Schools around the country have recently been cutting performing arts programs in favor of funding athletics or other activities that are geared more towards a child's future (even though there are plenty of people that go into theater professionally but they apparently don't matter). I, however, had the blessing and privilege of attending a high school that strongly emphasized performing arts. Upon entering high school, I quickly immersed myself in theater and music. With doing that, I found a passion and a family that I'll have for the rest of my days. However, it definitely took some time to learn the ropes of how things work. So, to everybody involved in drama, here's 8 things you need to know!
1. Drink Your Water!!!
Around my sophomore year, I had my first, somewhat major, role in my school's production of As You Like It. Because I'd be at rehearsals for hours on end, I often choose convenience over healthy choices, and survived off of coffee, granola, chips, and various other vending machine snacks. I was sick within a week of my unhealthy diet. Nobody is the pinnacle of health after those long rehearsal hours, but drinking water and eating real food will make all the difference.
2. Take Your Classes Seriously!
No director wants to get an email from a teacher saying that you're failing a class because you're always at rehearsal. Pulling late nights are often necessary, but doing homework during slower rehearsals is also a great alternative. Even better, you can form study groups within the cast and help each other out with classes.
3. Deadlines are Real!
I don't think I could possibly emphasize this enough. If you have a deadline for ANYTHING, whether it be a payment that's due, a form to hand in, or a date to remember your lines by, you better be ready for it. Especially during a rehearsal process, these dates come out of nowhere, and you'll find yourself cramming the night before.
4. Be Friends with Underclassmen.
Freshman year is terrifying as it is, and some of these kids are auditioning for shows without their friends. Coming from someone who sat alone for many months during lunch breaks, please make friends with the freshmen! These kids are the future of the drama department, it only takes a few seconds to invite a younger member to sit with you at lunch. Who knows, maybe you'll make some friends!
5. Enjoy it While it Lasts.
This one may possibly be the most important. Visiting my old school was the best and I'm happy that I did so, but it also showed me how much I missed it. I'm still finding it hard to believe that I can't perform with that group of people ever again. Enjoy every memory you make while in the theater, whether it's good or bad. All of them will eventually shape you into an all-around much better person.
6. Good Things Come to Those Who Work.
If you waltz into an audition, no matter how skilled you are, expecting a lead role, then it's your own fault if you don't get it. Any good director takes notice of those who work the hardest, even if you have a 'small' role. As my old director used to say, a show is only as strong as the weakest performer. By making good choices, working hard, and giving every performance your all, you'll be noticed, and remembered.
7. Don't Start Drama.
I don't care about how juicy the gossip is, or who said what. The theater is a safe place where many people go to escape the pressures of everyday life and channel their negativity into something good. Bringing unnecessary and petty drama ruins that safe space for others, and therefore makes the experience not enjoyable. Save the drama for the stage, and settle your petty issues elsewhere.
8. Be Nice to the Stage Crew!!
Without the crew, your show would cease to exist. Nothing is more disrespectful than giving the stage and lighting crew attitude, or not listening to the stage manager's instructions because they are deemed 'unimportant.' I've worked backstage before, and it's by no means easy. Just some simple respect goes a long way, and all crew members will greatly appreciate it.
