12 Problems Only Theatre People Understand

Whether you're an actor, stage crew, hair, lighting, sounds, or makeup, you've probably had one of these problems at least once during a show. Don't worry, you're not the only one. Disclaimer: These are in no particular order and are based of the opinions of a small group of theatre people.

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1. Other People Ruining Your Song

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Let's face it, singing a long with others isn't always fun. When they can't harmonize correctly it can get annoying. Or sometimes you can't help but wonder why they had to join you at all. Admit it, we've all felt like this at least once before.

2. Telling A Joke or Pun that No One Else Understands

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This pretty much speaks for itself. When you're with people in a show for so long there's going to be inside jokes and puns. No one is going to understand it if they aren't part of the cast or crew though, and it's probably going to die down eventually. It's a real struggle.

3. When You Know Everyone Else's Lines

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If you were ever in the chorus or ensemble you probably ran into this problem. Sometimes you have so much free time that you start memorizing other people's lines, and you'll have them memorized before they do. Then when they can't remember their lines, you're pissed off.

4. Getting Turned On By Tap

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Who doesn't love a good tap dancing number? Even if you're not the one doing the dance, a good tap sequence will make you want to get up and dance.

5. When The Director Won't Tell You The Show

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This probably only applies to school theatre kids and community actors, but it's still a problem for many of them.

We've done productions with the certain theatre group before: a school theatre club, community theatre, traveling theatre troop, etc., and we ask ourselves and our fellow actors what the show will be.

Who would have the exact answer, the director of course. Let's face it though, they aren't going to give it up just like that.

Then it's even more frustrating when they won't budge whenever you try and hound them about it.

The actors want to know so they can prepare before auditions, but no, the director has to keep it a secret for a while.

On the outside, you can probably hold your composure. Inside though you're probably something like this...

6. Auditions!!

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Let's face it, even if we can't wait for auditions, they never fail to freak us out. Sure, being confident is key, but the process of auditions will always be nerve-racking; from reading monologues, to singing 16 bars, to dancing, it's a lot to deal with . When they end we all feel a mixture of fear and relief.

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7. Hairspray and Bobby Pins

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No matter what your hairstyle in the show is you need your hair to be perfect; not a single hair out of place. That's where hairspray and bobby pins come in handy.

By the end of the show, you'll be missing a lot of bobby pins and you'll probably be out of hairspray.

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8. Walking Around with Makeup and Hair After the Show

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Sometimes makeup takes too long to completely remove, and the hair, forget about it unless you're wearing a wig! Sure if you go to a restaurant or into the city in hair and makeup you might get weird looks, but some of us honestly stopped caring long ago.

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9. Talking Backstage

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This applies to both actors and the stage crew. Everyone is guilty of talking, even if it's just a syllable.

When you're on the stage crew you usually make sure the actors keep quiet; and when they don't listen, it's irritating.

When you're the actor and you're being told to be quiet you probably just think "why?"

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10. No Eating In Costume

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We might not always move as much as athletes, but sometimes we're on the move so much that we don't have time for meals; and when you're a college student and a theatre kid you just miss your meals sometimes because of rehearsal or a show.

They say your not supposed to eat in costume, so there's no meals or snacks allowed backstage, unless the director or stage manager allows a few snacks like gummy bears or licorice.

Everyone probably does it at least once though right? When you do, you probably look something like this...

11. Building/Striking The Set

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Building and striking the set can be a good bonding experience for the cast and crew, but it's bittersweet.

If you're one of the actors or the stage crew, you probably think either A)This is way too much work B)Why do I have to do this? C) I don't want the show to start yet/ be officially over or D) All of Thee Above.

If you're the stage manager then you probably feel like you have a lot of power over everyone. Just be careful not to let all that power go to your head. The rest of the crew and/ore the cast might start hating on you later.

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12. Never Getting ANYTHING ELSE done!

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Sure, theatre is a big part of life for some of us, but it's not always our top priority. Once you start working on a show or a musical though, it's like it completely takes over your life.

Things like, homework, your part-time job, or your other hobbies, it's like you want to cast them all aside. Whether your a high school/ college actor or community actor, you're most likely going to pull at least one all-nighter, especially during...TECH WEEK.

All the rehearsals, set building, and show dates on top of your other everyday activities are overwhelming and stressful but in the end, everything usually works out for the best.

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