Alana Arenas Shares Favorite Backstage Moments at PURPOSE
Arenas is making her Broadway debut in Purpose!
By: Stephi Wild Apr. 07, 2025
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 Alana Arenas, who is appearing in Purpose on Broadway. Below, she takes us backstage at the Hayes Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her backstage routines, favorite moments, must-haves and more.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
I like to get dressed (in costume) and put on my make up right away.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
A fresh coffee pot. Don’t tell my vocal coach.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
- Beautiful decorative items to hold my makeup, brushes and other necessary items.
- Pictures of loved ones
- My script!!!!
- Something that smells good or will help the room smell good.
- Hopefully beautiful fresh cut flowers
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
Oh my word, Naz’s final monologue just before the stage goes to black. It’s one of the sweetest pieces of music I’ve ever heard in the theatre.
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
Listening to the audience respond to Aziza’s discovery of Naz’s true identity. I’m waiting to go on and it’s so much fun to hear the audience going wild with laughter.
About Alana Arenas:
Alana joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2007 and created the role of Pecola Breedlove for the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of The Bluest Eye, which also played at the New Victory Theater Off-Broadway. Recent Steppenwolf appearances include the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of Monster, The Fundamentals, Marie Antoinette, Tribes, Belleville, Head of Passes, Good People, Three Sisters, The March, Man in Love, Middletown, The Hot L Baltimore, The Etiquette of Vigilance, The Brother/Sister Plays, The Tempest, The Crucible, Spare Change and The Sparrow Project. Other theatre credits include Disgraced (American Theater Company), The Arabian Nights (Lookingglass Theatre Company, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Kansas City Repertory Theatre), Eyes (eta Creative Arts), SOST (MPAACT), WVON (Black Ensemble Theater) and Hecuba (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Television and film credits include David Makes Man, Canal Street, Crisis, Boss, The Beast, Kabuku Rides and Lioness of Lisabi. She is originally from Miami, Florida, where she began her training at the New World School of the Arts. Alana holds a BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. PURPOSE marks Ms. Arenas’ Broadway debut.
 | |||
Best Ensemble - Live Standings | |||
| |||
| Vote Now! |
