Misconceptions about the world of theatre
Feb 15, 2024 17:37:59 GMT
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Post by hannechalk on Feb 15, 2024 17:37:59 GMT
As per happysooz2 suggestion, what misconceptions about the theatre world are there, from people who do not work in that world?
Some I have seen:
'Cast, band and crew of touring productions are put up in hotels paid for by the production company.'
No, they get a digs allowance, and have to find their own digs.
Yes, even the big star. (although there might be some exceptions)
'Cast of touring productions turn up just before the show starts.'
No, there usually is a warm up etc about 90 minutes before the show.
'Cast, band and crew have loads of spare time - they only concentrate on the show they are in.'
No, they often have auditions for after their current contract ends, or if there is downtime between two legs of tours. Or they have (remote) rehearsals, need to learn scripts for next production, meet their agent, arrange allsorts for a production they put on themselves, admin, they might have family visiting etc etc.
'The best time to catch cast on a two show-day is between shows at stage door, because they have two hours rest. They don't mind if I ask stage door manager to call for them, they have plenty spare time.'
Cast etc usually nip out to get something to eat, get some actual rest, do a warm up, etc. This is their free time to concentrate on their wellbeing.
If they come out, have time for a chat, absolutely great, but don't hold them up if it is clear they are in a rush, or want to go inside.
'Stage door is part of the show - cast should always stop and have time for the fans.'
No, stage door is not part of the price of the ticket. People have public transport or a lift to catch. They might be tired or not well, and just want to get 'home'. If they have time, it's fantastic, but let them go if they try and move away.
'I'm going to ask someone of the cast to put in a good word for me, as shows are cast on recommendations of the current cast.'
99% of the time not true - you need to get an agent and audition like everyone else.
Some I have seen:
'Cast, band and crew of touring productions are put up in hotels paid for by the production company.'
No, they get a digs allowance, and have to find their own digs.
Yes, even the big star. (although there might be some exceptions)
'Cast of touring productions turn up just before the show starts.'
No, there usually is a warm up etc about 90 minutes before the show.
'Cast, band and crew have loads of spare time - they only concentrate on the show they are in.'
No, they often have auditions for after their current contract ends, or if there is downtime between two legs of tours. Or they have (remote) rehearsals, need to learn scripts for next production, meet their agent, arrange allsorts for a production they put on themselves, admin, they might have family visiting etc etc.
'The best time to catch cast on a two show-day is between shows at stage door, because they have two hours rest. They don't mind if I ask stage door manager to call for them, they have plenty spare time.'
Cast etc usually nip out to get something to eat, get some actual rest, do a warm up, etc. This is their free time to concentrate on their wellbeing.
If they come out, have time for a chat, absolutely great, but don't hold them up if it is clear they are in a rush, or want to go inside.
'Stage door is part of the show - cast should always stop and have time for the fans.'
No, stage door is not part of the price of the ticket. People have public transport or a lift to catch. They might be tired or not well, and just want to get 'home'. If they have time, it's fantastic, but let them go if they try and move away.
'I'm going to ask someone of the cast to put in a good word for me, as shows are cast on recommendations of the current cast.'
99% of the time not true - you need to get an agent and audition like everyone else.
