The school year is approaching fast, and for high school thespians, it’s approaching even faster. It may feel like time is already run out, but getting prepared is the best way to counter that! Here are ten things you, as a thespian, should do before school starts.

1. Research your school’s upcoming season.

If your theatre program has a website, it’s a good idea to look and see what the upcoming season is. From there you can start formulating your audition for each show, and become the most prepared each time.

2. Pick out audition material.

Finding the right song or monologue can be a lengthy process, even if you know what your season is. Try picking out what you want to audition with before the year starts so you have time to work on it and perfect it!

3. Get highlighters and pencils!

Two very important tools for an actor to have are pencils and highlighters! You’ll want to highlight your lines, and write down your blocking. Don’t be “that student” who needs to borrow from the director every time.

4. Make sure you have plenty of tea!

Tea is a magical cure for actors’ and singers’ vocal cords. Make sure you have an abundance of this miracle liquid so your voice stays clean!

5. Find competition material!

Finding scenes and songs for district and state competition can be a difficult task. After all, there are hundreds of plays and musicals to choose from! Find the best piece for you and your scene partners to blow the judges away!

6. Color-coded sticky notes!

Sticky notes are a good tool to use to organize your scripts by scene, song, and even by character! Gone are the days of getting lost in long scripts!

7. Email your theatre club!

For incoming freshman, things can be confusing and intimidating at times. A good way to make this go away is to get in contact with the people who run the program, and start asking questions! You can never ask too many questions!

8. Take a dance class!

Many dance studios offer free classes occasionally, and sometimes even allow sitting in on master classes. This is a good idea for the musical theatre actor who has no knowledge of dance!

9. Go see a show!

Go to a show before you’re swamped with rehearsals! Support your community theatres, or if there’s a touring Broadway show near you go check it out! This may be your last chance to see a show for a while!

10. Rehearse your main entrance!

When you step on that campus, you should strut to your classes! Keep your head high, and keep your eye on the prize! Now that you’re prepared, you’re going to take this year by storm!

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