5 things you must know before being a Theatre Professional

Theatre...

Some call it passion, other call it larger than life. Well, the core essence does not change with its names or the different definitions. There are few odd souls, dreams about being a theatre professional from their school days or even before school. Then they grow up with a dream bigger than Broadway. And finally grow up enough to take their own decision and work on it.

If you are reading this article, you must be one of them. Well, welcome to the tribe then. But here, my friend, we will talk about 5 things you must know about the theatre life. It is better to know them all before you enter that life.

1.    It is not a Time Pass option, It is a serious full-time Profession

Well, there is a misconception among many, that theatre is a hobby or a leisure activity. If you are one of them, then, sorry my friend, you must think of some other option to choose. Theatre is not at all a time pass job.

In fact, you really need to work hard. You need to be a keen reader. A lifelong learner. You need to have a knowledge of literature, art forms (specific technicians need special pieces of training as well). 

The theatre is fulltime job my dear fellow.

2.    There is nothing personal

Theatre teaches us to the art of sharing. This point can be elaborated in two ways. Firstly you have to understand that whatever is said and done on the rehearsal floors, before or after the shows are depended on your performances, the Director is not your enemy. He is your mentor for that time being.

Secondly, Theatre is a teamwork. So if you are one of the selfish snobs, then you are going to face a tough time in this profession. You need to learn to share, giving and compassion.

3.    Compromising schedule

Though there are pre-scheduled starting and pack up time for rehearsals. But do not fix any plan afterward depending on the rehearsal times. Because pack up time is unknown to everyone. (Even to the director himself). 
 Directors are a bit reluctant about tracking time while rehearsing. They just have a vision about the scenography and want that to be done precisely, that’s it.

4.    No quick fixes

The theatre is a lifelong learning process.You have to work really hard. If you are lacking something or unable of delivering something, then you need to invest few days and nights from your short life. You have to accept the fact that, there is no quick fix or shortcut in Theatre world.

If you have already decided to be a theatre actor or Director or technician, you have to start immediately. Earlier is always better. Because you have to learn a lot of things, believe me. And the list is really big. Whatever you learn, each and everything can be applied for theatre.

5.    You can be a loner 

When everyone is planning to be a doctor, IT professional or starting their own business in your high school, you will definitely appear as an odd. As I have already discussed in the previous point that, you have to start earlier. So it is difficult to get a co-traveler on this theatre journey. So you can be a loner.

You can be a loner in the family as well. In Indian Society, it is hard to convince the parents about choosing this profession. 

So, guys, think and rethink. Though I believe that theatre accepts everyone. But you must have a  clear goal and vision about this splendid life call theatre.
Don’t forget to follow us…
Be Dramatic….