Perfect for people who do performing arts in schools, they should show this in schools or for people who really want to get into this industry. Also time for me to learn how to do that hair stuff now
Having been in orchestra in school/amateur musicals, the amount of time in rehearsals that gets wasted by actors forgetting/resetting/turning off their mics is infuriating
What do you do between shows on a two show day? Hang around the theater and order takeout? Surf the internet? Use the rehearsal room to work on audition material? Go home and comeback?
Eat, sleep, watch Netflix, knit, paint, get coffee, play pranks, make videos, shower, go shopping. Most of the time it's like an office worker on lunch. If someone goes off for the second show you might get some high pressure last minute rehearsals. Most cast don't earn enough to go home haha noone lives that close to central on ensemble wage.
Patti Lupone did some funny videos in her dressing room during the West End production of COMPANY between shows taking questions from fans. I would imagine a lot of performers stay at the theater and rest between shows since it is exhausting
Speaking from personal experience... though I have never done professional theater, I have done a lot of community theater. We don't normally do two shows a day. But every now and then, we have. I know I perform better if I am not hungry but also if I am not full. So I tend to have a light nibble before a show... a light nibble between shows if doing two in one day. And then, a big meal afterwards. Again, most performers I know are similar
I wasn't in west end shows by any stretch (I live in Australia), but when I used to do theatre I was still school-aged, so thought it might interest you to answer in that respect. Most of the time on two show days the younger members would stick together as a group just hanging out as regular kids do - chatting, joking, sometimes practising lines or songs etc. Sometimes we would leave to go and get a meal. In this case we would be accompanied by some of the older ones (usually the teens, but sometimes an adult crew member). The time between didn't usually warrant going home, particularly given that necessitated taking all the makeup off, the costume, redoing it all etc. It just wasn't worth it. One theatre I worked at most often had two little areas we used to hang around in - one was a little corner outside the stage door protected by trees from passersby. Another was a little grassy area around the back, between the theatre and the lake.
Eating and napping or just lying somewhere on your phone are pretty common. Might go out and get food and relax but general its a time to get your energy back before the evening show so nothing too intense. Onstage swings and understudies often use this time to brush up on their roles, especially for the first few weeks of a show/previews when cover calls haven't yet begun
loved this! also don’t forget about how most children in shows either cannot have social media full stop and are made to log out of their accounts, or are banned from posting anything about the show, even to just let people know that your in it and they should come and watch😂
I was an extra in Evita about 4 or 5 years ago. Literally No theatre experience. The wig department woman were the scariest people I have ever met!!!! Hadn't been prepped about the pincurls, or the wigs. By the end of the week run, I was the most prompt extra with really tight pin curls and never touched the wig, just so she would talk to me and I didn't won't to upset teacher.
As someone who mainly does technical theatre I can confirm that it is VERY IMPORTANT to hand your mics in, they are very delicate and often there can be things that are bumped loose during performances and they produce feedback or just stop working. This is especially common during panto where there's a lot of slapstick comedy and the actors do things like spraying water.
And as someone who has last performed with that kind of mic (albeit during my Performing Arts GCSE) 8 years ago, I can confirm that. I remember before we put the mics on, we’d each receive a sheet outlining anything and everything over the safe and responsible use of a mic.
When I used to be in theatre I actually really loved the warm ups for some shows. We had the same choreographer for a while who would run them, and they were quite fun. It worked well to get you warmed up not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. As she mentioned, I was not a big dancer, but it was still important for us.
I always found them fun. Additionally it’s a good bonding time and if I am feeling tired I get a boost off the energy from the rest. Especially if you company is has a true ensemble mentality
@@Mxyzptlksac I absolutely agree about it being a great way to build camaraderie, and it freshens and energises you when you're tired and need that injection of pep for the performance Ah I miss it so much
Can you tell us all about digs and where people stay /how they set that up. What happens at the end of a show? Do you stay friends with people you do shows with? Do you normally know anyone when you start a new show? How long so you get to rehearse and learn your lines? Do people get sacked for making one mistake? What actually happens when you get a job? Xx
The own make up thing was a challenge for me when I did theatre lol. I sucked at it (I was still in school at the time, so outside of shows and dress rehearsals I didn't wear makeup). I always had to arrive extra early in order to have enough time to get it done right. When I was really young some of the older cast members would actually help me, which was really sweet.
