5 Tech Week Tips & Tricks

Sarah Ferguson 

• OnStage Connecticut Columnist

We all love and dread it. Tech week. When the rehearsals are long, the tensions high, the excitement palpable, and the show nearly finished. It is undoubtedly the toughest week of any show season. Though I cannot promise to make your tech weeks perfect, I have sought the advice of many of my friends in theatre and have tried many of their tricks to making tech week bearable. Here is a list of a few that I found most helpful:

1. Drink a lot of water!

This one may seem like it would be obvious, but it is worth repeating nevertheless. Stage lights are hot and the rehearsals are long! You need to keep your body well hydrated and in the best physical condition during this time!

2. Stay loose and active!

Especially if you are doing a show with a lot of movement or dancing, this is essential! It may be tempting to sit on a couch backstage in between scenes, but it might not be the best choice for you. Staying loose includes not only stretching thoroughly before the rehearsal, but also continuing to stretch and keep your muscles warm throughout the entire time. If you go from sitting still and not moving to going out on stage for a large dance number, you are increasing the chance of you getting hurt. A quick breather is perfectly okay but try to keep yourself warmed up at all times.

3. Everyone has a job to do- be understanding and flexible!

If you are needed on stage for a mic check, you should go there rather than finishing up running lines or dances with your friends. Tech week is a stressful time and it’s only made more stressful when people cannot complete their jobs because of someone else. It all comes down to respecting your peers and everyone working on the show. Remember, you’re all on the same team and you all want the show to be a success!

4. Avoid caffeine when possible!

It hurts me to say this as I have a strong affection for coffee, but it’s important nevertheless! Caffeine can dry out your mouth and dehydrate you leaving you in less-than-tip-top shape for performances! A cup won’t hurt but make sure to drink even more water afterwards to keep your body hydrated!

5. Sleep!

A well-rested body is also very important during Tech Week rehearsals. You need to be in peak physical condition for all the hard work you’re going to be doing throughout rehearsals. In addition, Tech Week can be a tense, stressful time, and if you’re well-rested, you’re less likely to be cranky and your interactions with fellow cast mates will be smoother and less likely to lead to ill-feelings.