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| Author | Topic: During the Gypsy Run |
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 PA Fan
Registered User
Registered:
11/6/2003 | posted: 1/13/2004 at 5:25:06 PM ET
A couple of questions as to procedure during the run of a show such as Gypsy.
With Gypsy now in its 8th month would Bernadette and the cast still have rehearsals? I would think that doing 8 shows a week would eliminate the need for them. Also, how does BP prepare each day for the show --- I would think that she gets into a daily routine. After an evening show --- from other posts it sounds like she doesn't get out of the theatre until close to midnight --- is it hard to decompress or relax or is everything just so tiring that one can't wait to get some sleep?
|  bernielover48
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Registered:
7/17/2003 | posted: 1/13/2004 at 5:30:47 PM ET
I think they have brush up rehearsals every now and then...sometime it probably isn't for the whole cast either...the dance captain may call a dance rehearsal or stuff like that....but that is my guess, they have rehearsals every once in a while to keep things crisp and clean
"I had a dream, I dreamed it for you June. It wasn't for me Herbie! And if it wasn't for me, then where would you be, Miss. Gypsy Rose Lee?" ~**~Rose's Turn~**~
| Anonymous
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69.133.107.x | posted: 1/13/2004 at 9:15:42 PM ET
Having performed myself on the B-way stage I can tell you my experience, which I think may be similar to that of Ms. Peter's ;-)
There usually isn't much rehearsal long into the run of a show. That usually happens earlier on in the run when things are still a bit new and fresh. Sometimes the musical director will request a rehearsal if he wants to change the tempo of a song, or wants to do something different with the music. The dance captain(s) will often call a short rehearsal to do a lot of cleaning. (It's easy to change choreography the more comfortable you get during a show--they don't like this)...When the director comes (which sometimes is a surprise) we always get notes, and the stage manager posts notes every night after the show.
As for preparing for a show...it becomes so routine that you get used to it. Wake up fairly late in the day, workout, enjoy a good meal, and then head to the theatre(the highest point of the day). You usually don't get out until fairly late and by the time you get home(depending on what part of the city you live) you are usually hiped up, so I always have to unwind quite a bit. But things stay crisp and clean throughout the run--and surprisingly the show peaks at usually the right time.
Hope this helps...
| Chiquita
Registered User
Registered:
12/4/2003
From:
Toronto | posted: 1/13/2004 at 9:19:42 PM ET
Thank you for your insights. I am an aspiring performer and I truly can't wait for the day when that is my life!!! You might think I'm crazy since you live it, but I think it's definately an experience that I want to have.
Thank you again.
You either got it, or you aint!
| jmslsu01
Registered User
Registered:
6/9/2003
From:
northern VA | posted: 1/13/2004 at 9:27:13 PM ET
I believe there are understudy rehearsals from time to time as well.
Jenn
| Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
69.133.107.x | posted: 1/14/2004 at 12:06:58 AM ET
No problem my dear aspiring performer. Keep your dreams and never let them die!!!! It's a challenging and difficult life--but it's very rewarding to do what you WANT to do. And you're thougths are not silly or stupid, as I was in your very shoes at one point. Best of luck to you!
|  Broadwaybaby17
Registered User
Registered:
3/18/2003
From:
Alabama | posted: 1/14/2004 at 1:56:47 AM ET
I actually just got back from rehersal for Ragtime at my University and I have the hardest time relaxing after being so exhillirated at rehersal. My body is exhausted but my mind is so clear and energized. Obviously I am an aspiring performer as well. The problem is that I cannot sleep in because I have acting classes early in the morning and don't get out of classes until 5pm and then have rehearsal from 7-10. And somewhere in there I have to do homework. "Anonymous" is there any unwinding techniques you can reccommend?
Bump it with a trumpet!
| angelgrl9
Registered User
Registered:
2/16/2003 | posted: 1/14/2004 at 2:21:05 AM ET
broadwaybaby17~
isn't that the best? classes start at 9am, production crew from 4-6, dinner break and then rehearsals 7-11, and then homework! i seriously wouldn't have it any other way.....
Anonymous~
hearing it from your own personal experiences makes it even more wonderful. thank you for the detailed description..... can't wait! 
Lisa
|  SingOutAnnie
Registered User
Registered:
8/23/2003
From:
Bradenton/Sarasota, FLA | posted: 1/14/2004 at 8:39:42 AM ET
I'm only a theater fan, but I've wondered about such things (like, getting juiced up for performances night after night, and then, unwinding after, say, doing "Rose's Turn" on a Broadway stage) and find it all very interesting.
How do they work in a new player, such as Julie Halston's soon-to-be replacement for Miss Cratchitt and Electra?
