Stage Etiquette

The below "Code of Conduct" from the Actors Equity Union has been adopted by the SELAH theater classes this week.  Many of them seem completely obvious, but it's not a bad idea to remind ourselves to remember that following these standards, we can have the best possible performance.  Above all, my mother always said, "Manners make people nice to know."  So let's remember our manners and have a performance that is memorable!

PUNCTUALITY - You have heard about it your whole life and being a professional means there are no excuses for lateness to a rehearsal or performance. There are moments when a real crisis may disrupt you from your appointed arrival time, so PLAN for those moments by arriving well before the designated time. Those extra minutes will allow more time to warm-up, build an ensemble, or get you in the right frame of mind. If lateness is truly unavoidable, you must call your Stage Manager and let him or her know your expected arrival time.

REHEARSALS - For many, this is the most exciting time of being in a show. Take time to explore your character (Why do you cross on that line?), fine-tune stage business or justify your choreography. Even if you can’t wait to get in front of an audience, let those Actors who love it, relish it.

Turn them off when entering a rehearsal or performance space. There are appropriate times to use them, so hang up! 

NOTES – Getting them: Always be gracious, even if you disagree. Say “Thank you” after the director gives you the note, or “May we speak about this later?” if you don’t understand or disagree. The note session is not therapy for your character, but rather a session of quick fixes for MANY elements of the show. Find time for you and the director to solve issues that affect you or your character only. Giving them: NEVER, (Did you read that?) never give another Actor notes and never allow yourself to receive notes from another Actor. A response could be, “Thanks for your help, but I think it’s best we do this kind of thing through the Stage Manager or Director.” There is no room for flexibility here. Wouldn’t you resent it?

COSTUME FITTINGS are tricky. Let the designer know your concerns but avoid doing his or her job. Too much unwanted advice to a designer, and you could end up in a tube top or out of a job. GOSSIP - You know it’s wrong. We heard you say it.

QUIET! As you learned in the last rule, sometimes keeping your mouth shut is a good thing. We will expand on that theme - keep the noise down when you are backstage. Avoid all talking and/or whispering, some theatres actually DO have good acoustics. Keep your voice and laughter down even when in the dressing room.

TECH REHEARSALS - You know what we’re going to say, right? That is the only time the designers get to fine tune their work with you there. So, pay attention. Don’t disrupt their rehearsal and stay close to the stage, because they’re always going to go back a few scenes when they resume.

BACKSTAGE DRAMA - Just because we play dramatic characters onstage does NOT mean we must portray them off. When you are in a show, the theatre becomes a tiny universe. Remember, it is temporary, and there is a REAL world outside those theatre doors. Don’t be the stereotypical diva or demanding Actor. If love should bloom while in a show, great! Keep it outside! If you have a personal struggle, sorry, but keep it outside.

PROPS - Two major rules here -- never play with a prop and always check your props before each show. Those two rules seem instantly understandable but are rarely followed. Follow them. The first night you discover the climactic letter in your pocket is missing before your entrance, you’ll understand.


AD LIBS and changes to the script: As the performances wear on, you may feel that you understand the character better than the playwright. You don’t, so quit making up lines.

OPENING NIGHT - Congratulations! Have fun at the party but remember, you have a show tomorrow night.

  MARKING a performance - The lone audience member today paid the same ticket price as the full house that loved your performance last night. You have a responsibility to all involved to perform the show as rehearsed and to do your best. If that doesn’t sway you, that lone audience member may be someone important in the business, or even a critic. Now, you’re listening.

 MAINTAINING a performance - You can look at a long run either as a chore or the world’s best acting class. You get to ply your craft and test your choices in front of an audience (“Why did I get that laugh last night and not tonight?”). Quit complaining and stay fresh. There are worse things than having a job.

Our final category of respect is perhaps the most obvious and the most abused. We appeal only to the basest of reasons for having respect (Remember, nothing spreads faster than your reputation):

• For Staff - They are volunteers here at SELAH, and probably yours or someone else’s parents. 
• For Crew & Designers - They make you look good on stage. 
• For Directors - They call the shots! For other Actors - They are your friends and class mates. 
• For Yourself - That means, value your contribution to the show by following the above guidelines and taking care of yourself when rehearsing or performing. Keep healthy throughout the run.