I'm sure no one's surprised that I am writing yet another theatre article. I've already touched on the struggles of being a theatre major, making concessions as an artist, and personal expectations of a director, but now it's time to discuss Hell Week.
For the past month and a half a majority of my life has been dedicated to musical rehearsals. I've been singing, dancing, and acting around 20-30 hours a week in preparation for our show. It's been rough, but we are just now getting to the worst part. The show opens in 6 days-- cue the beginning of Hell Week (aka Tech Week). Here are some suggestions on how to survive Hell Week.
1. Wake Up Early/Take A Morning Walk
Hell Week is extremely exhausting for everyone involved, so it will be tempting to stay in bed until you absolutely have to get up. However, rolling out of bed and heading to rehearsals half asleep will result in low energy levels. It will take longer to get the ball rolling and will lead to longer rehearsals. Taking a short walk will help wake you up as well as provide a breath of fresh air before you're locked in the theater for the rest of the day.
2. Dress In Layers/Bring A Blanket
You never know what temperature the theater is going to be at the start of the day. Typically it's freezing when you're backstage and blazing hot under the stage lights. You'll want to be comfortable when you have down time, so come prepared.
3. Bring Snacks And Water
Hell Week rehearsals are painstakingly long, so it's important to bring snacks to maintain your energy levels and hydration. Also, actors are dramatic enough already, so avoid becoming a hangry actor at all costs.
Note: Do not eat while in costume!
4. Bring Extra Work
This is especially important for cue-to-cue days. It is important to stay on top of your school work, so bring some extra reading with you for your down times. This will help reduce the amount of sleep you'll have to sacrifice at the end of the night.
5. Be Alert, Present, And Prepared
You MUST be aware as to what's happening on and off stage both for the sake of safety and for the sake of time. Things are always moving on, off, and backstage, and you must be aware of what's happening so you don't get hurt. Know your lines. Know your blocking. Know what props are yours and where they go. Know when you need to be on stage. Don't hold up the whole production because you weren't paying attention to what's happening.
6. Be Nice To Tech
I feel like this is extremely important, and it is often left unsaid. Sometimes it's hard to realize how much work and time the tech crew spends on a production because all of their work is done outside of rehearsals (until Hell Week). Actors have a tendency to get frustrated with tech and often aren't that kind about it. Just remember, without tech, no one would be able to see or hear any of the work that you (the actor) have put in up to this point. Be kind. Always.
7. Remain Positive
Hell Week is the time that everyone begins to hate each other, and everyone begins to feel a little hopeless. These are the first moments where all elements are being put together. It is going to be messy. Complaining will not make things run more smoothly, but being positive in those situations might.
8. Practice Healthy Behaviors
It is extremely important to maintain your health! The show opens in a week or less, which means that there is little to no time to recover from an injury or illness. Don't do anything stupid with your body. Drink plenty of water/tea. Refrain from questionable food choices. Get plenty of sleep!
9. Be Timely With Your Vices
I know that when I get stressed I like to drink. It's a bad habit, but many of us do it. This is not the time to get drunk or high. Rather than getting drunk because you're dreading Hell Week, get drunk to celebrate surviving Hell Week! Hell Week is bad enough without trying to deal with a hangover!
10. Seek Comfort In Friendships
When it's all said and done, your friends are what make going through Hell Week worth it. Seek comfort in each other, and remember why you chose to do this show in the first place.
Break a leg!
