Regine Sophia Shares Backstage Scoop From CHESS

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 Regine Sophia who is in the Ensemble of Chess Broadway. Below, she takes us backstage at the Imperial Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!

Chess marks Regine's Broadway debut. Regional credits include Bring It On: The Musical (Kylar) at The Muny; Something Rotten! (Portia), Crazy For You (Patsy), Gypsy (Agnes, U/S Louise, Dance Captain), Disney’s Frozen (U/S Anna), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (U/S Babette), Rock of Ages, Matilda, Disney's Newsies, and more at Music Theatre Wichita; Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), Bernarda Alba (Adela), Brigadoon (Jean MacLaren), Into the Woods (Lucinda, U/S Cinderella, Dance Captain), and more at Penn State Centre Stage. 

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

Drop everything and Pin Curl! Putting my hair in wig prep is a pretty lengthy process, so I try to give myself as much time as possible just in case!

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

When I'm in the wings, I say a little prayer of gratitude and dedication for the performance and seal it with 3 knocks on the deck. Doing this sequence before a show helps me ground myself in the space and sets me up for what’s to come! 

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

My newest backstage snack obsession has been Hi-Chew Candies. It’s an easy and quick “pick-me-up” mid-show, and it also turned into a collective backstage snack for the cast, which I think is pretty cute and sweet! :)

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

Before a show, I like doing a round of hi’s and hello’s to the orchestra, and one pre-show ritual I’ve picked up is choosing a prompt for my bow with them. After the ensemble bows, I like to sneak in a pose towards them according to the theme we chose before the show. So far, it’s ranged from cartoon characters to celebrities, so it’s something different every time and always fun to look forward to!

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

• Snacks (usually small candies, but snacks know no bounds!!)
• Sharpies (having extra markers at the stage door is always a must!)
• Hats/Beanies/Bandannas (my go-to fashion staple for adorning a wig-cap or managing post-wig-prep curls)
• A Bear Bottle of Honey (favorite vocal soothing tool <3)
• Ricola Original Cough Drops (a quick maintenance check for the throat!)

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

Soviet Machine!!! I always try to sneak down from the dressing room early before one of my crosses to catch the tail-end of this number. I love bopping around and cheering my cast-mates on from the wings, and it’s just as thrilling to hear the audience lose their minds over it, too! 

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

A few cast-mates and I play a round of Monopoly Deal backstage on our two-show days. It’s become such a fun tradition to spruce up our offstage time together!

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About Chess

Chess is a seductive showdown of love, loyalty, and power on a global stage. As two of the greatest Chess players in the world compete for something beyond victory, the woman between them is caught in a high-stakes battle of desire and devotion.

Starring Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit, Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher, Chess also features Hannah Cruz, Tony Award nominee Bryce Pinkham, Bradley Dean, Tony Award nominee Sean Allan Krill and an ensemble that includes Kyla Bartholomeusz, Daniel Beeman, Shavey Brown, Emma Degerstedt, Casey Garvin, Adam Halpin, Sarah Michele Lindsey, Michael Milkanin, Aleksandr Ivan Pevec, Aliah James, Sydney Jones, Sean MacLaughlin, Sarah Meahl, Chloé Nadon, Ramone Nelson, Fredric Rodriguez Odgaard, Michael Olaribigbe, Katerina Papacostas, Samantha Pollino, Adam Roberts, Regine Sophia, Travis Ward-Osborne and Katie Webber.