There is this thing that happens when you join a theatre troupe, and sometimes it happens gradually, but sometimes it happens instantaneously. We become a family. We grow to love one another, to celebrate our triumphs, move past our woes, and stick together no matter what happens. Here are some of the ways this happens:
1) We compete against each other for roles, but still support one another.
This is a constant thing that happens with theatre kids. We get a little catty sometimes, but we always try to be happy and supportive for other people, even when they get the roles we want.
2) We accept each other for our differences.
Let’s be honest, theatre kids are weird and we always will be, but that is something that we celebrate on a consistent basis. We love each other because we are strange.
3) We develop weird rituals that no one really understands.
Everybody has those weird good luck rituals they do before doing something big, like a production. That’s okay. Strange rituals help to bring a company together, especially in college where people from all different majors come together.
4) Our cast parties sometimes end up like some kind of dance battle. Against each other.
Okay, yes this happens. Someone gets it in their head that they are really good at dancing and then another person gets the same idea and BAM! Instant dance off! I’ve seen this happen many times after the first successful show.
5) We tell each other our best-kept secrets.
Again, theatre kids are weird and we revel in that otherness. The secrets we share with one another are no exception.
6) We don’t let the bullies get to us. Well, usually.
A lot of people look down on actors and people who work in theatre because we are strange or they don’t like theatre or whatever. As a result, we get picked on sometimes, but we always have each other’s backs.
7) We give each other some really great advice.
Usually this is the case, but sometimes cast mates have a rough week or something bad happens to them where they don’t know how to handle the situation. My fellow actors have always been there to help pick up the pieces whenever I’m feeling down about something.
8) And finally, we stick together, no matter what.
After going through weeks of rehearsals, memorizing lines, constant scheduling, and the final production, cast mates and crew members always stick together and make each other look good on and off stage. This is the point where we are most like a family, because no one gets left behind and we always look out for one another.
