Building A Good Reputation In Community Theater

Are you new to the world of community theater? Here are some tips to help you become the actor everyone loves to work with. All these lessons I have learned myself through making mistakes or watching someone else do so. So, from one newbie to another:

Arrive Early.

I have my own struggles with this rule—I always seem to be 3-5 minutes late for everything! If that’s what happens to you, leave half an hour early. If you're going to be late, text the designated manager/director and give them a reason and an ETA. Shoot to get there 15-20 minutes early, then you have time to go back for your script, car keys, charger, water bottle, etc. Speaking of….

Bring A Water Bottle.

This is just a good practice. You don’t have to get up and leave if you’re thirsty, and miss out on instruction or disturb those trying to focus. Eleven million points to Gyffindor if it’s eco-friendly!

No Open Containers.

A personal rule of mine. That includes the little straw-tumblers. If you can’t seal it so that if you knock it over nothing will leak, it has no place in the theater.

No Smelly, Sticky, or Super-Crumbly Foods—and No Meal Deliveries During Rehearsal!

Let’s be honest, most rehearsal rooms already smell when you get them full of people. Nobody needs to smell your tuna casserole or salami sandwich on top of it. As far as crumbly or sticky—your script will get crumbly and sticky too, possibly also your neighbors’ articles. Hard pass on those!

Meal deliveries during rehearsals are a no-no. The delivery person walks in, halts proceedings to find the right person and get paid, and the smell is incredibly distracting for those who haven’t eaten yet. Unless you want to trigger a hangry and overtired director, don’t do that! Exceptions to the rule are: 

• If you have cleared it with those in power first
• If you’ve ordered enough for everybody in the room
• If the delivery is guaranteed to happen WELL before the rehearsal or circle-up is slated to begin. (as in, 30 minutes before, so you have eaten and tidied up so you’re ready to work)

If you’re starving, try adjusting meal times, bringing a sack dinner (nothing smelly!), or having a family member or friend bring you something inconspicuously.

Keep Quiet and Keep Out of the Way.

Speak when you’re spoken too, be polite, but avoid even whispering during rehearsal. You can learn just from watching more experienced actors, and paying attention to notes the director gives. Don’t ask questions specific to your performance during the time for group questions (you can try to snag the director after rehearsal).

Even if you have a great idea for how a problem could be solved, don’t mention it unless someone asks. Your turn will come in a few seasons, but when you’re new, your sole function is to learn and get yourself on the radar as easy to work with (that counts more than talent in a lot of areas). And above all—never give unsolicited advice! Never ever ever. Reactions can range from casual acceptance to “who is this person and why are they telling me what to do?” to "well screw YOU buddy!".

Pay Attention.

When you’re in the theater, the directors and stage managers are the head honchos. Treat them respectfully. They have limited time, so listen carefully and follow through so they don’t have to repeat themselves in a few days. Stop what you’re doing, and look at them when they’re talking. When they look in your direction, make eye contact. If they see they have your eyes, then they know they have your ears.

No Arguing or Backtalk.

Don’t disagree with the director. It’s their show, they’re the boss. They might end up changing it five times, but they for sure won’t want to work with you again if you don’t let them direct you!

If the costumer gives you something ugly to wear, smile, say “you’re the boss”, and wear it happily. Their name gets put in the program—trust their vision. Especially in small theaters, you’ll probably be working with them in future shows, and you’ll want to nurture a good relationship.

Show Your Appreciation.

DON’T SUCK UP (suck ups are annoying) but be genuinely thankful. Those middle-aged men spending their week-nights after their day job putting together a set? Poke your head in on the way to rehearsal and say “Wow that looks great! Thanks so much!” The costume lady? Offer to get her a soda and tell her how much you appreciate her working in the stinkiest room in the theater. Say please and thank you to your hair and makeup people every night. Learn people's names and call them by name when you talk to them. Offer to help if you have spare time. You’ll learn about a new aspect of theater, and your name will be in circulation as somebody easy to work with and willing to help. 

Learn From Your Castmates.

I’ve learned so much just from asking my castmates “so what’s the background of your character?” and watching how they behave. It’s how I learned to respond to “[blah blah blah] happening in 15 minutes!” (you call back “fifteenthankyoufifteen!!”) Don’t assume experience based on the order of the cast list. In the most recent show I did, our very talented leading lady hadn’t been on stage in 20 years, and MTG veterans had small parts by choice. Stay humble and you’ll learn a lot.

Pick Up After Yourself!

Even if your mom is in the cast, I guarantee she doesn't want to clean up after you. Food wrappers/bottles attract vermin, and leftover makeup applicators are in the "used bandaid" category of gross. Pick up trash, brush off crumbs and wipe stickiness or makeup off of areas so it doesn't come off on someone else. Always put all of your clothes/supplies away, every night. You don't want something getting lost or damaged due to your carelessness.

Don’t worry if you make mistakes. I’ve seen seasoned actors get shushed by the director or called out for leaving their costumes in a heap at the end of the night. Just do your best, learn from mistakes, and you’ll be fine.

Edit: If You Have A Problem With Someone
I've never had this happen to me personally, but I hear it's not uncommon. Nobody likes a diva. So #1 rule is, obviously, don't be a diva! But what if you run up against a tyrannical director, a diva lead, a mean-girl member of the chorus? Ignore them. Be nice. Be polite. Have patience. NEVER gossip or vent to anybody in the cast or crew--that will be more damaging to your reputation than healing for your psyche. Good luck!