10 Things I've Learned From Tech Week

I don't know about ya'll, but for me its musical season. YES. That's right. Spring time is the season for my school to do its annual musical. Here's some helpful tips that I have learned from Tech Week or leading up to Tech Week. For those of you who have never heard of tech week- bless your heart. Tech week is the week of everything from sound, stage hands, full dress rehearsal, etc. These rehearsals tend to last hours on end and can sometimes be super stressful for everyone who has a part in the show on stage and off.

1. SLEEP
• There is a rumor that you don't get enough sleep during tech week...which is totally true, especially if you are a full time student or have a job on top of your work in the theatre. The key to staying healthy during tech week or any time during rehearsals and show week is REST. You will learn fast that you need to sleep whenever, or wherever you can, I often find myself sleeping on the couch in the prop room when I am not doing anything. 10 minutes of sleep can go a long way.
2. Speak Up
• If there is something wrong about anything, you need to speak up. Tell your stage manager, tell your director..somebody. If your costume is missing, if a prop is broken, if your microphone isn't working properly, or if its just something small like you had a bad day..TELL SOMEONE. Things usually get very tense and usually letting the leaders of the show know when the problem comes up, saves a lot of issues if you let it get worse.
3. Healthy Eating
• Its pretty simple..eat healthy. You don't want your stomach churning on stage because you ate taco bell. Eat healthy so your body is comfortable.
4. Steaming those chords!!!!
• STEAM. STEAM. STEAM. Steaming is serious business. Tech week can last for hours each day. My longest tech day during the week once lasted 14 hours. Your voice will get tired, whether you're in a musical or a play. STEAM.
5. Look out for each other
• Your cast and crew should be your family. If you see them having trouble, give them a hand. Keep in mind you are not the only one who is stressed.
6. School Work is still important
• You still need school. When you are not needed, take your school work and do it.
7. Do what you are told.
• I'm a trained stage manager and nothing is more upsetting than someone not doing what they are told. Doing what you are told helps your stage manager and other leaders' lives easier. Also, speaking from a principle role perspective, it keeps you from not getting yelled at.
8. Water. Drink it. A lot.
• This tip is a given, but it is still very important. One time I watched someone pass out during tech week from dehydration.
9. Be responsible
• Props, believe it or not, are breakable. So are microphones, costumes, and the set. Make sure you aren't doing something stupid that can cost you a good lecture from your stage manager/director. Also be responsible for your own belongings. And don't touch anyone else's.
10. HAVE FUN
• Though it may seem stressful and you feel like the world is just coming to an end because the week is never going to an end..have fun. Not many people have a talent like yours do be able to do what you are doing. Embrace the smell of the theatre. Love your cast and leaders. After tech week is done, the rest of your time with the production is almost finished and then, it is finished. Enjoy every minute, even when you think you are dying.