Staying Ready: Robert Pendilla on Broadway, Real Estate, and a Life in

Sometimes life as a performer doesn’t follow a straight path, and Robert Pendilla’s journey is a perfect example. From discovering his love for performing at a young age to building a decades-long career on Broadway, his path has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a drive to keep growing.

Along the way, that journey has expanded beyond the stage. Today, Robert balances his work in musical theater with a career in real estate, embracing new challenges while staying connected to what he loves most: performing and storytelling. Through it all, one mindset has remained constant: staying ready, both mentally and physically, for whatever comes next.

Whether he’s rehearsing in unpredictable environments or preparing for a last-minute role, small routines and tools, like staying warm with ororo heated gear, help him stay focused, flexible, and ready to perform at his best.

In this Q&A, Robert shares his journey, the realities of life as a performer, and how he stays prepared for every opportunity that comes his way.

Q&A with Robert Pendilla

Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your journey as a performing artist?

My name is Robert Pendilla. I started performing as a kid. I went to a high school for the arts and did it as a hobby, as most people do, and then I fell in love with it. I worked at Disneyland for 10 years, performed overseas in Germany doing musical theater, and then made my way to Broadway, and I’ve been there for about 20 years.

Q: What did you do at Disney?

I started off as a parade performer in all the parades and little shows. Toward the end, I became a union performer, so I transitioned into stage shows and musicals. By the time I left, I was mainly doing stage performances.

Q: What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m doing real estate in Connecticut, and I’m also stepping into the creative side as an assistant choreographer on a new Broadway show called Galileo, starting in the fall.

I still want to perform, but I also want to be on the creative team. There’s a world where all of that can live together. I don’t know if I want to do eight shows a week anymore, six days a week, but I still want to stay connected to the work in different ways.

I’ve been a swing and a dance captain, so I’ve always liked knowing how everything works; on stage and off. Moving into the creative team feels like a natural next step.

Q: Can you explain what being a swing and dance captain means?

A swing understudies multiple roles in a show; you have to know everything. You might go on for different people on different days, sometimes even covering multiple tracks in one show.

And as a dance captain, if the choreographer or associate choreographer isn’t there, you’re responsible for maintaining the show, making sure everything stays consistent and true to the original vision.

So you’re constantly thinking, adapting, problem-solving. That mindset really carries into everything I do now.

Q: How did you get into real estate?

A lot of my Broadway colleagues moved into real estate, and during COVID, I started exploring new things. I got my personal trainer certification, taught group fitness, and I realized that I like trying new things.

Real estate actually feels a lot like performing. You’re guiding people, reading the room, adapting in real time. All the skills I built as a swing and dance captain (being flexible, solving problems, thinking on the spot), translate directly into it.

So it ended up being a really natural transition.

Q: How did you first get into performing? Was there a moment you knew this was your path?

I grew up playing sports (baseball, soccer, volleyball), and I loved the performance aspect of it. Being part of a team, working toward something together, and having that “game time” moment.

My parents put me into a performing arts high school, and that’s when it clicked. It was the same structure: you rehearse, you practice, and then it’s showtime. Everyone works together to create something for an audience.

At a young age, I realized I loved that feeling: being part of something bigger and seeing people enjoy it.

Q: What inspires you creatively?

People. Watching people, meeting people, imagining their stories.

Even something as simple as being at an airport… You start wondering, “Where are they going? What’s their story? Are they stressed, excited, going home?”

That curiosity fuels everything. It helps you build characters and understand different perspectives.

Q: What’s been one of your most memorable career moments?

Getting my Broadway debut.

I was working survival jobs in New York and was honestly ready to give up and go home. I had no money left, and I called my mom and told her I was coming back.

Then I got an audition for Wicked. I almost didn’t go, as it felt like a long shot. But I went, and later that day, they offered me a role as a universal swing.

I remember sitting on a bench in New York City, crying, calling my mom and telling her, “I’m not coming home.”

And 20 years later, I’m still here.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a performer?

It’s the daily mental and physical preparation.

From the moment you wake up, you’re checking in with your body: your voice, your energy, any pain or tightness. You’re making decisions right away: “Can I perform today? Do I need to adjust?”

You’re making decisions right away, because if you can’t go on, that triggers a whole chain reaction; costumes, wigs, sound, everything has to adjust.

And it’s not just about you. You’re thinking about your cast, your partners, the audience. You want to give 110% every time because people are paying to be there.

It’s a full-day commitment, before, during, and after the show.

Q: Do you often rehearse or perform in cold environments?

All the time.

Rehearsals can be really cold because theaters don’t always have the heat running. Doors are opening, people are coming in and out, and cold air just keeps flowing in.

There have definitely been times where we’re rehearsing in full winter layers (coats, scarves, everything) just trying to stay warm.

Q: How did you discover heated gear?

I actually saw it on Instagram, and then I noticed my stage manager had one. I tried it on and immediately ordered it.

That was it. I was like, “Okay, this works.”

Q: How has it impacted your routine or performance?

It hasn’t changed my routine; it’s helped me maintain it.

As a swing and dance captain, I always have to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. The heated vest helps keep my body warm, loose, and flexible so I can jump in without needing a long warm-up.

It’s also huge mentally. Knowing my body is warm and ready takes away that extra stress.

Q: How does the cold impact your body and preparation?

The cold adds time to everything. You need more time to stretch, to warm up, to get your body ready.

Your body is your tool, so if it’s not warm, everything becomes harder; movement, flexibility, even focus.

Q: How did you stay warm before?

Layers. So many layers.

There were times I had leg warmers, sweats, onesies; just piling things on to stay warm. It worked, but it wasn’t practical.

The heated vest really simplified all of that.

Q: Do you use it outside of performing as well?

All the time.

I use it for real estate showings, especially when houses don’t have heat. I use it at outdoor events, and even when clearing snow. It’s always my first layer.

It’s functional, but it’s also a conversation starter. People always ask about it.

Q: What does staying warm mean to you beyond temperature?

It’s like a warm hug.

It helps me relax and release tension. Instead of tensing up in the cold, I can actually drop my shoulders and feel more at ease.

So it’s physical, but also mental.

Q: How do you take care of your body and stay ready?

It’s a daily commitment: working out, stretching, staying active.

I always try to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready. You never know when an opportunity is going to come up.

Q: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

I like to connect with people. I say hi to everyone: cast, crew, staff.

That human connection really sets the tone for the day.

Q: How do you prepare mentally?

For me, it’s being active; going to the gym, putting on music, and getting into my own space.

That’s how I reset and focus before a show.

Q: Where can people follow your work?

On Instagram: @RobertPendilla

Final Thoughts

Robert Pendilla’s journey is a reminder that careers don’t have to follow a single path. From Broadway stages to real estate and creative roles behind the scenes, his story is one of evolution, resilience, and curiosity.

No matter where life takes him next, his approach stays the same: stay ready, stay open, and keep moving forward.