Something to add also- a HUGE part of not wearing mics when leaving, as you rightly said are so the sound techs can test them. It also, though, leaves the ability of the stage hearing everything you're all talking about outside/ if you're going to the bathroom/ any talking to your co-workers about mishaps on your costume etc. Honestly it's practically illegal to keep your mic on during times like these and for undergrads/ those who are studying acting- once you're in the wings, genuinely you need to shut up. It's not even a "talk quietly" because if a techie accidentally presses your mic, no matter what you say, you're not going to hear it but they will :)
Interesting stuff. As an amdram performer, very similar rules apply to us however they are slightly more "lax" on the warm-ups in some companies (depending who's in charge or what type of show it is). Some are more strict on it than others but as its not a paid job, they can't really do much to those who don't attend, though in my experience most people do attend these. I don't think the "by the half" is a thing I've heard before but makes total sense and I'd say 90% of the cast do show up by 6:55 at latest (I always do, I can't imagine how stressful it would feel rushing into costume and makeup that fast with no time to relax and take a moment by arriving only 10 minutes before beginners call, and one friend of mine used to do this constantly and it really irked me). Though interestingly I have done 3 shows where I did not go on stage until Act 2 at all (very rare) so for those i was a little more relaxed but still made sure I was in the building way before starting as I heard it was bad luck otherwise. I did have to wear a mic outside the building once in a show but that was simply because there was no other option, middle of the show, in act 2, to exit through the audience, out the building and re-enter through the stage door for a change as there was no other way to get to where we were directed to go. However I returned right away, its not like I could leave to go to the pub with my mic still on haha
Really small things but had to comment, the picture of the theatre you put as the backdrop at the end, was the theatre royal in Brighton! It’s a really special place for me as I was in my first production there 😊 Thanks for the video :)
that people would think you'd be allowed to take mics out of the building surprises me! i was head of wardrobe for a musical at university and mics were taken SO seriously. i believe they were rented and the society would have to cover the bill if they got damaged. the only people allowed to touch the mics or the mic packs were me and the stage manager, and we had to change them a lot depending on who was on as we didn't have enough for everyone to have one all the time. the actors weren't even allowed to touch them beyond having them on their bodies.
It'd be nice to tell aspiring performers the importance of the tech and stage management team and to not take them for granted and also respecting them.
I’m a nervous Nelly & one of the things I had to learn is that your mic will be ready “when” the techs get to it, and not before. On 2 show days, I’d get back early & want to get my mic ASAP so I could get dressed. That’s not how things work. Being respectful of the tech’s time and their schedule is super important. Yes, I’m the one on stage but techs are why the audience can hear me. Respect your techs, people!
What is the procedure if someone has to take over your part because you weren't in the theatre by 6:55? I believe on Broadway understudies have to be within a certain radius of the theatre if they aren't in the theatre itself
There is usually a stand-by in theatres due to be there at the same times as everybody else. They are backstage the whole show in case an actor is unable to perform and a role needs to be filled. Often, the stand-by will have one or two nights a week scheduled to take the role regardless, and the main actor will stand-by.
me: oh no i don’t know how to do my hair how will i ever survive doing what i love??? also me: sat here with a buzzcut that i don’t plan on growing out
When does the warm up happen? If you have to be there by 6:55, that doesn't leave much time for warmup since the audience would be entering the theater.
Okay I usually work as a stage manager. If a show starts at 7pm, you have to be back stage in costume ready to get on stage at 6:55pm, but the time you have to be at the theatre is more likely to be around 4 or 5pm for warmup if not earlier.
