I recently finished a show in my community theatre and have been feeling the post-show-depression really bad. My dad asked me the other day why it was such a big deal - "You're going to see those people again, and you have auditions for your next show in less than a month."

Now that we are towards the conclusion of the audition season for Musical Theatre and Acting BFA programs, I know that everyone involved may be a little stressed out. However, it's never to early to turn attention to the Juniors who are preparing for this process next year. As an audition coach, let me offer some observations to both students auditioning and faculty members who are adjudicating auditions next year. Hopefully, my observations will make the process a little less stressful.

The unknown can be daunting, but it can also be fantastically fun and thrilling. Let's be honest: improv is certainly a risky endeavor – especially for the introverts out there. It not only involves a wide-eyed expectant audience anticipating a funny scene; it involves no rehearsal, little time to think, and ultimately a whole lot of unpredictable.

A few months ago, I was working on the set building crew, fussing over a detail when someone came up to me and said, “It’s good enough; it’s just community theatre; it doesn’t matter.”

I wanted to scream in frustration and throttle the individual, but I liked him so I said with a calm that belied my feelings, “Of course it matters. Just because it’s community theatre doesn’t mean I should do less than my best.” He grumbled an “I suppose you’re right” and thankfully left me alone to my fussing. 

Dearest Theatre Lovely,

Hello. Everything is gonna be okay.

We all know how hard it is to make a living with theatre. You might be having a hard time today coping with that. If not you’ve probably had at least one moment in the past where you’ve wondered if you’re cut out for life in theatre. Maybe you work backstage or onstage. Either way, things are gonna be fine. 

I’ve been living in New York City for about a year and a half now, as of this article. Since moving here soon after college, I’ve had the chance to have my own plays produced in various festivals, as well as the chance to go see plenty of shows on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and loads of indie productions throughout the city. Yet it hasn’t always felt easy, and when you get here, you realize that it’s not always as glamorous of a life, as it might sound.

It’s the end of winter. You can’t think of anything more satisfying than sitting at home in your pajamas with the fire on and a steaming mug of chocolate in hand. But...you’ve got a rehearsal. You dread leaving the house and braving the storm, de-icing the car and attempting to carry all of your props and costumes without risking injury. Then you arrive at the venue, begin your craft and forget all about the world outside. 

I am the type of actor who brings everything they could possibly need during the run of a show all on that first day. My dance bag is overflowing with extra tights, therabands, clear nail polish, baby powder, everything I need and possibly things I don’t need. But my philosophy has always been: “I’d rather have it than need it.”

But not all actors are like me. If they were, the dressing rooms would be too cluttered to function and no work would get done. As long as one cast member or a group of people provide for their dressing room, things generally turn out just fine. 

So for those of you getting ready to “move-in”, here are 5 Dressing Room Essentials you’ll be glad you brought.

A couple weeks ago I ended my run in Mary Poppins. It was my bucket list show and a bucket list role; y’all, I was a tap-dancing chimney sweep! Sold out shows, adoring family and friends coming to watch, and I only dropped a line once. Pretty good run.

So it stands to reason the post-show blues would hit and hit hard. Here’s how I decided to combat them.

From my ten years of hindsight, and not quite ten years of toiling in the difficult world of professional theatre, all the wisdom I am fit to impart on my younger counterparts this week is: Enjoy it.