{"id":3173,"date":"2017-05-09T14:59:32","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T14:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=3173"},"modified":"2017-09-25T14:52:10","modified_gmt":"2017-09-25T14:52:10","slug":"10-ways-to-maintain-a-positive-greenroom-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/10-ways-to-maintain-a-positive-greenroom-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Maintain a Positive Greenroom Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

10 Ways to Maintain a Positive Greenroom Environment<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written byMeghan Mitchell<\/p>\n

May 9, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Working in close quarters has its ups and downs, and the greenroom is no exception.\u00a0 Sure, Equity has its own rules for backstage etiquette, but here are some easy ways to make your life, and the lives of your fellow cast members\/techs, much more pleasant backstage.\u00a0 From listening to music to cleaning out the fridge, it’s the simple things that make performing less like ‘work’, and more fun!<\/p>\n

1. Headphones!<\/h4>\n
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Everyone has their own process to get ready; whether you\u2019ve done a show a million times, or it\u2019s your first day going in, greenrooms are typically small and it\u2019s polite to keep your sound to yourself.\u00a0 Headphones are a great way to get ready your own way!\u00a0 It\u2019s also completely acceptable to ask a room, \u201cHow do you guys feel about 80s rock while we get ready?\u201d\u00a0 Chances are, people will love the idea of comradery.\u00a0 Conversely, while on a break, someone sitting next to you may not be enthused to hear an entire Snapchat story from your friend.<\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0What\u2019s for lunch?<\/h4>\n
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There are do\u2019s and don\u2019ts of break spaces, and I think it\u2019s safe to say that as a rule of thumb, broccoli and fish are out.\u00a0 Apparently, microwaving eggs is also a new thing?\u00a0 Whatever your lunch may be, there are certain nose courtesies that should be followed.\u00a0 That being said, I\u2019ve been the guilty one too, saying, \u201cSorry guys, I brought tuna.\u00a0 I\u2019ll eat it fast!\u201d\u00a0 But please, forewarn your cast mates if the room will carry your lunch smell for the next few hours.<\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0Potlucks galore!<\/h4>\n
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\u201cI brought cookies!\u201d\u2014a joyous phrase.\u00a0 People are always bringing in food and treats to work, however, some people may have crazy dietary restrictions.\u00a0 Be aware and let everyone know that the cookies you brought are \u201cdairy free, but still were made with flour\u201d in case Mike is only lactose intolerant, but maybe Beth is gluten free.\u00a0 Also, potlucks are a great time for whatever you may be celebrating, but if you forgot the day, and didn\u2019t bring anything to share, let others get in on the action first before diving fork first into the mac and cheese.<\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0Drips, spills, and more.<\/h4>\n
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We live, eat, work, and play (theatre is fun y\u2019all) in the same place.\u00a0 But, you don\u2019t have a \u2018Mom\u2019 running around all the time to clean up after you.\u00a0 Protein bar wrapper not make it into the bin?\u00a0 Pick it up and put it in.\u00a0 Spilled some pizza sauce in the microwave?\u00a0 Take an extra second and wipe it out.\u00a0 Be courteous, and pay it forward. Wipe up the makeup counter that is covered in YOUR makeup before you leave. At the end of the day, no one likes to sit on \u2018the old shrimp scampi\u2019 stain.<\/p>\n

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5.\u00a0Bobby pins and safety pins.<\/h4>\n
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Most places you work will allow you to use a communal stash of something\u2014be it bobby pins, mic tape, or whatever.\u00a0 Be polite and don\u2019t horde them all to yourself!\u00a0 When you\u2019re done with something, put it back.\u00a0 If it\u2019s communal, keep it as such.\u00a0 Now, if something else is just yours?\u00a0 By all means, if someone asks to borrow it?\u00a0 Your discretion.\u00a0 But many supplies and hair accessories have their own courtesy when sharing.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy\u2014just share away!<\/p>\n

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6.\u00a0Hot or cold?<\/h4>\n
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Fans are a great way to cool down after a hot performance, but not everyone may operate at the same body temperature.\u00a0 As with music or anything else that will affect the room at large, just ask everyone before turning on or off fans, or turning up or down the temperature in a room.\u00a0 It\u2019s just polite if nothing else.\u00a0 Which brings me to\u2026<\/p>\n

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7.\u00a0Freshen up!<\/h4>\n
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Body sprays and colognes smell wonderful on your body, but drenching the whole room in a scent may not appeal to all noses.\u00a0 Ask before you spray; it\u2019s just easier than getting a talking-to by management because someone was allergic to a floral scent of sorts.\u00a0 With that being said, body odor and overall hygiene are a must when in tight, typically sweaty, environments.\u00a0 You never want to get that talking-to either! \u00a0Which brings me to\u2026<\/p>\n

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8.\u00a0Hygiene.<\/h4>\n
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Spending hours a day with other actors\/dancers\/singers?\u00a0 Sharing costumes or wigs?\u00a0 Deodorant is your best friend.\u00a0 Performers get nervous on stage, and the sweat begins.\u00a0 Nervous sweat is always smellier than normal sweat anyway, so\u2026 be sweet with your sweat!\u00a0 Even if you applied in the morning, bring some with you, \u2018just in case.\u2019\u00a0 It\u2019s courteous to know when you need to reapply.<\/p>\n

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9.\u00a0Warming up.<\/h4>\n
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It\u2019s best to have a routine to get ready for shows, but singing that high C in a cramped dressing room may not be ideal.\u00a0 Going outside, warming up in the car, finding your own space, or using a \u201cbelt box\u201d may be the better option when getting ready.\u00a0 Sometimes group warmups seem arduous, but you at least have a space and time allocated for warming up.\u00a0 No matter the limitations, be sure to take whatever time and space you need to perform your best\u2014it\u2019s good that most theaters are full of nooks and crannies to sing and stretch!<\/p>\n

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10.\u00a0Common sense.<\/h4>\n
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A lot of what is said here is\u2014let\u2019s face it\u2014common sense.\u00a0 You know those people who blast their music from their car while cutting you off in traffic, or sit next to you on the subway and smell so bad you have to give up your seat.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t be that \u2018guy\u2019\u2014then you should be good to go! Theatre Etiquette 101: treat others the way you want to be treated, and don\u2019t let your leftover pizza go moldy in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n