The rule that you don't go on if you get there later than the 30 min call applies to everyone. The knock on effect on all the other departments is too big and they need that time to set new costumes and wigs etc. So if you don't come on till halfway through the show you will have to be there in the building regardless, to ensure nobody stresses. But you probably won't get into costume untill your entrance.
I do amateur drama as a hobby. A couple of times I've had parts late in the second act, but I've always been there for curtain up simply because a) Parking near my show venue is really bad and b) Just to avoid anybody worrying where I am
reptongeek me too - I had a role where I didn’t come on until the final half hour or so of the show. Had to be there for warm-up every night! There’s just too much for the stage manager to worry about after curtain for that to include whether all their actors are in the building or not. I spent a lot of time getting my lipstick right every night!
I’ve seen loads of ppl out on matinee days with their mike still on their forehead (when using their real hair). I assume they leave the pack behind though!
Could you please help me with getting a musical theatre qualification please? Could you please do a tutorial on the audition process and one on getting a casting agent (I've tried many times but always the same result which is nothing, no agent!?! They say I would need a portfolio, or to join a drama school 9 I joined a musical theatre hoping they would help but all I got was part of a group with people with learning disabilities which I have but I prefer to be treated as someone without learning disabilities. Could you please help?
Does West End only use pincurls? In the theater I work at we get our hair braided and pincurls are only used if your hair is too short to be braided without hairs flying out😅
This was great! Totally unsolicited opinion - feel like adding in a number in the title of how many rules you’re telling could get even more clicks. We’re all so trained to click those, and this deserves more views...
I've been in lots of amateur shows where were' working in the day and then singing and dancing in the evening - any vocal tips? Plus do you go out after shows at the weekend and have fun and have a few drinks.. xx
You have to find ways to entertain yourself. Sometimes there will be understudy rehearsals. But most of the time you see the sights, find the best coffee shops and bum around town. It can be boring so good to have hobbies. We've gone boating, crystal maze, pottery classes, dance classes, museums, cinema, theatre (as larger cities have more than one), had cast BBQs and pool parties. Sometimes we race back to London for auditions (but you have to be back for the show)
Are you taking the microphones of or just the packs? And i would say another reason for not wearing the packs outside the theatre would be radio interference to other shows
@@tomfitch7372 Especially with West End theatres being so close together - I heard about one new venue that had a visit from the sound department at the very well established show next door who weren't too happy with interference that was coming through on the opening night of the new place.
Perfect for people who do performing arts in schools, they should show this in schools or for people who really want to get into this industry. Also time for me to learn how to do that hair stuff now
Having been in orchestra in school/amateur musicals, the amount of time in rehearsals that gets wasted by actors forgetting/resetting/turning off their mics is infuriating
I wanna get into matilda
What do you do between shows on a two show day? Hang around the theater and order takeout? Surf the internet? Use the rehearsal room to work on audition material? Go home and comeback?
Eat, sleep, watch Netflix, knit, paint, get coffee, play pranks, make videos, shower, go shopping. Most of the time it's like an office worker on lunch.
If someone goes off for the second show you might get some high pressure last minute rehearsals.
Most cast don't earn enough to go home haha noone lives that close to central on ensemble wage.
Patti Lupone did some funny videos in her dressing room during the West End production of COMPANY between shows taking questions from fans. I would imagine a lot of performers stay at the theater and rest between shows since it is exhausting
Speaking from personal experience... though I have never done professional theater, I have done a lot of community theater. We don't normally do two shows a day. But every now and then, we have. I know I perform better if I am not hungry but also if I am not full. So I tend to have a light nibble before a show... a light nibble between shows if doing two in one day. And then, a big meal afterwards. Again, most performers I know are similar
I wasn't in west end shows by any stretch (I live in Australia), but when I used to do theatre I was still school-aged, so thought it might interest you to answer in that respect. Most of the time on two show days the younger members would stick together as a group just hanging out as regular kids do - chatting, joking, sometimes practising lines or songs etc. Sometimes we would leave to go and get a meal. In this case we would be accompanied by some of the older ones (usually the teens, but sometimes an adult crew member). The time between didn't usually warrant going home, particularly given that necessitated taking all the makeup off, the costume, redoing it all etc. It just wasn't worth it. One theatre I worked at most often had two little areas we used to hang around in - one was a little corner outside the stage door protected by trees from passersby. Another was a little grassy area around the back, between the theatre and the lake.
