A Guide to Rehearsals

Created by Michelle Endersbee and Amelia Tuttleby, 2014

Check your rehearsal schedule EVERY DAY. Not sure you have rehearsal? Check your schedule. Not sure where it is? Check your schedule. 80% sure you don’t have a rehearsal today? Check your schedule.
Still not sure about a rehearsal? Contact the SM. They would rather hear from you and know that you are thinking about rehearsals than hear nothing from you and have you not turn up at the designated time. They are your friend and are here to help you.
Make sure you have the latest information. Rehearsal schedules can change all the time, as can locations, times, costumes or blocking. Not sure what the latest version is? Contact the SM.
Check emails, Facebook and your phone regularly. More often than not there are many people to contact when sending out information - you could be contacted by any of these ways. If you get contacted by a lot of people in a short amount of time, that means it’s something very urgent, so stay connected.
Arrive to rehearsals on time. Arriving late and causing everyone to wait for you, or disrupting the rehearsal as you walk in is never ok. Rehearsals are scheduled at a specific time for a reason, and are planned in advance, so always do your best to not be late. If you’re running late let your SM know as soon as you know so that rehearsals can adapt and still proceed.
Wear appropriate clothing. Pants or tights that you can move in should be your go-to rehearsal outfit. If you don’t know what you are doing at rehearsal - still wear comfortable, movable clothing. No one cares what you look like; don’t wear your best clothes that may get damaged by rolling on the floor.
“Commit to douchebaggery”(Damon Lockwood). Don’t be afraid to look like an idiot on the rehearsal room floor. You look more foolish if you become self-conscious. If you’re asked to jump up and down- you will be asked for a reason, and there is no point feeling foolish. May as well give it 100%!
Communicate. Communication is the main thing that can make or break a production - if you are running late, contact your SM. If you are confused by a line, ask your director. Have an injury, sickness or feeling very very stressed? Tell someone. You can’t be helped if no one knows you need help.
Be open. Everyone in the room is there for the same reason, trying to achieve the same thing. Support each other. Understand that everyone works differently, and that you are no better or worse, more important or less important than anyone else.
Be focused. It’s ok to have fun, but remember why you are there. Save the chatting and gossip for the breaks- always try to have only one voice speaking at a time.
Come prepared. Always bring your script and a pencil, water and a snack. There won’t always be spare scripts or stationary- and you may not get a big enough break to go shopping.
Honour your deadlines. If you must have scripts down by a certain date- have your script down. This also goes for character back ground work or extra research work.
Know your limitations. If you are stressing about the show, or not feeling well and struggling - that is ok. No one is perfect and we all have off days. This also applies to physical limitations - if you are afraid of heights, or can’t lift something - that is ok too. Speak up if you’re asked to do something that makes you feel unsure, uncomfortable or unsafe. Give your 100%. This also relates to #7 = communicate with others if you are having trouble.
HAVE FUN. Remember why we are here, and why we do what we do. Participate, and play. It’s a privilege to be involved - don’t waste the opportunity.