One of the most exciting rites of passage for anyone working on a theatrical production—whether as an actor, a technician, or, in the case of the individual typing this, a merchandise manager—is being asked if you would like to be a part of a touring company. It is one of the most fulfilling experiences a creative person can have, as countless friendships, showmances, and notable contacts enter your life and hopefully create a bond that lasts for years beyond your time together on the road. That said, there’s also a lifestyle learning curve, especially for someone embarking on their first tour. Here are some helpful tips to make your journey living out of a suitcase an easier one.
Make sure you pack for hot and cold weather, regardless of where you’re traveling to. And keep essentials in a carry-on bag just in case your luggage is ever lost or delayed.
Don’t be surprised to find that it’s snowing and 25 degrees during your Texas sojourn or, conversely, nearly 100 degrees and humid in Michigan. Be prepared for anything, because you could be entering any state’s season of hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, or floods. And since your tour might do a combo of bus, truck, and plane travel, make sure you pack accordingly for each. Here’s a helpful tip: Get your foodstuffs at the bus stops since you’ll usually have slightly more overhead space and don’t need to be scanned through security. And if flying, make sure your carry-on contains at least one change of clothes, medications, and toiletries just in case you arrive before your packed luggage does.
The Essential Items You Need to Bring on TourGet out of your hotel room. Do it even more than you think you want to.
It’s very tempting to stay in your nice temperature-controlled room, get yummy takeout, and watch “Legally Blonde” for the 100th time (and you should absolutely do that on occasion!), but don’t let the opportunity to explore the city you’re in pass you by, no matter how small the town is. Broadway tours are the lifeblood of so many American cities, and those locations adore having your talents breeze through. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how accommodating residents will be in making sure you have a wonderful time there. Explore their museums, parks, bars, restaurants, hike trails, cinemas, and outdoor art—basically, everything you can. Tour life can be draining and your time is often compromised, but this can be an excellent reset when you need it the most.
Explore every theater space you work in, and make mental notes of how you need to adjust your role within them.
No matter what department you’re in on a tour, everything depends on the space available, so before the first performance, it’s incredibly helpful to walk your way through your venue and note differences in wing space, front of house, dressing rooms, and seating levels. You’ll be ensconced in venues that range anywhere from 500 to 5,000 seats, so it requires notable degrees of adjustment. Also, if they offer you a free tour or peek behind operations, take it! (For instance, don’t sleep on the luminous tour of St. Louis’ Fabulous Fox, one of the great American venues, or a look at how Dallas’ Winspear Opera House utilizes its glorious, light-branded chandelier opener before every performance.)
Do not pass up the opportunity for free or healthy food anywhere you can get it.
Backstages of theaters can be feast or famine depending on the venue, and management often takes great pains to make sure crews and casts are fed on long days. Keep in mind that you can often be in a remote area with very little options for food (especially healthy options), and when your evening show ends, most everywhere could be closed for orders or employing a sky-high delivery fee. This has all gotten worse post-COVID-19, so plan your meals accordingly. Whenever possible, try to shop locally and keep some staples handy in your hotel room. (Pro tip: If the venue provides a home-cooked potluck meal for the company, never refuse it, as the food is always sensational and it’s a wonderful good-faith gesture.)
Take some time for yourself.
Tours are nonstop outings: travel days, field trips, company meetings, opening-night parties, birthdays, etc. You will have so many opportunities to be social and have fun and be there for everyone during the highs and lows (and both do occur, as they do naturally in life, so take mental note of that, as well). But nobody will think less of you for taking a “me day” or evening given you’re often tethered to others for so much of your time. It’ll make you a better collaborator and friend and provide much-needed balance on a day when you might be feeling bluesy, missing your loved ones, or just want to laze in a bubble bath with a good book.
Be kind to everyone. It bears repeating: ALWAYS be kind to everyone.
This one cannot be stated firmly enough. A national tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that might not come along again, especially since your behavior is always being watched, in both overt and discreet ways. Managers and producers are keeping (sometimes literal) notes on your conduct, and ill-conceived choices can prove disastrous for anyone wishing longevity in this field. Firings absolutely will happen for those overindulging in bad habits or creating a hostile workplace (this author has seen it happen a number of times), and if you’re hampering the well-being of your colleagues or spaces, even when you’re not on or near a stage, it will get noticed. Contrary to theater lore, nobody likes a diva in real life—especially on the road, when you’re forced to exist in very close quarters for weeks. As “Legally Blonde” star Elle Woods herself musically chirps, “Keep it positive!”