Eating and napping or just lying somewhere on your phone are pretty common. Might go out and get food and relax but general its a time to get your energy back before the evening show so nothing too intense. Onstage swings and understudies often use this time to brush up on their roles, especially for the first few weeks of a show/previews when cover calls haven't yet begun
I love hearing about behind the scenes in acting so much
Don’t forgot about tipping your dresser I’m not sure if this is “required” but I’ve seen many people do it before . :)
loved this! also don’t forget about how most children in shows either cannot have social media full stop and are made to log out of their accounts, or are banned from posting anything about the show, even to just let people know that your in it and they should come and watch😂
To be fair, a breach of this rule would go against safeguarding.
I was an extra in Evita about 4 or 5 years ago. Literally No theatre experience. The wig department woman were the scariest people I have ever met!!!! Hadn't been prepped about the pincurls, or the wigs. By the end of the week run, I was the most prompt extra with really tight pin curls and never touched the wig, just so she would talk to me and I didn't won't to upset teacher.
As someone who mainly does technical theatre I can confirm that it is VERY IMPORTANT to hand your mics in, they are very delicate and often there can be things that are bumped loose during performances and they produce feedback or just stop working. This is especially common during panto where there's a lot of slapstick comedy and the actors do things like spraying water.
And as someone who has last performed with that kind of mic (albeit during my Performing Arts GCSE) 8 years ago, I can confirm that. I remember before we put the mics on, we’d each receive a sheet outlining anything and everything over the safe and responsible use of a mic.
When I used to be in theatre I actually really loved the warm ups for some shows. We had the same choreographer for a while who would run them, and they were quite fun. It worked well to get you warmed up not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. As she mentioned, I was not a big dancer, but it was still important for us.
I always found them fun. Additionally it’s a good bonding time and if I am feeling tired I get a boost off the energy from the rest. Especially if you company is has a true ensemble mentality
@@Mxyzptlksac I absolutely agree about it being a great way to build camaraderie, and it freshens and energises you when you're tired and need that injection of pep for the performance
Ah I miss it so much
Can you tell us all about digs and where people stay /how they set that up. What happens at the end of a show? Do you stay friends with people you do shows with? Do you normally know anyone when you start a new show? How long so you get to rehearse and learn your lines? Do people get sacked for making one mistake?
What actually happens when you get a job?
Xx
I performed on stage in Peterborough a few years ago and we were told that if we weren't at the warm up then we would be thrown out of the performance
The cresset?
No. The Broadway (Now New Theatre) Performed with the Male Voice Choir in support of Prostate cancer
The own make up thing was a challenge for me when I did theatre lol. I sucked at it (I was still in school at the time, so outside of shows and dress rehearsals I didn't wear makeup). I always had to arrive extra early in order to have enough time to get it done right. When I was really young some of the older cast members would actually help me, which was really sweet.
Something to add also- a HUGE part of not wearing mics when leaving, as you rightly said are so the sound techs can test them. It also, though, leaves the ability of the stage hearing everything you're all talking about outside/ if you're going to the bathroom/ any talking to your co-workers about mishaps on your costume etc. Honestly it's practically illegal to keep your mic on during times like these and for undergrads/ those who are studying acting- once you're in the wings, genuinely you need to shut up. It's not even a "talk quietly" because if a techie accidentally presses your mic, no matter what you say, you're not going to hear it but they will :)
please do a pin curl tutorial! x
it's my dream to perform on big stages, and this was really helpful! thank you!
You're so welcome! xxx
I’d love a pin curl tutorial!
