Why Broadway Performers Deserve Better Physical Therapy

🎭 Physical therapy in the performing arts world is broken — and today’s guest is on a mission to fix it. Marissa Schaefer, owner of FlySpace Physical Therapy in NYC, works with Broadway performers, modern dancers, and artists pushing their bodies to the edge eight times a week. In this episode, she shares why the current care model is reactive, outdated, and often harmful — and what clinicians and companies can do instead to truly support performing artists.

Whether you're a physical therapist, dancer, or anyone working in the live performance space, this episode unpacks the realities behind the curtain — and why proactive care isn’t just better for the performer, but for the production, too.

📍 Chapters
00:00 - Intro: The PT Problem in Performing Arts
02:12 - What a Broadway Week Actually Looks Like
06:35 - Modern Dance Schedules: Cuckoo Bananas Explained
09:48 - “Layoffs” and Managing Unpredictable Gigs
13:15 - Why the System Is Reactive (And How It Hurts)
17:00 - The True Cost of Injury in Theater & Dance
21:05 - How PTs Can Better Prepare for Performer Care
25:22 - Building Proactive Systems for Safer Performances
29:30 - Final Thoughts + FlySpace Info

🔗 Links & Resources:

💼 FlySpace Physical Therapy

📸 Marissa Schaefer on Instagram: @flyspacept

🎙️ Listen to more PT Pintcast episodes: https://www.ptpintcast.com/

🎙️ Gear I used to create this video:
Camera - https://amzn.to/46utZHr
Tripod - https://amzn.to/3y5F3xI
Lights - https://amzn.to/4bR0PD5
Mixer Duo - https://amzn.to/4bNgHGZ
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Mic - https://amzn.to/4bWCfAO
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Portable Mic - https://amzn.to/4fbfPi2
Mic Shock Mount - https://amzn.to/4cRIOGm
Mic Arm - https://amzn.to/3YhJAYN
Backup mic - https://amzn.to/3zQRpKD
Streamyard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6334358554673152