Have you ever noticed that certain performers seem to always be working? They flit from one production to another, always gainfully employed and always advancing closer and closer to the top. It’s hard not to be jealous, right? Chances are your talent is of equal caliber. You always audition together. You might have even gone to school with these people. But they always get the job and you don’t! It can be infuriating.
So what is it? What are they doing that you aren’t? Maybe they’ve got the secret formula to making themselves indispensable. Do you want to know what it is?
In my career, I’ve been on both sides of the table. As a dancer/singer I’ve been to my fair share of auditions, and later in life as a choreographer and general manager I’ve been able to experience both the creative and business sides of theater. From all of this experience, I’ve come up with the three qualities that always garner a repeat hire. Here they are:
1. Preparedness. This is a big one. Show up on time (or even better, be early) to demonstrate that you respect others’ time and know how to plan ahead. Know your material and arm yourself with the necessary tools for rehearsal (everything from a pencil to proper footwear). Learn everyone’s names. Do your research. Preparedness never goes unnoticed—because the team will be so relieved they never have to chase you down, scramble for something you forgot, or look up where you’re supposed to stand in scene five.
2. Adaptability. File under “It’s not about you.” In what other profession do we constantly have to adjust to new bosses? Adaptability in theater is an art and a skill. Every show you do will be run by a different team, and changes will happen, not only in rehearsal, but in how each team communicates. How you deal with changes and new situations can make a big impression. If you pout and roll your eyes when they change your spacing of the big production number and you’re no longer front and center, it speaks volumes about you. (Mainly that you have no respect for the show’s vision and don’t play well with others.)
3. Gratitude. If I learned anything from being a general manager, it’s that performers are the most easily replaceable piece of the show. Months before you sign your contract, dozens of people are already working on the production: fundraising, designing, planning, rewriting, budgeting, marketing, casting. When you are chosen as the final puzzle piece, you’d better say thank you. It starts at your audition. After you finish, thank the team behind the table and your accompanist before leaving the room. Send a thank you note to the casting director for seeing you (yes, a real thank you note that you write). When you start rehearsals, take a moment to thank the creative team for bringing you into “the room where it happens.” And always, always give gratitude for being a part of this business and bringing joy to so many people who really need to smile that day.
So, that’s it: the magic formula. Be a grateful, prepared chameleon, and next time your headshot comes across the big table, they will surely remember you with fondness! I am so grateful to be able to share this information with you. Now go make a good impression!
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and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
