Balancing Acts: Managing School and Theater

It's almost fall, and everyone knows what that means: back to school! We can almost hear you groaning out there. Improv Playhouse is offering fall classes and productions to make the transition smoother! For our Libertyville schedule, click here and for our Highland Park schedule, click here.

Whether you perform with us, with your school, or another group, it isn't always easy to balance theater and school. Check out these tips on how to manage both from those of us who have lived through it too.

-Before you audition, make sure you know as many dates as possible when the show will require your presence. This includes rehearsals, tech, and the performance! (Generally, rehearsal schedules aren't completely finished by audition time, so just knowing the range of dates is the best you can do.) The better you understand the commitment, the better you understand what will be expected of you. Prepare wisely. And sometimes preparing wisely may mean you need to let something go!

-If you're in school and theater at the same time, that probably means you would prefer to spend every waking moment living, breathing, and eating theater. But don't forget that school is a priority! Make sure you're getting your homework done.

-Sometimes, if it's a full cast rehearsal, you won't be needed onstage the whole time. Fun as it is to talk with friends, instead you should bring your homework and get it done then! It's way better than staying up late--especially when you have school again the next day.

-The best way to focus both in school and in theater is to make sure you're getting enough sleep! It's hard to get theater kids to go to bed early, but it's one of the smartest things you can do to stay focused, energized, and healthy. Plan your schedule wisely to make sure you can be in bed at a reasonable hour.
-When you're busy, do you know what's just as important as giving your best to all your commitments? Relaxing! Make sure you give yourself time to watch TV, read a book, play a video game, or hang out with friends. You're no use to any of your commitments if you run yourself ragged.

We hope you'll be able to master this balancing act. Being a theater addict isn't always an easy life, but it's definitely a rewarding one. Take it from us--if you can pull it off, it will be worth it!

-Allie