Shelby Acosta Shares Backstage Secrets From REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL

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 Shelby Acosta, currently appearing in Real Women Have Curves on Broadway. Below, she takes us backstage at the James Earl Jones Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, routines, and more!

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

The first thing I do when I arrive to the theatre is obviously sign in and say hi to my pal Florencia who is right across the way from me, then after that I head to my dressing room and get those mirror lights on and get started on my pin curls!

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

The last thing I do before I go onstage is check to make sure I’m wearing everything I need to be. I tend to be someone running to places and occasionally have forgotten a watch or a necklace, and I feel like the show is ruined.

What’s your must-have backstage snack? 

My must-have backstage snack has got to be gummy bears or Spicy Nacho Doritos which I try and limit a bit because it's not very kind to the people I’m talking very close to onstage.

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird? 

I knock on wood twice. I heard somewhere if you do it three times or more than three, you jinx yourself. It's weird I know.

What are five must-haves in your dressing room? 

I really like my dressing room to feel like my home away from home since we are there so often. Lighting is the number one. I like colorful LED lights you can change to fit the mood,  photos of my loved ones and notes they have sent, snacks is a big one, an extra pair of sweats for my naps between shows and lastly my dressing roommate Sandra who makes the room a funny one. 

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

Since I am on for a lot of the show, it's harder to watch moments from the wings but when I do get to, I love watching the ensemble dance in the restaurant scene-- the music and the energy is so palpable. Seeing the lights, projection, set, costumes, wigs, and hearing how it sounds all come together in that moment is really special. 

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

It's hard to pinpoint a singular moment. Coming off stage with the women after a silly flub happened onstage and cracking up over it and joking around with the crew before going onstage are a couple to name. The one that stands out is probably the moments where an understudy or swing has gone on and made a debut and after bows the minute the wall goes down just screaming and cheering and huddling up with that person and the cast and celebrating them. Those are my favorite moments.

About Shelby Acosta

Shelby's Broadway/Off-Broadway credits include 1776 Revival (Standby) and Emojiland (u/s). Tours include Hamilton (W5) and 1776 (Sec. Thomson). 

About Real Women Have Curves

Ana García dreams of flying away. But when her family’s East Los Angeles garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana finds herself juggling her own ambitions, her mother Carmen’s expectations, and a community of women all trying to make it work against the odds. 

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