Eric Williams and Zaynn Arora Share Backstage Scoop From WAITING FOR GODOT
The pair share the role of "A Boy" in the production.
By: Stephi Wild Dec. 11, 2025
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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 Eric Williams and Zaynn Arora who share the role of 'A Boy' in Waiting For Godot on Broadway. Below, they take us backstage at the Hudson Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of their favorite pre-show rituals, backstage moments, must-haves and more!
Eric Williams made his Broadway debut as ‘Little Michael’ in MJ The Musical. He also appeared on Broadway in Gypsy. Other credits include Stepp Stuart’s talent Camp Spotlight and A Soulful Christmas. Zaynn Arora is making his Broadway debut in Waiting For Godot! He appeared on the National Tour of Peter Pan as Michael Darling. Voiceover work includes "Wonder Pets” (Nickelodeon). He also has appeared in commercials for CVS, Crest, Doordash, and Dr. Praeger’s.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
Eric: The first thing I do when I arrive at the theater, I make sure to sign in. After that, I love to chat with my friends and fellow cast members. I ask them how their day has been, and sometimes we share funny stories or talk about what we’re excited for in the show. Then, I head to my dressing room to get ready for the performance. It’s like a little secret hideaway where I can prepare myself!
Zaynn: After arriving at the theater, I say hi and hug my guardian “Angel” Ms. Bridget and friend Eric Willams who shares the role with me. We talk about our day, and what we want to do after the shows depending on the time we get out for the day.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
Eric: The last thing I do before I step onto the stage, I take a moment to say a little prayer to myself. It helps me feel calm and focused. I think about doing my best and having fun out there. It’s like my special way of getting ready for the performance, and it makes me feel brave!
Zaynn: Last thing I do before I go on the stage is, our guardian Ms. Bridget gives me space to be alone and try to go in character as much as possible so that I can do my scenes properly with no distractions.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
Eric: My absolute must-have snack backstage is Chomp Beef Sticks! They’re super tasty and give me the energy I need before I go on stage. Plus, they’re easy to eat quickly, so I can much on them without making a mess. They’re the perfect snack to keep me fueled while I’m getting ready!
Zaynn: We can’t have food or snacks backstage, but we can in our dressing room, so, I usually try to bring fruits from home so that I can satisfy my hunger whenever I want. I try to bring fruits like bananas, because if I get fruits that are way too juicy and watery, it might make a mess, that we all don’t want that to happen!
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
Eric: One of my pre-show rituals that some people think is a little weird is that I like to drink my decaf Iced Carmel Macchiato. It’s a fancy coffee drink that makes me feel special! Even though it doesn’t have caffeine, it still tastes really good and helps me relax before the show. I guess it’s my little way of treating myself!
Zaynn: Our pre-show ritual includes our beautiful dresser Eileen coming to our room and saying “Yoohoo” and turning us from a regular boy to Messenger boy like magic, and then Mr. Bill, our techie gentleman, checking to make sure that our mic is in place and ready to go.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
Eric: In my dressing room, there are five things I absolutely need to have: Water (to stay hydrated), Lip balm (to helps keep my lips from getting dry under the bright stage lights), a cozy robe (to stay super comfy when I’m getting ready or waiting to go on stage), a blanket (to help relax before the show), and a cave space I made out of cardboard - where I can chill with Zaynn when I’m not performing. It’s like my secret fort!
Zaynn: Five must-haves in our dressing room: first my water bottle, second my phone, third my fanny pack or backpack, depending on what I’m planning to bring, fourth fruits and snacks, fifth and final one, A FORT would be great. We have built a cardboard fort with a pillow and blanket, Eric has one and I have one so we just go in there and chill.
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
Eric: My favorite moment to watch from the wings is definitely the Bill & Ted moment. It’s so funny and exciting! I love seeing how the audience reacts and laughs during that part. It’s like being part of a big surprise, and it makes me feel proud to be in the show with everyone!
Zaynn: We don’t have wings in this show like usual theaters have, but we have screens that we can watch the show from, in the green room, and backstage. And my favorite part to watch is in the first act when Pozzo (played by Brandon J. Dirden) comes in with his carrier, Lucky (Michael Patrick Thornton).
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
Eric: My favorite backstage moment has to be when we take our bows at the end of the show. It’s such a happy time because everyone is cheering and clapping, and you can feel the excitement in the air. Backstage, everyone is smiling and talking about how well we did. It makes all the hard work worth it, and it’s a great feeling to celebrate together after a job well done!
Zaynn: My favorite backstage or on stage moment is, during the last bow, when we all go offstage, Keanu, is right beside me in that moment, so Keanu and myself have created this ritual where while we go offstage, we give each other a BIG FIST BUMP, and then pretend like we are running to go backstage, while Alex touches my hoodie with his hat trying to tell me Good Job. Also some of my favorite backstage moments have been interacting with Jesse, Franklin and other team members, whom we share jokes, hugs, fist bumps, songs, treats etc.
About Waiting For Godot
Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece Waiting for Godot is now open on Broadway. Starring Keanu Reeves as ‘Estragon’ and Alex Winter as ‘Vladimir', the strictly limited engagement is set to run through January 4, 2026 at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre.
The production also features Brandon J. Dirden as ‘Pozzo,' Michael Patrick Thornton as ‘Lucky,’ with Zaynn Arora and Eric Williams who will share the role of ‘A Boy.’ The cast is completed by understudies Jesse Aaronson and Franklin Bongjio.
Beckett’s masterpiece, Waiting For Godot, is acknowledged as one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. Originally premiering in 1953 in French with a subsequent English-language production premiering in 1955 in London, it has become a cultural touchstone having been translated into dozens of languages and has inspired artists in the worlds of film, television, dance, opera, visual arts, fashion, and even video games. London’s National Theatre surveyed over 800 leaders of the theater world and Waiting For Godot topped the list as the most significant play of the last 100 years.
