I’ve found that there is endless frustration in the theater business. Whether it’s a lack of organization, experience, time, money, or whatever… with every show produced at least one of these elements is missing and it can be stressful. However, when push comes to shove, and the show is up and running, how you handled yourself throughout the process really makes a difference, for you and everyone else. Here are a few thoughts I have about behaving in the theater biz, all gleaned from first hand experience.
I’ll start by saying that I’ve had the privilege of working on many shows in my career so far. Sometimes it’s a roller coaster ride of stress and misery, and sometimes it’s amazingly easy and fun. Cultivating good relationships with the people you’re working with is half the job, but it’s not always that easy. People have egos and attitudes, and when they get stressed it can be disastrous. I’ll be the first person to say that I have a temper and an ego, so getting worked up over stupid things during the process is too easy for me. At the end of the day though, it’s only a show, so being an asshole is never worth it. I’ve learned a few things from mistakes I’ve made and from people I’ve worked with, and I wanted to share my thoughts.
First thing: If you sign a contract, you are committed to making that show happen.
And if you call yourself an artist, you should be willing to do the work necessary to make it the best show it can be, whether you’re getting paid $100 or $100,000.
I’ve been guilty of it, and I’ve worked with plenty of people who are also guilty of it. The “it’s out of my pay grade” attitude is helpful to no one, and will crush a show faster than anything. Doing your job is part of your job. And going above and beyond your job will get you respect points and future work.
That being said…
Second thing: The easiest way to boost morale is to PAY PEOPLE WHAT THEY’RE WORTH. It’s the surest way to show that you respect their work.
I am a huge advocate of fair wages for artists. I’ve also worked on too many shows that didn’t pay nearly enough for the work I put in. It’s tricky, but asking for the right amount of money for your services shouldn’t be scary, and shouldn’t be a battle.
If you’re producing a show, you need to be prepared and willing to pay for it. If you don’t have enough money, don’t do the show yet. Low budget theater is a reality, but not or barely paying the people involved is a slap in the face. A properly paid artist will always be happier to do their job than an under paid artist. And having the funds ready to go, even if you don't use them, shows you have your shit together as a producer.
I am a huge advocate of fair wages for artists. I’ve also worked on too many shows that didn’t pay nearly enough for the work I put in. It’s tricky, but asking for the right amount of money for your services shouldn’t be scary, and shouldn’t be a battle.
If you’re producing a show, you need to be prepared and willing to pay for it. If you don’t have enough money, don’t do the show yet. Low budget theater is a reality, but not or barely paying the people involved is a slap in the face. A properly paid artist will always be happier to do their job than an under paid artist. And having the funds ready to go, even if you don't use them, shows you have your shit together as a producer.
Third thing: Show respect for everyone’s work. Whether you’re the producer, designer, director, actor, or stage hand - everyone is doing a job. Understand what everyone’s job is and don’t make it harder for them to do it.
Working together is the process. If you’re unwilling to work and communicate with people you’re a hinderance. And understanding what everyone’s job is is equally important. Hiring a set designer when you need a technical director is not the same thing, and hiring one person to do three people’s job is unfair. And once again, if you are hiring people this way, you had better be willing to pay them for their extra services
Fourth thing: Being indecisive is a sin.
If you’re designing or directing a show and can’t make up your mind about what you want you’re wasting everyone’s time and making their jobs much harder. Being able to make decisions is important and keeps the process moving forward. Changes happen, but initially knowing what you want gets results much faster and makes everyone happy.
If you’re designing or directing a show and can’t make up your mind about what you want you’re wasting everyone’s time and making their jobs much harder. Being able to make decisions is important and keeps the process moving forward. Changes happen, but initially knowing what you want gets results much faster and makes everyone happy.
Fifth thing: Be patient, be positive, and be responsible.
It’s easy to get worked up and stressed when you’re waiting on answers or when changes are being made. Having patience with people and keeping a positive attitude will not only alleviate stress for you, but for others as well. They will feel more comfortable around you if you’re not angry or attacking or complaining all the time, and it will make a better work environment.
Being positive doesn’t make you a pushover, either. It just means you’re not going to go off the deep end when things change or go wrong. It shows you’re more focused on the final product and making that work. Being patient means you’re polite and tactful when making requests from people, and understanding of the time it will take for answers and action.
And when things do go wrong, people always want to point fingers and find who’s to blame first. This only makes more stress. If you make a mistake, own up to it, focus on how to correct it and move on - it wastes much less time and energy and others will respect you for it.
It’s easy to get worked up and stressed when you’re waiting on answers or when changes are being made. Having patience with people and keeping a positive attitude will not only alleviate stress for you, but for others as well. They will feel more comfortable around you if you’re not angry or attacking or complaining all the time, and it will make a better work environment.
Being positive doesn’t make you a pushover, either. It just means you’re not going to go off the deep end when things change or go wrong. It shows you’re more focused on the final product and making that work. Being patient means you’re polite and tactful when making requests from people, and understanding of the time it will take for answers and action.
And when things do go wrong, people always want to point fingers and find who’s to blame first. This only makes more stress. If you make a mistake, own up to it, focus on how to correct it and move on - it wastes much less time and energy and others will respect you for it.
Sixth and final thing: Don’t talk shit about people. Learn to let go.
This business is far too small for shit talking. Everyone knows everyone, and even if the show you’re working on is the worst thing you’ve ever done, chances are someone is friends with someone and if you complain to the wrong person that’s bad news for you.
Also, if all you do after work is complain about work, you’re not relieving any stress, you’re just stewing in it and letting it consume you. And no one likes to be around a complainer when the day is done. People would much rather relax, talk about anything else, and forget about it.
My personal mantra is “When I’m not at work, I don’t talk about work.” I let go after the day is done. It’s healthier for me, makes me feel better, and I’m able to regroup for the next day.
So, if you’ve read through this whole thing maybe you’ve absorbed some pointers on how to behave in a professional theater environment. It’s never a perfect process, and there will always be egotistic ass-hats who spoil the party, but if you have a good attitude, others will appreciate it, absorb it, and want to work with you again, and at the end of the day that’s what you’re working for.
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