It's the season for amateur theater productions! Schools are putting on their shows and summer theater programs are gearing up. While everyone enjoys a good play or musical, there are some things you just don't get unless you've been a theater kid yourself.
1. That "theater" smell...
Not entirely pleasant, not entirely unpleasant, it's a mixture of dust and sweat, hairspray and make-up, old clothes and that one kid who doesn't wear deodorant.
2. Long rehearsals
Wasn't the moon in a different phase when we started this rehearsal?
3. You hate this show.
Seriously. You've been staring at the same words for months now and you still can't remember them. You just want to shower and eat and sleep for a week. But you can't because guess whaaaaat....
4. Everything is horrible during tech week.
Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The same goes for tech week.
5. Stage makeup is the worst.
Sensitive skin and cheap makeup do not mix. Nor do guys and mascara.
6. Something always goes wrong.
It might be something huge, it might be a slight mishap. The point is that it always happens and stresses everyone out but you always find a way to work it out. Maybe you had to fire your band don't have an accompanist three days before the show or maybe there's a leak pouring water all over the motherboard for the lights and sound (as two completely random examples). But somehow it all gets dealt with.
7. Audiences are weird.
They don't laugh at the right lines and sometimes they laugh at lines that aren't funny. They applaud in weird places and sometimes they clap along to the music. (Why, audience, why?)
8. Opening night is incredible.
For all the quirks of audiences, there's nothing quite like performing live. Everything that was missing in practice falls into place. The energy is there and everyone is on point!
9. Actually, you love this show.
Everyone is amazing! The singing, the dancing, the lines! It's the best thing ever!
10. Every night the show is different.
Each night the actors are inspired in a slightly different way. Just when you think you couldn't be surprised and impressed again...
11. Your cast is like family.
You guys have spent so much time together you're basically related now.
12. The set crew are all saints.
Not only do they keep the show looking great and running smoothly, they put up with the actors as well.
13. Quick changes!
Change from casual clothes into a wedding dress in one minute flat? No problemo.
14. You know every line.
Except maybe your own...
15. Now it's over and you miss the show.
This has been your life for months. What... what do you do now?
16. Inside jokes that no one else will ever understand.
But no one else really needs to.
17. You form very special friendships.
Because the bond you form with people after months of rehearsals and performances is one that can never be broken.
