{"id":5062,"date":"2017-11-30T03:54:41","date_gmt":"2017-11-30T03:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=5062"},"modified":"2017-11-30T03:54:41","modified_gmt":"2017-11-30T03:54:41","slug":"5-ways-you-can-help-new-cast-and-crew-members-feel-welcome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/5-ways-you-can-help-new-cast-and-crew-members-feel-welcome\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways You Can Help New Cast and Crew Members Feel Welcome"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 Ways You Can Help New Cast and Crew Members Feel Welcome<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

November 27, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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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\u2019re interested in, or professional actors who\u2019ve booked the same gig as you at your regional theatre. No matter the season or the reason, here\u2019s five ways you can bring a little light to the lives of your cast and crew.<\/span><\/p>\n

BAKED GOODS!<\/h4>\n
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There\u2019s 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 <\/span>giving <\/span><\/i>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\u2019re welcome in your life. (If the person you\u2019re baking for has gluten allergies, many bakeries offer a gluten-free option for some desserts. <\/span>OR,<\/span><\/i> if you enjoy baking, you can find <\/span>tons <\/span><\/i>of gluten-free baking recipes online for free. And if you ask ahead of time, it shows you really care about the person you\u2019re baking for.) Pro tip: opt for nut-free dishes the first time, then proceed from there.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Orchestrate a carpooling system.<\/h4>\n
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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<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span> to get you fully equipped for get-to-know-ya car chats.)<\/span><\/p>\n

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Run lines \/ volunteer with tech.<\/h4>\n
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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\u2019t mind helping you. If your friend is a technician, ask them if they need help with a task they\u2019re 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\u2019s costuming apprentice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Make some dressing room \/ tech booth care packages.<\/h4>\n
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Depending on the needs of the theatre professional, you can make individualized theatre care packages. And you know what\u2019s 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\u2019ve expressed interest in during a conversation you\u2019ve had).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Write them an opening night card.<\/h4>\n
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On almost every opening night I\u2019ve had since college, I\u2019ve either received or given a card from a fellow crew member or castmate, and I\u2019ve kept every single one. This is the time for you to tell your new crew member or castmate how much you\u2019ve 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n