5 Ways You Can Help New Cast and Crew Members Feel Welcome

Written by Ashleigh Gardner

November 27, 2017

Sometimes new friends from out of town, out of state, or out of country join our cast and crew. These could be new students who just got a role in the school play, community members who auditioned to see if theatre is something they’re interested in, or professional actors who’ve booked the same gig as you at your regional theatre. No matter the season or the reason, here’s five ways you can bring a little light to the lives of your cast and crew.

BAKED GOODS!

There’s nothing better than arriving at a rehearsal or an opening night to the smell of muffins, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, chocolate butter croissants, and/or pie. Baking and giving your pastries away to friends and family is a universal sign of love and friendship, and it indicates to the person receiving the food that they’re welcome in your life. (If the person you’re baking for has gluten allergies, many bakeries offer a gluten-free option for some desserts. OR, if you enjoy baking, you can find tons of gluten-free baking recipes online for free. And if you ask ahead of time, it shows you really care about the person you’re baking for.) Pro tip: opt for nut-free dishes the first time, then proceed from there.

Orchestrate a carpooling system.

New cast or crew member not have a car? Do they have to take the bus or a Lyft/Uber everywhere? Coordinate carpooling plans with the rest of your cast and crew to see if you can help the newbie out. Plus, spending time in the car with your cast and crew serves as a bonding experience: you can share music(al) tastes and talk about things that interest you. And if you’ve got social anxiety about what to talk about, here’s a list of 250 conversation starters to get you fully equipped for get-to-know-ya car chats.)

Run lines / volunteer with tech.

Sometimes, running lines is a very personal and solitary activity for actors, but if you or the newest member of your cast is open to one-on-one line sessions, then offer to help them run lines, or ask them if they wouldn’t mind helping you. If your friend is a technician, ask them if they need help with a task they’re currently working on. (Sometimes a tech position is a one-person job, but it never hurts to ask.) You may find yourself talking about your mutual love for vintage 1950s clothing while pinning a dress with your theatre’s costuming apprentice.

Make some dressing room / tech booth care packages.

Depending on the needs of the theatre professional, you can make individualized theatre care packages. And you know what’s GREAT about these? You can deliver them at ANY time during the run. For technicians: tissues, snack bars, instant coffee packs, an insulated coffee tumbler, standard black sweatshirt, Tiger Balm, hair ties, face wipes, notebooks, pens, pencils, and a large bottle of water. For performers: bobby pins, makeup wipes, cough drops, Throat Coat Tea, an insulated tea tumbler, pencils, and a large bottle of water. For technicians and performers, include a specialized item they they like (one they’ve expressed interest in during a conversation you’ve had).

Write them an opening night card.

On almost every opening night I’ve had since college, I’ve either received or given a card from a fellow crew member or castmate, and I’ve kept every single one. This is the time for you to tell your new crew member or castmate how much you’ve enjoyed working with them, to keep in touch, and exchange email/address/phone number information to invite them to continue being part of your community in the future. Make your cards special by choosing a positive word that defines each card’s recipient or take a polaroid photo of you and the other person and stick it in the card along with a message. Help the other person feel as welcome as you would your best friend.



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Ashleigh Gardner received her AA in Theatre/Drama/Dramatic Arts from Valencia College and her Bachelors Degree in English Literature and Masters Degree in Literary, Cultural, and Textual Studies from the University of Central Florida. She is a playwright, an actor, and PerformerStuff.com’s Editor.