I’ve been fortunate to be a part of two great musicals this year – MJ: The Musical, and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (the production that I am currently on).
My routine on performance days is simple. After I wake up, I do the following –
- Exercise – some form of light weights + 5000 steps
- Coffee
- Breakfast (sometimes)
- Emails/Admin
- Lunch
- Relax
I find that having a basic routine keeps me active throughout the day, and allows me to keep my focus for the evening performance. I have found that if I don’t engage myself in some exercise, I lose focus around the end of the first act, and then I don’t feel great about my performance.
One thing that you don’t see on that list is dinner. Over the years this has become a habit of mine. I really dislike the feeling of being full and performing. I eat a late dinner once I’m home, which sometimes results in only eating lunch the following day.
On nights where my call time is 7:15pm (for a 7:30pm show), I like to get to the venue at about 5:45-6pm. I can load in what I need to, get a proper warm up, fill my water bottle, socialize with my section mate(s), and get into the headspace of the music that needs to be performed.
I know that if I follow this routine, or close to it, I will typically have a good night in the pit. I’ve been so fortunate to be able to work in these situations, and to find a way to make them as enjoyable as possible!
Low Eh! 
Leave a comment