Checking the Callboard: Balancing School and a Show
Checking the Callboard is where I give advice on theatre-related things! Iâve dealt with a lot of unique challenges over the years, and I want to help others avoid some of that stress. This week, Iâll be helping student artists by listing some of the ways to help manage school work while being part of a production. While this article does lean a bit towards actors, there are helpful tips for student designers as well.
Document everything you have to do
Before rehearsals begin, write down important events you know about in advance. This could include your rehearsal/performance schedule, tests, and family events. By organizing it all, itâs easier to see when you can get ahead on work, and when youâre pressed for time. Youâre also less likely to forget homework for a class or a test that you have to study for.
Itâs the most stressed piece of advice given by directors and stage managers and for good reason. Without your full energy and focus, thereâs no way you can juggle two huge aspects of your life⌠at least not without breaking down. Please donât be like me. Eat full meals, drink plenty of water, take moments for yourself, and for the love of all things good in the world, SLEEP. (âŚI write at 1:30 a.m.)
If youâre bringing anything to rehearsal, make sure to pack it all up the night before and leave it by your school bag. This way, you wonât be running around your house looking for it all while youâre also trying to get ready for school. Itâs a small thing that will take care of so much extra stress.
Be honest about your schedule
No one likes admitting they have conflicts. But letting your stage manager know ahead of time allows them to prepare and schedule accordingly. This way, you miss out on less content and work doesnât have to stop. Now if youâre in an ensemble, and youâre missing a big choreography rehearsal, youâre going to be missing a lot of content. Which leads me to my next point:
Get to know the people around you
Youâre working with these people for at least the next few months! Getting to know your cast mates/designers is essential to the collaboration that goes into producing a show. And if you do miss a content-heavy day, you have someone to reach out to and get blocking or design notes from. And of course, always reach out to the stage manager if you have questions! They donât keep detailed notes for the hell of it. They want to help you.
Feel free to message me if there are other topics you want advice on!