Interesting stuff. As an amdram performer, very similar rules apply to us however they are slightly more "lax" on the warm-ups in some companies (depending who's in charge or what type of show it is). Some are more strict on it than others but as its not a paid job, they can't really do much to those who don't attend, though in my experience most people do attend these. I don't think the "by the half" is a thing I've heard before but makes total sense and I'd say 90% of the cast do show up by 6:55 at latest (I always do, I can't imagine how stressful it would feel rushing into costume and makeup that fast with no time to relax and take a moment by arriving only 10 minutes before beginners call, and one friend of mine used to do this constantly and it really irked me). Though interestingly I have done 3 shows where I did not go on stage until Act 2 at all (very rare) so for those i was a little more relaxed but still made sure I was in the building way before starting as I heard it was bad luck otherwise. I did have to wear a mic outside the building once in a show but that was simply because there was no other option, middle of the show, in act 2, to exit through the audience, out the building and re-enter through the stage door for a change as there was no other way to get to where we were directed to go. However I returned right away, its not like I could leave to go to the pub with my mic still on haha
I love the pin curls, will use it, when using ombre wigs, as I don't want to dye my hair
Really small things but had to comment, the picture of the theatre you put as the backdrop at the end, was the theatre royal in Brighton! It’s a really special place for me as I was in my first production there 😊 Thanks for the video :)
that people would think you'd be allowed to take mics out of the building surprises me! i was head of wardrobe for a musical at university and mics were taken SO seriously. i believe they were rented and the society would have to cover the bill if they got damaged. the only people allowed to touch the mics or the mic packs were me and the stage manager, and we had to change them a lot depending on who was on as we didn't have enough for everyone to have one all the time. the actors weren't even allowed to touch them beyond having them on their bodies.
Love your videos!!!! Would absolutely adore a Pin curl tutorial vid so I can practise during lockdown and have something to do🤣💁🏼♀️💕
your way of talking is so similar to zoe sugg!!!
Omg so many people say this!! Maybe because we’re both from Wiltshire? 🙈
It'd be nice to tell aspiring performers the importance of the tech and stage management team and to not take them for granted and also respecting them.
I’m a nervous Nelly & one of the things I had to learn is that your mic will be ready “when” the techs get to it, and not before. On 2 show days, I’d get back early & want to get my mic ASAP so I could get dressed. That’s not how things work. Being respectful of the tech’s time and their schedule is super important. Yes, I’m the one on stage but techs are why the audience can hear me. Respect your techs, people!
Haha will never forget the time I saw an actor who opened the play turn up at the theatre at 7,20. Oddly the show still started on time.
Massive theatre nerd so loved this! Also loved showboat!! Xx
What is the procedure if someone has to take over your part because you weren't in the theatre by 6:55? I believe on Broadway understudies have to be within a certain radius of the theatre if they aren't in the theatre itself
There is usually a stand-by in theatres due to be there at the same times as everybody else. They are backstage the whole show in case an actor is unable to perform and a role needs to be filled. Often, the stand-by will have one or two nights a week scheduled to take the role regardless, and the main actor will stand-by.
me: oh no i don’t know how to do my hair how will i ever survive doing what i love???
also me: sat here with a buzzcut that i don’t plan on growing out
me too, i was genuinely worried and then remembered most of my head is shaved
I would definitely be interested in a pin curl tutorial :D
Just came across this and really enjoyed it, as someone who also works in town regularly this was great to see
When does the warm up happen? If you have to be there by 6:55, that doesn't leave much time for warmup since the audience would be entering the theater.
Okay I usually work as a stage manager. If a show starts at 7pm, you have to be back stage in costume ready to get on stage at 6:55pm, but the time you have to be at the theatre is more likely to be around 4 or 5pm for warmup if not earlier.
Pretty much standard theatre stuff anywhere you go.
Do the rules for when you need to be in the theatre still apply if your role only appears in the show later? Like adult simba and adult nala
The rule that you don't go on if you get there later than the 30 min call applies to everyone. The knock on effect on all the other departments is too big and they need that time to set new costumes and wigs etc. So if you don't come on till halfway through the show you will have to be there in the building regardless, to ensure nobody stresses. But you probably won't get into costume untill your entrance.
