Here are some helpful tips and hints to look, feel, and
perform your best on opening night.
- Get a full night's rest the night before. Don't stay up
late studying lines or trying to master a song. SLEEP
- Don't fill your entire day with activities leading up to
cast call. If you can help it, plan a day off where you lounge. Iron your
costume, take a hot bath, give yourself a facial, watch a movie, eat light and
healthy meals, and drink lots of water.
- No coffee, milkshakes, and other drinks that aren't good
for singers. Milk products gum up the vocal chords and caffeine gets you going
for a while but by cast call you may be in crash mode. WATER
- Begin your warm up 1 hour before cast call. Start your
scales and stretches but don't sing your songs or be reciting lines YET.
- At 1/2 hour to cast call begin to center yourself. FOCUS
your attention on the story you're about to act out. Start getting into
character. Say things and move the way that your character would .
- Just before you leave for the theater, check to make sure
you have everything you need for show time. Here is a list that is typical of
the actor's bag.
- a tote bag
- water bottle
- script
- lip balm
- baby wipes
- a few hair bands and bobby pins (unless your theater
company provides)
- Tylenol
- Deodorant
- Gum
- a notepad and pencil (passing notes comes in handy when you
have to be quiet)
- For children, a quiet activity such as coloring books,
playing cards, or a game boy with headphones.
Some things you need to remember on the last day of show.
- If you've purchased pictures, donated props, or shared
makeup; make sure you take these things home with you.
- Make sure you know when the cast party is and sign the sheet that tells
the theater company you are coming. Also check where it is so that you know
how to get there.
- If volunteers are asked for to strike the set try to put in at least 15
minutes of pick up. Remember that the team is likely to stay at least 4 more
hours after everyone else goes home to clean, vacuum, mop, and move heavy sets
into trucks. 15 minutes of 50 people will help them tremendously!
- Don't leave flower bouquets, scripts, or YOUR TOTE BAG behind.
- Give the directors a hug before your go :)