Show choir competitions: The best, longest and most joyful weekends of all. In my six, going on seven, years of going to show choir competitions, there have been things that I have learned and tricks that I picked up in order to survive an 18+ hour day.

Here are my tips and tricks for surviving a show choir weekend:

1. Adaptability

Change is bound to happen. Something is, 99.9% of the time, going to go wrong. You're going to run out of hairspray, forget your lipstick, lose your eyelash glue, etc. When something like this happens, rather than panicking (like I always do), stay calm, and improvise. There's always something that you can do. Someone has a backup.

2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

While still looking professional, comfortable clothes and shoes are the keys to surviving a show choir competition. Wear layers, in case you get cold and leggings for nap time.

3. When you find your PERFECT seat, do not move

Towards the end of the competition, there are so many people at the competition that seats are limited and everyone is after a great seat. Therefore, if you find the perfect seat, keep it. Don't lose it.

4. Nap when you can

Naps are great at all times, but show choir naps are the best, only second to Sunday afternoon naps. Once you find your perfect seat (see number 4), grab a blanket or jacket and take a nap. Even if it's just a 5-minute nap in between shows, it's the next best thing to coffee (drink that too).

5. HAVE FUN!!!!

Show choir competitions are the most memorable things about my high school career. The memories that I made to, at, and from show choir competitions are memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. Always enjoy the moment because one day, you'll be in my shoes, only dreaming of being on stage again.