I do amateur drama as a hobby. A couple of times I've had parts late in the second act, but I've always been there for curtain up simply because a) Parking near my show venue is really bad and b) Just to avoid anybody worrying where I am
reptongeek me too - I had a role where I didn’t come on until the final half hour or so of the show. Had to be there for warm-up every night! There’s just too much for the stage manager to worry about after curtain for that to include whether all their actors are in the building or not. I spent a lot of time getting my lipstick right every night!
Loved this. It was really interesting. Can u do another one like this?
Do you or anyone you know have advice for doing pin curls with thicker/longer hair? I second all the comments asking for a pin curl tutorial! x
Tight double braids is what I've seen used and done for myself for cosplay For context I have very thick and long hair; longest being 4ft
I’ve seen loads of ppl out on matinee days with their mike still on their forehead (when using their real hair). I assume they leave the pack behind though!
This was so interesting!! 💕
Could you please help me with getting a musical theatre qualification please?
Could you please do a tutorial on the audition process and one on getting a casting agent (I've tried many times but always the same result which is nothing, no agent!?! They say I would need a portfolio, or to join a drama school 9 I joined a musical theatre hoping they would help but all I got was part of a group with people with learning disabilities which I have but I prefer to be treated as someone without learning disabilities. Could you please help?
Does West End only use pincurls? In the theater I work at we get our hair braided and pincurls are only used if your hair is too short to be braided without hairs flying out😅
I'm first. Wishing you a Happy New Year. We're missing musicals so much. Hoping you are keeping well
Is that theatre on the green screen at the start the hammersmith apollo?
This was great! Totally unsolicited opinion - feel like adding in a number in the title of how many rules you’re telling could get even more clicks. We’re all so trained to click those, and this deserves more views...
I've been in lots of amateur shows where were' working in the day and then singing and dancing in the evening - any vocal tips? Plus do you go out after shows at the weekend and have fun and have a few drinks.. xx
When you only have an evening show? What do you do during the day? Especially when on like Tours as you’re not even at home
You have to find ways to entertain yourself.
Sometimes there will be understudy rehearsals. But most of the time you see the sights, find the best coffee shops and bum around town. It can be boring so good to have hobbies. We've gone boating, crystal maze, pottery classes, dance classes, museums, cinema, theatre (as larger cities have more than one), had cast BBQs and pool parties.
Sometimes we race back to London for auditions (but you have to be back for the show)
That’s like asking what people who have office jobs do on weekends lol pretty much anything
This was fascinating!
I'm curious in how do you find the auditions as a beginner?
This was so helpful 🥰🥰
Would like to perform here, someday, in dreams, haha!
Are you taking the microphones of or just the packs?
And i would say another reason for not wearing the packs outside the theatre would be radio interference to other shows
There is an agreement between nearby shows in town that all mics are on different channels to avoid exactly this.
@@tomfitch7372 Especially with West End theatres being so close together - I heard about one new venue that had a visit from the sound department at the very well established show next door who weren't too happy with interference that was coming through on the opening night of the new place.
I didn’t know most of these, but as a performer, the ones I didn’t know, just seem like basic sense.
Hey Georgie!! where did you train? ❤️❤️
can you do a video if there any rules to do with the fans
Absolutely! x
Thank youuuuu!!
pin curl tutorial plz
Carrie Hope Fletcher has spoken about the rules of theatre in various videos but it was still very interesting x
My dad used to make wigs and he was one of the best in our area
He doesnt do it now
Hey I just found this I am a new fan ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi!!! So happy to have you here 🤗
@@GeorgieAshford thank you so much 😎😊❤️
Hi Georgie nice insight but Queens theatre has changed its name now
i’m sure she knows that 😂 she was probably talking about when she was at queens
Facks?
Oh wow you talk SO fast -it’s hard to keep up when English is not your first language 😅😂
Do you have to buy your own makeup?
I’m