1. Buy an extra larynx, just in case.
If on a budget, make one using premium deli meat.
2. Periodically reconnect with the source material.
Especially if the show is about dessert.
3. Switch costumes with someone weekly, as a sign of affection.
You might be tempted to warn them but I say don’t.
4. Get sufficient rest.
The amount of sleep you need is directly proportionate to the number of shows a week you’re doing. Meaning, if you’re doing 8 shows a week, you need 8 hours of a sleep per night. This calculation also works if you are not in a show because then you will not be sleeping.
5. At least once a week, play hide and seek with stage management right up until your “places” call.
The best hiding spots are those you might end up stuck in, like instrument lockers or midsize trash cans.
6. Celebrate milestones as a company.
For example:
- The 10th time Phil paraphrases the line with the title in it.
- Misty’s one-year anniversary of forgetting to bring the cake for the next birthday person.
- When your production stage manager calls her 100th final curtain late.
7. Have fun with the classic theatre superstitions.
Did you know the ghostlight is meant to keep the ghost of the theatre from killing you in your sleep?
8. Enjoy the freedom of improvising a new sub-plot each night, accumulating them over time, and testing your memory like a game you play on a road trip.
9. Keep it loose during the bows.
Every once in a while it’s nice to let someone new go last. Choose that person by asking everyone to re-audition for the show.
10. Keep dressing room spirits high by leaving all complaints at the door.
Oops, this one is not reasonable!
11. Develop at least one crush on a castmate.
This is the only way to avoid eventually wearing overalls every day.
12. Make an effort to really get to know everyone on the team.
Even the producers. They can be busy, but finding out what pharmacy they use and personally delivering their weekly medications to their doorstep is a great way to show you get it.
