Checklist for the Actor

Putting on a show is about lots of elements and people coming together into one (hopefully) brilliant whole.  It can be amazing to watch whether you have a big part in the process or not.

However, this is also a ridiculously stressful experience.

I double check if I packed something, or noticed the right rehearsal time, constantly.  In fact, I triple and quadruple check.  I went to rehearsal once when I knew full well it was canceled just because I was afraid that I might have gotten the wrong message and would miss it instead.

Eventually, there comes a time when you have to let go of those kinds of preoccupations and just let it all happen.

For me, the only time that I ever manage it is a show night, when I'm on stage and that second long "Oh crap, what's my line?" moment during the line before mine is over, and then performance is really on. 

Everything moment between that one and the day I auditioned has the potential to be terrifying, because no matter how many classes you've taken, or tips you've read, or shows you've done, there's only so prepared you can ever be.  

That said, I've made a checklist of things you should always have or be doing whether you're in the middle of a show or about to audition for one.

I have either done posts relating to these things, or will do them shortly.  I'll link them on this post.

The checklist is as follows.


1. Have a few audition monologues memorized.

I've done posts on monologues here and here. I personally have six memorized, and alternate between them.  It's important to remember that though the purpose of knowing the these monologues is to audition, keep practicing them even when you're doing a show.  Firstly, you don't want to forget all your good work, and secondly, you'll probably be learning more about acting from the show that you're in than you realize.  Put it to good use.    

2. Have a resume written up.

My post on resumes is here. 

3. Have a headshot.

My post on headshots is here.  This is a picture of you that you'll give the director with your resume at an audition. You may also need it during the show because some theaters will put actor's headshots on a board outside the theater for the audience to look at before the show, or possibly in the program.

4. Have a bio written up.

My post on bios is here.  The bio is the short description of you as an actor that will go on the program. Sometime during rehearsal, the stage manager or someone else will ask you to write one.  Having a stock bio that you can simply alter slightly as you do more shows is useful because in nearly every play I've done, someone gets in hot water with the stage manager for not having done their bio.  If yours is ready and you can send it off or hand it in with little fuss, it'll make life easier for everyone.    

5. Check your email frequently.

In fact, I recommend checking it everyday.  Whether you're currently in a show, or just waiting to hear back from someone you handed your resume to, it's important to keep in touch.  Remember to give valid contact information to the people involved in the show (the email you normally use, the phone you always check, or hopefully keep with you, etc.).  

6. When in a show, check the Callboard every day.

7. Look at your lines frequently.

Obviously, you'll be looking at your lines all the time while getting off book.  I mentioned tricks for that here.  However, what is less obvious but equally important is to continue looking at your book long after you've memorized your lines.  If you do this, you improve your chances of not learning your lines wrong, something I discussed here.  The more time you spend with a show, you'll begin to look at it differently, and those changes will be cemented when you actually consider the script in black and white.

8. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: be on time!

9. Be courteous to everyone.

This is always important, but particularly so the closer to opening you get.  You'll be working more closely with techs, and it's important to remember that they do as much work as you, if not more (probably more, guys).  Listen to the director and the other actors at all times. Handle your props and costumes with care, someone spent a lot of time on them.  If you have someone doing your hair or make-up, be friendly.  You aren't queen just because someone is helping you fix your clothes.  Don't ever think that you are.

10. Have fun.

If you love your work, and you love the play, everyone else will know it, too.