This is the ultimate checklist for everything you should carry with you to every rehearsal, especially as a director. Having them as a performer or as a techie is a good idea too, but to be able to lead your cast with as few rehearsal hiccups as possible, this list will be your lifesaver.
This is for the mundane and real emergencies you run into with troops of actors. The only things you will need outside of this list will be show specific props and pieces.
The True Essentials
Your script, and an extra, and an extra
You NEVER want to walk into rehearsal without a script. I personally keep three in my kit at all times. The original professional print, a second print to fill with all my scribbles and notes, and a third in case an actor forgets theirs or a techie needs one.
Notebook and sticky notes
This one is self-explanatory. As a director, you have to write down thousands of notes per rehearsal. Having a dedicated rehearsal notebook (or several) makes organizing all that easier.
So many pens, pencils, and highlighters
You will lose these, so easy. Your performers will forget and need to borrow one. You should have an entire group of pens, pencils, and highlighters in your bag at all times.
Flashlight
From reading your notes and script in the dark auditorium to crawling around dark places looking for props or setting lights, having a flashlight is never a bad idea.
Timer
This is so you can keep track of your show running time, breaks, scenes, etc. While your phone does have a timer, more than likely you will be doing other things with your personal device. Having a separate timer is more reliable, and more convenient.
Recording device and chargers
I talk about why you should record your rehearsals in my blog post “How to make a better actor in 5 easy steps” here.
Water Bottle and snacks
You are not at your best when you are dehydrated or hungry. Sometimes you don’t have time to eat before a rehearsal or
your practice may go longer than you planned. Make sure to always have healthy easy snacks on hand to keep you happy.
Extra hair ties
You’ll need them, and your cast certainly will. This is another item, like pens, that always disappear. Make sure to have several.
Pocket knife/multi-purpose tool
These are good to have in your everyday life, and even more so at rehearsals. You never know what issues you may run into during practice, but very rarely can these problems not be solved with tape or tools.
Spike tape, mic tape
The holy trinity in an auditorium is these three tapes. Gaff to fix, spike to mark, and mic to hold. Community theaters often lack essentials because of budgets, so having your own so your show does not suffer is always a great idea. I recommend buying in bulk not only because it is cheaper, but usually you will run out faster than you think. Get black and white gaff, several colors of the spike, and latex-free mic tape.
The Second Tier Needs
Kleenex & Baby Wipes
You never know when you are going to run into a bloody nose or a sticky mess. Making sure to have these on hand will come in handy more than you think.
Chap-stick
For you, but make sure to have an extra stick or two for cast members.
Medications.
From painkillers to anti-acids, make sure to have some essentials. Knowing if cast members have allergies are also important. For a cohesive list of what you should have, click here.
First aid kit
No matter where you go, you should always have a first aid kit. You never know what you are going to run into, and having just those few essentials can literally be a lifesaver. Check out the American Red Crosses list of things you should have in your kit.
Blanket/jackets
Theaters are notorious for being cold and keeping yourself and your acting troop comfortable is a better guarantee for good practice.
Headphones
You never know when you will need to plug in your headphones to watch a scene back or play a quick starting note.
Activities/games for the younger cast members
When working with kids, you can help ease anxiety by having a “Kid kit”. This can include puzzles, coloring pages, activities books, even jump ropes, and chalk.
Mints/hard candy and gum.
I would also include portable toothbrushes and floss. You never know when an actor made need it for those notorious kissing scenes.
Extra phone/laptop chargers
The last thing you want is a kid caught with a dead device or you without your needed technology. Having multiple chargers is a good idea everywhere, especially in the theater.
Safety Pins and a sewing kit
Costumes are put through a lot, especially in community theater. Seams are bound to bust and buttons seem to always come undone. Some simple thread, needles, and safety pins are essentials backstage.
Makeup Remover and clear nail polish
Makeup remover serves many purposes. It can clean your face, makeup off costumes, and more. Another thing I would add is clear nail polish. This can mend broken nails, or even work as makeshift glue to stick sparkles or feathers back onto costumes.
Hand Sanitizer
This is a given in a post-pandemic world, but keeping your hands and surfaces clean should always be a top priority.
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