BWW Blog: Amanda Grillo - Our School, Our Show, OUR TOWN: Tech Week Survival Guide

Welcome back! By the time you see this article we will be 2 short days from OPENING NIGHT! Tech week is a time people dread, a time people love, a magical time where everything comes together. I decided to find out how my fellow cast members survive this week and comprised a not so short list of things that can help make this stressful time a little easier for everyone involved.

"Make sure you bring plenty of things to keep you occupied. You may find yourself waiting around for a long time, so bring your laptop or a book. And bring plenty of water and snacks to get you through the day. Most importantly, bring a positive attitude. You're going to be in the theatre with a lot of people for a long time. Don't be a jerk." - Michael Kennedy (George Gibbs)

"I always find a solid breakfast before tech makes me feel so much better and have so much more energy. It helps prevent that two o clock crash after many hours of tech and gives a strong start. I also always love to wear one of my favorite sweatshirts, and I always dress in layers. the stage can be hot, but oftentimes the actual theater and the backstage area is cold, so keeping a sweatshirt helps you stay warm and having layers can help you adjust from stage to offstage to dance rehearsal to scene work so you're not freezing or sweating" - Samantha Paquette (Choir)

"BRING A CHARGER!" - Rose-Emma Lambridis (Professor Willard)

"I try to keep myself really focused and calm. Just keep looking forward to the performances and staying grounded!"- Kiera Terrell (Mrs. Webb)

"Drinking a ton of water and getting enough sleep. Sleep is imperative to keep your body going through the strenuous tech week. I often choose sleep over many other things because I for one cannot function without it!" - Bobby DellaCamera (Joe/Si Crowell)

"Wear really comfy clothes! [Also] make sure you're well fed, because I hate being hangry during tech. also making sure you're sleeping enough is super helpful. I also find it's really helpful to tell all your closest friends and family and significant others that it's tech week, because a lot of the time, they're all really supportive and understanding and willing to help you out when you're stressed."- Kate D'Alessandro (Choir)

"1. Listen to music to clear you minds of everything around you
2. Don't get people mad 3. If someone gets you mad, just walk away and listen to music. Don't let anyone get underneath you skin because it is tech week. 4. Find you center and always breath. 5. Always start off with a positive mood. Stay positive. 6. Have fun no matter what. Someone got you mad? Find people who wouldn't get you mad and hang with them. DO NOT hang around people who is giving you a bad vibe." - Nadine Bourne (Woman in the Balcony/ Dead Woman)

"Oh tech week. Well, I would definitely say 3 things are very important in getting through text week; water/snacks, sleep, and a positive attitude. Be mindful of others around you who are all going through what you are. No matter if you're the lead or ensemble, stage manager or running crew, stress is running through everyone's veins. Be respectful, be uplifting, and be available. Get a water bottle, some cheese it's, and a smile. You'll make it through" - Dalimar Irizarry (Louella Soames)

"Do something you love doing before or after tech. For me, obviously, I love to enjoy a few rounds of videogames, be it a fast-paced one or a slow and methodical card game. Helps to unwind and get your mind off the stress that may come with tech week." - Tim Sheehan (Wally Webb)

"Let's see now, I think one of the most important things to have when tech week rolls around is to have respect and consideration for all those around you and involved in the production. Tech at times can be stressful, so always listen to others, keep quiet, and always always make sure to sleep!!" - Erica Quaedvlieg (Emily Webb)

"Listen the first time. Move where you're told and help when you can and always act to your fullest. You play how you practice: So you should rehearse as if it's the show and help the crew when you can." - Timothy M. Gadomski (Howie Newsome)

And what tech week guide would be complete without the stage manager! Kate Herr added her input to the guide:

"During a ten minute break, take a five minute power nap, and during a five minute break, take a two minute power nap. Said power naps can be accomplished with eyes open if necessary. Coffee also help lots, but remember to also drink water to stay properly hydrated. Bring gifts of tribute to your stage manager. For example- chocolate, tea, donuts, etc. Also remember everyone is in the same boat together, and everyone is grumpy or will become grumpy at some point in the day. And if you ask nicely, the SM will probably share the chocolate."

May future tech weeks be stress free and filled with ease! Okay, it may not be perfect... but hopefully this will help make it a little less stressful.

Come See Our Town November 16th thru 19th at Bucknall Theater

All shows start at 8pm with a 2pm matinee on the 19th

Tickets available now at www.newhaven.edu/theatertickets

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