Hi! I'm a costumer who is about to go work on my first summer stock job. Is there any advice you have for first time stock workers?
Be prepared for crazy. stock shows are often quickly teched and put in rep. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Play as hard as you work. Sometimes the only way to deal with that kind of crazy is cut crazy loose. But know your limits. 2-3 months is a long time.
Figure out who’s a regular/there are all summer and who’s a guest person or new. The old guard are helpful in figuring out what’s what, but newbies can be a force of new ideas.
Learn to co-habitate. Most people end up with at least one roommate, so learning to live with people you work with is crucial. If you need to decompress alone after work, communicate that and find a way to do it: going for a walk, taking the long way home, taking a nap, whatever.
Get out on your days off. In a summer stock situation you’re around the same people all day every day. If you have the means and opportunity, go see what there is to see: national park, another town, the beach, whatever. Get out and clear your head. You’ll come back better.
Showmances happen. Let them. Remember the doughnut rule.
Hope this helps?
