Ah, the Quick and Dirty. Combine 10 days of 9-hour rehearsals, 3 days of Tech/Dress, 1 Preview and Bob’s your uncle! You are ready to open! Fifteen performances later, that equals exactly 30 days to put up and perform a fully-realized professional stage production. Phew!
That was my February. I learned an enormous amount about stamina, productivity and preparation. I’d like to share a few of those lessons with you, dear readers!
1. Eat Right and Sleep Well!
Pretty obvious, I know. It’s always worth repeating though! You must have the proper fuel for your body and mind and mood. Come prepared (you will hear a lot of that word in this article) with foods and beverages that help you work and focus. If you are being housed out of town, you never really know what that situation will be until you’re there, so take a moment to pack things that will help you get great rest too! Me, I need herbal tea to unwind, a hot water bottle to keep me warm at night, and a mask to keep out any light pollution in the room. Simple but effective. I always awoke fresh and ready to go the next morning!
2. Bring What You Need to Succeed
Speaking of packing, it’s worth taking the time to methodically pack your bag with all the essential tools you really need to thrive for intense weeks. A tool in this instance could be your most comfortable socks and sweater. A bundle of hair-ties. Your favorite fluffy pillow. Your preferred coffee mug. Those items to help have low-stress days and nights. Don’t be afraid it will “look silly” either, because FYI, no one cares how you look in rehearsal. You’re all there to work and play and produce something great. Personal hygiene, yes! But forget that fear of not looking “cute.” I wore an oversized wool sweater of my Mother’s from 1993 most days, and I was comfy, warm and happy while I worked. I’m wearing it now, actually. Anyway.
3. Remove Extraneous Complications
Take care of as many errands, bills, calls, appointments, cleaning etc before beginning the Q & D! The aim is to go into rehearsals/production with smooth sailing. No overhead-scary-looming-stress-monsters festering while you’re away that will distract you from your work! You help yourself greatly by taking the initiative on this!
And speaking of initiative…
4. PREPARATION PREPARATION PREPARATION!
There’s that word again…Prepare to hit the ground running! Get as much prep-work done as early as you can. These rehearsal conditions might not allow for your accustomed process, so be ready to be flexible! Be ready and amped to work hard and fast. The more of the text and character analysis you complete before hand, the more fun you can have in the rehearsal room/on set, and the sooner your work becomes fully realized and specific come time to perform! And in case you didn’t surmise this already: Come in off-book!!
5. A+ Attitude!
Not only do you need to do what you can to help yourself through this roller coaster ride, but bear in mind your other teammates. Here are a few tips: Pay attention to the work. Care for your coworkers. Don’t be selfish. Help others. Be patient. Be thankful! Don’t get defensive – Take a note and move on. Be chipper and progressive and attentive. Someone on the team having a rough time of it and lashing out? Don’t write Mr or Mrs Grumpy Gills off as a jerk. You’re not privy to their home life, or how they might be struggling. Check in with him or her on a break. I’ve saved a lot of working relationships just by taking a moment to genuinely reach out. You’re all in this together, and if one person suffers…well you know how that could go down. You don’t have to be everyone’s best friend, but bringing in a positive attitude to the work room makes every single day easier and a hell of a lot more fun!
I hope some of that helps for your future. If you’re a pro at the Q & D, I’d love to read some of your experiences and tips in the comment section below!
xo Jennifer