The Daily Routine

After our final performance, I sat in front of the large mirror next to the actor who played Joseph as we scrubbed away at our faces, attempting to remove the heavy lines of Egyptian makeup around our eyes.

"You know, I get now why people want to do this for a living," he said to me. "Everyday you come in, do your show, and then go home."

I nodded in agreement. It's one of those things that's hard to explain to those who haven't experienced theatre the same way. There's something beautiful and awesome about the whole routine. Coming in with caffeine in hand, hanging out back stage, putting on make up and costumes, then for a few hours you're someone else and bringing the audience along with you for the journey. In many ways it's the same thing day in and day out. But in so many other ways, it's different every time. You never know what will happen that day.



Earlier that weekend one of the college students in our group had posted on Facebook how this was the first time since high school she had really been excited about theatre.

That one comment gave hope to our director. Reminding her of how no matter how stressed we all get, how frustrating everything can be... it's all worth it.

This has been my life lately. Going to rehearsal for one show where I take notes on blocking, help actors run lines and analyze their characters, and get a play ready.

Running to an audition and reading over your own lines and trying to think of new ways to spin the character the person before you hasn't yet. Then sitting at home waiting for the phone call to let you know if you got the role or not. And once you do and have the script in hand, flipping through the pages and marking all of your lines.

Wrapping up a musical , doing the best you can one last time, then enjoying the benefits and celebrating with your cast mates after. Standing around the table daydreaming and plotting future shows and what our dream musicals would be.

It's been a fun peek into what people who get to do this for a living and what their lives are like. Although I'm sure here in Southeast Missouri it's much more laid back than in the big cities. Especially since none of us are getting paid for it. At least not yet.

But still... it's been a fun last couple of weeks.

Blogtember prompt: Life Lately