful for Wicked because I have been continuously employed doing what love for 8 years and counting!!

Who is the coolest celebrity you've ever met at work?

While on tour with Wicked in LA we got to meet a ton of awesome people, but the most iconic was Carol Burnett.

What are some items you absolutely can't live without backstage?

Diet Coke, hummus, and laughter! :)

What was your best day ever on broadway? OR What has been your most memorable moment on broadway?

It sounds cliche, but the best day and the most memorable was my Broadway debut. I was 29 years old, so it was something I had been dreaming about for 23 years!!! My entire family was in the audience. It was such a rush of emotion and pride. I did it!!

What is your favorite thing about your job?

The lifelong friendships I have made throughout this crazy journey, that are literally like family.

What is the most challenging part of being an actor on Broadway?

For me it would be the schedule. We get one night a week to go to dinner at a normal time and to hang out with people not in our business.

What is your favorite fun fact about Wicked?

The green Wizomania tickets we use in “One Short Day actually say the date of Wicked’s Opening Night!

What is your favorite part about telling this story every night?

That the story resonates differently to everyone and that every single person in the audience connects to a different character in a different way. BUT that the message of friendship and acceptance is always the same....

What is it about this job that makes you come back each day?

I truly still love what I do.

Have you ever had a breaking point where you considered giving up and leaving the city?

Nope! I have honestly always been heading straight for my goal of performing on Broadway. I would have never given up until it happened.

I love that your fiancé is an author! Will you tell me a little bit about his books?

Ooh yes! My fiancé Mike is writing a chapter book series for 1st-5th graders called “The Adventures of Avery and Masa.” It’s super cool and about endangered animals! The first 2 books are printed and they are working on the 3rd!!! (Click here to check out their website!)

What piece of advice would you give your 25 year old self?

To be patient. Life isn’t a race.... I made my Broadway debut at 29 and met my fiancé at 30. It all happened when it was meant to happen.

What is your favorite Backstage Blonde memory?

Backstage Blonde Teale (hehe) is such a light and positive force in the Womens Ensemble Dressing room. I can’t choose just one!!! I’m so grateful to spend 8 shows a week with her. :)