Stage One can be exhausting. Seven hours of class time a day, classes that require you to be willing to get up in front of your peers (and with your peers) risking bold choice after choice. Stage One exists for you to make these risks and mistakes in a safe environment. It's here for your benefit - so benefit from it! Here are some tips for success we've put together for you:
- Sleep. No, really. These are long days. And even if you aren't the one working, you'll be expected to be actively learning from watching somebody else work. These two weeks aren't the weeks for all-night Netflix-binging.
- Eat. No, seriously. Don't think you're doing anybody a favor by skipping lunch. Use your breaks.
- Bring a ton of water everyday. We have a water fountain for you to refill your bottle with should you need it.
- Every morning, review your schedule for that day and for the next day. In your Stage One binder, there is ample space for note-taking. Make sure to write down your assignments there and to review those daily to make sure you're up to speed.
- When in doubt, bring it in. Bring your songbook, your binder, the appropriate clothes, resumes, headshots, etc. Just assume you'll need them.
- This is not a competition. This is not a reality TV show. You're here to learn, not to show off. Be supportive of your classmates and help them achieve their highest potential. If you have issues with another student, come to Matt or David, Signature's Education staff. Resist the urge to gossip about other students. Signature prides itself on being one of the friendliest theaters in the business and we want you to help us maintain that reputation.
- Be prepared. If a teacher gives you something to work on, WORK ON IT. If you're called up to present something and you haven't prepared something then that is time you've wasted for yourself and for your classmates.
- "You have to be here and do what I tell you to. You might as well do it right and get something out of it." That's what my teacher told me in a dance class when I was 16 and I've never forgotten it. Chances are, one of the core areas of musical theater (singing, dancing, acting) is something you consider less than a strength. Give it 100% anyway! You will not learn by giving it 75%. Insisting on only trying when you're comfortable will result in a waste of two weeks. Stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself is the only way to improve and grow.
- Finally, HAVE FUN. It's called a 'play' for a reason. The second acting and performance lose their playfulness and spontaneity, the second they become painful and even joyless. That doesn't mean you get lazy - we believe doing your best is the most fun - but it does mean you can relax the nerves a bit.
