DAYS OFF

6 days have passed since rehearsals for High School Musical at the Norris Center. Two different casts performing two different versions of a show with one solitary stage manager to keep it organized is tough, but step by step it will come together because of the "magic of live theatre."

I've always found it interesting that many non-union houses seems to enjoy working weeks without a single day off. Personally, I find that very odd, but we theatre folk stick it out because we love theater. Well, not really. When you get a gig, you work the schedule they present to you. So, I will find myself working the next 23 days without a day off because I have no choice. I do without complaint and this rant is not complaining. It's blogging.

When I direct a show, I always schedule at least one day off, which is a traditional six day week. Live theatre professionals work a six day week because we generally work only 6 hours a day in rehearsal. This does not include additional hours for preparation, paperwork, publicity, fittings, etc. . . . . I often find the one day off is perfect to allow ample time for laundry, yoga, TV, pay bills, and other assorted tasks necessary in having a life.

Working without a single day off, I feel is unhealthy. It allows stress to build and forces your mind to constantly work without end. Sometimes, the brain needs time to decompress and allow the subconcious to work. And believe me it does. Problems and issues drift away and innovations are allowed to florish. You are amazingly refreshed.

Having one day off also forces you to work more efficiently on the days you are rehearsing as a Director and Choreographer. If you are prepared for all rehearsals and always aware of the time, you will achieve you expected goals and meet the needs and won't have to schedule the extra rehearsals on that 7th day, that 14th day, etc. . .

ciao,
eugene