How to Close a Show
Although rehearsals coming to an end may seem bittersweet, soon comes the exciting part: putting all your hard work into action in the theatre! If this is your first time performing in a musical, you might be unsure of what to expect from your days in the theatre. Returning students might already know the process, but might not have considered some ways to make the experience the best it can be! This blog post covers the best way for both seasoned pros and new Innovators to prepare for their time in the theatre.
Prepare Ahead of Time
By now, you probably know what you need to bring to the theatre, but it’s important to pack early to ensure you have everything you need. The last thing you want is to forget even something simple like a sock! Here’s a helpful checklist to run through before any time you are scheduled to be in the theatre:
Costume pieces (labeled with your name)
Footwear
Hair and makeup touch-up items (should already be done at home!)
Track sheet, script, score
No-mess snacks
Water bottle
Deodorant (no perfumes or strong scents)
Learn Some New Theatre Lingo!
There are plenty of new faces running the show in the theatre, and plenty of new words people use that you might be unfamiliar with as well. We know, there are so many theatre terms you probably learned in rehearsals already; “upstage”, “blocking”, “cue”… Here are some of our favourite theatre-specific words you can use to sound like a real pro!
Strike - Remove something from the stage
Stagehand - Someone who helps to move props, sets, and other items on and off-stage. Usually wearing black clothing to blend in!
“Break a leg!” - The “theatre” way of saying “good luck!”
Blackout - Turning all theatre lights off
Front of house - The entrance to the theatre where tickets are checked
House - Where the audience sits to watch the show
Wing - The short curtains on the sides of the stage from which you enter
Preset - Ensuring things you need to access during the show (props, costumes) are in the right place before the show
Spike (tape) - A marking on the stage, usually made with fluorescent tape so that a set piece, prop, or actor can land in the same spot every time
Say Your Thank Yous
Although we always encourage kindness, sometimes a little extra appreciation can go a long way during a long show run. Be sure to thank and show your appreciation for members of the tech and production team while you’re in the theatre! You might also spot some familiar faces from rehearsals, so it’s always nice to share how they might have made your Innovative experience special. Taking five minutes to say something sweet to the people who have supported you throughout the rehearsal process (castmates, teachers, cast directors) and the production team who help make you look awesome on stage is always worth it. This always adds to your theatre experience!
Plan Something Special!
If you want to up the ante, you could also plan a memorable moment or small gift! We always encourage students to show appreciation for their cast directors and teachers with a card, a speech, or even some flowers but in the past, some casts have planned special surprises! These often have to do with specific inside jokes between cast members and their directors, and make for an even more memorable time in the theatre. Before planning something longer than a speech, be sure to contact an Innovative staff member to ensure that it is appropriate and feasible as some casts may have limited time in the theatre. With that being said, here are some memorable moments that casts in the past have come up with for you to get inspired!
That’s all for now! We hope that this post has helped you get even more excited about your time in the theatre, and helped prepare you to make the most of your tech and shows!
