1. Get the scary stuff out of the way
You have time, plenty of it. Although it may feel like there's so much to do and so little time, you're fine. So do some homework and take your time with it. Once it's done, if you're feeling a bit nervous, run the big dance number once in your backyard, or recite your monologue into a mirror. But don't overdo it. If you keep doing it again and again, you'll psych yourself out, and that's not good.
2. Take some time to relax
Choose a good soap, tie your hair up, and take a bubble bath while listening to your favorite songs. Once the water turns cold, wrap yourself in a fluffy robe and brew some tea (personally, I love mint medley with 2 Splenda packets and some honey) while you just relax and enjoy calm before the storm.
3. Prepare for the worst
It's time to get ready for everything and anything that could happen. Check your tights for any runs in them. Throw some sudafed and ibuprofen in your bag. Plug in the vaporizer or boil some water in a large pot. Take deep breaths and inhale the steam. Suck on a cough drop, it doesn't matter if you feel sick or not. Be ready for anything and everything to go wrong.
4. Get ready to leave
Before you leave, get some things out of the way. I always do my hair before I leave, just because of the lack of space in an average dressing room. Before I go I always slip on my tights and leotard, just to make things easier on myself. Slip on some spandex shorts and a t-shirt and you're ready to go.
5. Make your way to the theater
Go for it. Stop at Star
bucks. Make sure your drink has no dairy in it. Hold the whipped cream, and no lattes. Go for a tea or refresher. Go ahead and blast your show's songs from the stereo, and always make sure you're there before call time.
6. Makeup
Plug in your earbuds and try to stay calm while you do your makeup. Your first step should always be to moisturize your face. Personally, I use a CC cream instead of foundation. After you've done blush and any bronzer you'd like, remember to use setting powder to keep the makeup in place and stop your face from shining. Next, use some eyeliner on your lower lash line and mascara top and bottom. Use eyeshadow if appropriate for the show. Finally, on the lips, use more of a lipstick than a lip gloss, just to keep it more matte and less shiny under the lights.
7. Warm up
Step into the hallway and do whatever stretches work for you. Make sure you're as flexible as you need to be for whatever you need to do in the show. Don't forget to warm up your voice, too. If your music director doesn't lead warm ups or doesn't go high enough for you, download a piano app on your phone and do your own. Make sure you're as ready as you need to be to put on this show.
8. Zip up
Put on your costume. Make sure there are no rips or loose buttons. Make sure you are wearing it correctly and then make sure everything you need for the show is set. Put on your shoes and apply hairspray to the bottoms to avoid slipping onstage. Grab your mic and have someone help you with the tape.
9. Perform
Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening, and most of all, have fun no matter what happens.
10. After the show
Go out to eat with your cast and enjoy yourself. When you get home, take a nice long shower, wash your face and hair well, and get plenty of sleep. You get to sleep in as late as you need to. Get yourself ready for another fantastic show!
•do theatre, not drama•
-Sierra
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