I'd think that would require extra rehearsal duties for Kate and Heather to get the timing down, etc.
| PA Fan
Registered User
Registered:
11/6/2003 | posted: 1/14/2004 at 9:49:25 AM ET
Thanks everyone! I'm sure I will have some additional questions down the road!
| Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
69.133.107.x | posted: 1/14/2004 at 3:46:11 PM ET
I don't mean to be an anonymous poster-that's just how I like it though...my publicist wouldn't be happy with me if I put my name out there. LOL
Unwinding techniques...How I remember those conservatory/college days. I think the biggest thing you have to do is find something that helps bring you to a calm--especially so you can get a lot of rest(which is VERY important). I found when I was studying that I had to put things off, even if it meant that I do them at the last minute, so that I at least got 8 hours of sleep--if not more. Obviously if you have a big test to study for you should worry about that a bit--but don't harm your body pulling any "all nighters." LOL You're probably going to not want to jump into anything like homework when you get home from a performance or rehearsal--so the best thing I can tell you is to take a hot bath or shower...surf the web, listen to some calm music, and try to put everything that you did that day into perspective. I keep a journal, which helps me. I think at the end of the day you need to reflect on what you've learned about yourself, about others, and about your art and really think about those things--then give yourself permission to put it away for now. Leave yourself "wanting more..." Like the saying "keep em beggin for more..." do that to yourself. I also drink a non-caffeinated tea with a bit of milk--and sometimes I'll put a good movie in and fall asleep to that. Your body will eventually start closing down for the day on its own. You're just more stimulated when you're acting, singing, dancing, etc...and that's how you know that you LOVE what you do! You probably don't have this luxury where you are in school, but after most of our shows we have massage therapists do work on our bodies--this can REALLY help calm you down. I'm more of a singer/actor than I am a dancer, so when I have to dance I notice things tightening up more in my body as the night progresses. The current show I'm in doesn't have too much dancing, which is nice. I know a lot of people in the business who unwind by going out after shows and having a light meal and a few drinks...this can work possibly if the demands aren't too large for you in a show. When I'm in the run of a show I very rarely will touch alcohol or soda--just TONS AND TONS of water. And I also never get to really go out much. That's another thing that's so great about doing a broadway show--you get SO close with the cast, they seriously do become your extended family and so it's a great support system which helps you in EVERY way. We are all on the same schedule, so on Mondays(which I usually have off unless I have to do interviews or publicity for something) I like to just relax and do nothing. I usually stay in my apartment all day. I think if you're really busy you need 100% DOWN time like this...it will refresh you, trust me.
I think the best thing for you to really do is to listen to your body--trust your instincs and go on how YOU feel.
Broadway is more relaxed than a lot of people think. Life goes on while you're in the show...I usually have my lap top with me in my dressing room so that during any long waiting periods(make up, hair, etc) I can catch up on e-mails, and browse the web a bit--this helps me before the show...I carry most of my anxiety with me into the theatre and then I have to make sure it's gone when I step on stage.
I browse this board as much as possible, and I love helping younger performers...if you have any other questions feel free to post and hopefully I'll be able to help you. Best of luck.
| Karen
Registered User
Registered:
5/3/2002 | posted: 1/14/2004 at 4:01:47 PM ET
Very fascinating--love hearing all those details. Thanks.
| jmslsu01
Registered User
Registered:
6/9/2003
From:
northern VA | posted: 1/14/2004 at 4:28:03 PM ET
Hello anonymous-
You know,those are good suggestions for LIFE,period. Cut out the soda,don't stay up all night,etc.
Here's something you may want to consider about studying-studies have shown that it's best to take a 10-15 minute break every 1.5-2 hours or so while studying. More than 2 hours of intense and uninterrupted study is not very effective for most people. Even if you feel like you don't need a break,it's a good idea to stop studying,get something to drink or eat,walk outside for some fresh air,etc. It's probably not a good idea,however,to turn on the TV or computer,because your break may last more than 15-20 minutes.
Jenn
| Chiquita
Registered User
Registered:
12/4/2003
From:
Toronto | posted: 1/14/2004 at 6:39:41 PM ET
Wow, that is a lot of info! Thank you anonymous!
I don't have a question, rather a comment: I really connect to what you said about the cast becoming a family. I must admit that is one of the reasons why I love theatre and performing, and why broadway is a huge goal for me. I must admit that I have always wanted to be a part of that! Is it naive to think that every broadway experience is like that? Or have you been lucky?
P.S. Since we're on the Bernadette board: When I was little I wanted her to adopt me so I could be a part of that life! I was a funny kid!
You either got it, or you aint!
| Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
69.133.107.x | posted: 1/14/2004 at 8:00:32 PM ET
LOL about the real life things--doesn't it all seem to run together at some point?
I also meant to say to have definite goals in mind and don't let anyone tell you differently. It's good to aim for broadway if that's what you want...but coming from someone who has been there and is there you must have some other things in line--unfortunately we can't always be on Broadway, and there will be periods(especially in the beginning of your career) will you will have to do different things while you're not in a show. I'm not talking about a different career or waiting tables or anything(which might be necessary, but can actually be fun if you're in the right place)...but start with summerstock companies, touring companies, try your hand at film acting or television acting...sing and sing well--you MUST be musically trained--those who are welled versed in music have SUCH a heads up in the biz. Many of my friends studied primarily singing in college and did other things on the side(they actually started their careers doing opera and light opera--which may be of some interest to you...after all it IS theatre)...so my point is the more well rounded you are the better. If you can't dance--you'll learn...that can usually be tought pretty well--it takes MAJOR skill to do it well--but it's easier to teach that to someone in a month than to sing an entire role. You see what I'm saying? Mainly be yourself--no one else!
I have to go--"CURTAIN UP" as they say
XOXOOXOXO
| Anonymous
Anonymous Poster
From Internet Network:
69.133.107.x | posted: 1/14/2004 at 8:03:11 PM ET
by the way...Bernadette is amazing...my connection with her is something very personal to me, but she truly is ONE OF THE BEST people in the biz. She is a TRUE Broadway star--and there aren't many of those anymore...but she's the true definition of one by all means--and a down to earth, honest, and humble human being with not an ounze of vanity or pretention in her bones.
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