If you were in a musical, whether it was through school or a club or you were on Broadway, you know what it takes. And well, if you weren't, here are some things that you may find rather confusing and odd.
1. Time.
The simple two hour long music rehearsals quickly turn into the ten hour long blocking practices. Then hits tech week and show week, you basically live in the auditorium. Bye family, see you soon!
2. Make-up.
This is not your ordinary cover up with a little bit of eyeshadow from your Naked palette, it's much more. Try moisturizer, foundation (two shades darker so the lights don't flush you out) , blush, eye lashes, lip stick, eye shadow, more foundation; same goes for the boys!
3. Heat.
Slaving under hundreds of lights in the rafters and on stage get heated. Along with constantly singing, dancing and moving across the stage in a costume that may only leave your face open. ALWAYS remember your deodorant, please.
4. Jokes.
The ones that you can say to a fellow cast member an only they will understand. Then when other people ask what you were talking about you can't tell them; it's like a cult.
5. Friendship.
These are the kind that will last you the rest of your life. It's as simple as that.
6. Weight.
Not talking about body weight here, but that weight on your shoulders. The pressure to nail every note, every dance, every action.
7. Slang.
The stage crew has a specific lingo they use, and by the time it's showtime, everyone knows and is saying it. "Fade to black," "BLACKOUT," "If you can see the audience, they can see you," "Stop touching the curtains."
8. Pun-ny.
After hearing the songs over and over, whether you're in them or not, you know them. Then, well, pretty soon you're using the song lyrics in your everyday conversations. It's a great way to liven up a dull convo.
9. New.
Out with the old, in with the new! Every show is so different in it's own way, you will almost never have to portray similar characters. Even after months of being the same one, you won't get bored.
10. Bonds.
I'm not talking with friends, I'm talking with your character. After hours are critiquing their looks, voice and actions you basically become them until the show is over. Even then, you will never sing any of the songs from the show normal again.
