Commanding an audience is no easy feat. And it can become much more difficult to accomplish when you're expected to sing, act, and dance flawlessly all at the same time. Yet night after night Major Man Anthony Wayne does just that through his performance as Richie in the touring company of Broadway's classic A Chorus Line.Seemingly with ease, his years of experience and training come together to entertain audiences around the country in this classic story of seventeen aspiring dancers that are put to the test for a chance in the spotlight. But Mr. Anthony doesn't wish to stop there. He has his sights set on becoming the kind of triple threat that will make his name a familiar part of every household. Learn more about his many endeavors in the entertainment industry by checking out his website AWayne.com and get to know the man himself up close and personal right here on Essentially Major.
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Name: Anthony Wayne
Age: 27
Occupation: Richie in the First Broadway Revival National Tour of “A Chorus Line”
Background: Born in Richmond, Virginia and Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, I started dancing /singing by being placed into a Children’s Theatre Group called CenterStage, Inc.. From that point, I found out that I really enjoyed being on stage. It seemed to make me happy, so I did my continued while making it through Elementary and Middle School. In High School, I was chosen to be part of a Performing Arts High School in Norfolk called The Governor’s School for the Arts and went there while being in my regular High School at the same time. Here was when I began to fall in love with the craft. Before I graduated, I saw “Fosse” on Broadway the day after it opened and said to myself that this is something I want to do for the rest of my life. After graduating both schools, I worked at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for a couple of summers while I was at college at Shenandoah University. During this time, I took a summer to train at The Ailey School off W. 61st in NYC and had the life changing experience of meeting some of my closets friends while learning some amazing techniques from the master teachers themselves. After graduating with my B.F.A. in Music Theatre from the Conservatory School, I was chosen to perform the Role of Tyrone in the National Tour of “Fame-The Musical”. After the tour traveled me across America and South Korea, I went on to tour with “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “The Will Rogers Follies Starring Larry Gatlin”. Eventually, I moved to New York and received my Equity Card at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival doing “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” and then worked at Maine State Music Theatre (“Aida”) and “SWING!” at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston. After those regional theatre shows, I went back on tour as part of the Original Cast of the First National Broadway Tour of “The Color Purple” February 2007. In March of 2008, I departed from the company to star as Richie in what I’m currently doing which is “A Chorus Line”. It’s been such a joy to share this story of Love, Joy and Sacrifice with the World.
Do you have a favorite Designer? Kenneth Cole, Georgio Armani, and Coach.
What is your “go-to” item the one thing you cannot live without? Most recently it hasn’t been a thing. It’s been an act. I’ve been praying much more. It’s keeping me grounded as my career begins to blossom.
Who is your biggest influence in life? I know it might sound typical, but I have to say my mother. She’s said things to me that I’ll always remember and tend to keep with me; things that keep my humble and grounded as well. No matter what happens, whenever I go home, I’m just still little Anthony that taps and sings.
What has been your biggest obstacle in life that you've overcome? I’ve dealt with people and situations that have said, “No, you can’t…”, “No, you won’t…”, and through it all, I’ve been able to realize that there’s so much to do in life that you can’t allow anyone to steal your joy. Hold on to it, always and know that life is for the living, so get yours!
Are you currently in a relationship? No, not in a relationship as of now, but taking applications. (smile)
What do you look for in somebody? Drive, ambition, strength, happiness in Self and what there is to come, good stimulating conversation, and someone who will stimulate my mind as well as my body.
What is your worst date story? I dated this one guy and found him totally attractive, however, he was texting on his phone the entire time. I got the point where I felt like he needed to be with whomever he was texting.
What is your biggest flaw? Letting go of control in certain situations. I’ve def been working on it. Everyone does things different and the truth about it is no one is going to do what you do like you, so don’t expect them to. It’s all good.
What will you be doing in 2009? I’m in the process of working on a book, developing a musical, getting into Commercial/Print work and will take the time to learn how to become a much better and strong actor. Eventually, I’m expecting to have conquered Broadway, Movies, T.V. and so much more. Anything’s possible.
What do you hate? That’s such a strong word. Negativity. I’m such an optimistic person that someone with a negative attitude energy will shut me off quickly.
What do you love? People who overcome obstacles in the face of adversity. I admire that strength so much.
What’s your favorite curse word? Well, it used to be “shit”, but I sing that in my show every night, so that’s gotten a little old. I really LOVE the word, “BITCH”. It seems to just put the right period on everything. (LoL)
What makes you a major man? I believe that as I continuously grow to learn about myself, becoming a Major Man in this day in age is embodying the strength to what you love and passionate about in every way with out any regrets and encouraging people who are inspired by you. That’s my goal; to be that person that young people look up to and say, “Wow, Anthony Wayne is doing it…so can I, no matter what”.
Age: 27
Occupation: Richie in the First Broadway Revival National Tour of “A Chorus Line”
Background: Born in Richmond, Virginia and Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, I started dancing /singing by being placed into a Children’s Theatre Group called CenterStage, Inc.. From that point, I found out that I really enjoyed being on stage. It seemed to make me happy, so I did my continued while making it through Elementary and Middle School. In High School, I was chosen to be part of a Performing Arts High School in Norfolk called The Governor’s School for the Arts and went there while being in my regular High School at the same time. Here was when I began to fall in love with the craft. Before I graduated, I saw “Fosse” on Broadway the day after it opened and said to myself that this is something I want to do for the rest of my life. After graduating both schools, I worked at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for a couple of summers while I was at college at Shenandoah University. During this time, I took a summer to train at The Ailey School off W. 61st in NYC and had the life changing experience of meeting some of my closets friends while learning some amazing techniques from the master teachers themselves. After graduating with my B.F.A. in Music Theatre from the Conservatory School, I was chosen to perform the Role of Tyrone in the National Tour of “Fame-The Musical”. After the tour traveled me across America and South Korea, I went on to tour with “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “The Will Rogers Follies Starring Larry Gatlin”. Eventually, I moved to New York and received my Equity Card at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival doing “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” and then worked at Maine State Music Theatre (“Aida”) and “SWING!” at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston. After those regional theatre shows, I went back on tour as part of the Original Cast of the First National Broadway Tour of “The Color Purple” February 2007. In March of 2008, I departed from the company to star as Richie in what I’m currently doing which is “A Chorus Line”. It’s been such a joy to share this story of Love, Joy and Sacrifice with the World.
Do you have a favorite Designer? Kenneth Cole, Georgio Armani, and Coach.
What is your “go-to” item the one thing you cannot live without? Most recently it hasn’t been a thing. It’s been an act. I’ve been praying much more. It’s keeping me grounded as my career begins to blossom.
Who is your biggest influence in life? I know it might sound typical, but I have to say my mother. She’s said things to me that I’ll always remember and tend to keep with me; things that keep my humble and grounded as well. No matter what happens, whenever I go home, I’m just still little Anthony that taps and sings.
What has been your biggest obstacle in life that you've overcome? I’ve dealt with people and situations that have said, “No, you can’t…”, “No, you won’t…”, and through it all, I’ve been able to realize that there’s so much to do in life that you can’t allow anyone to steal your joy. Hold on to it, always and know that life is for the living, so get yours!
Are you currently in a relationship? No, not in a relationship as of now, but taking applications. (smile)
What do you look for in somebody? Drive, ambition, strength, happiness in Self and what there is to come, good stimulating conversation, and someone who will stimulate my mind as well as my body.
What is your worst date story? I dated this one guy and found him totally attractive, however, he was texting on his phone the entire time. I got the point where I felt like he needed to be with whomever he was texting.
What is your biggest flaw? Letting go of control in certain situations. I’ve def been working on it. Everyone does things different and the truth about it is no one is going to do what you do like you, so don’t expect them to. It’s all good.
What will you be doing in 2009? I’m in the process of working on a book, developing a musical, getting into Commercial/Print work and will take the time to learn how to become a much better and strong actor. Eventually, I’m expecting to have conquered Broadway, Movies, T.V. and so much more. Anything’s possible.
What do you hate? That’s such a strong word. Negativity. I’m such an optimistic person that someone with a negative attitude energy will shut me off quickly.
What do you love? People who overcome obstacles in the face of adversity. I admire that strength so much.
What’s your favorite curse word? Well, it used to be “shit”, but I sing that in my show every night, so that’s gotten a little old. I really LOVE the word, “BITCH”. It seems to just put the right period on everything. (LoL)
What makes you a major man? I believe that as I continuously grow to learn about myself, becoming a Major Man in this day in age is embodying the strength to what you love and passionate about in every way with out any regrets and encouraging people who are inspired by you. That’s my goal; to be that person that young people look up to and say, “Wow, Anthony Wayne is doing it…so can I, no matter what”.
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