{"id":6600,"date":"2018-12-21T19:53:15","date_gmt":"2018-12-21T19:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=6600"},"modified":"2018-12-21T19:53:15","modified_gmt":"2018-12-21T19:53:15","slug":"9-essential-comfort-items-for-the-theatre-professional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/9-essential-comfort-items-for-the-theatre-professional\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Essential Comfort Items for the Theatre Professional"},"content":{"rendered":"

9 Essential Comfort Items for the Theatre Professional<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

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

December 20, 2018<\/p>\n<\/font>

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It\u2019s a hard fact that sometimes, when we\u2019re busy, we really fail to take care of ourselves – both physically and mentally. Just like actors, theatre technicians, theatre staff, directors, and designers are in need of some creature comforts, too! Take a look at these comfort items every theatre professional should have that\u2019ll help you feel comfortable and cozy during work <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>play.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Insulated double-walled tea\/coffee bottle.<\/h4>\n
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Whether you\u2019re a coffee or tea person, there\u2019s nothing better than being able to enjoy a hot cup of your favorite beverage whenever you like, especially if it\u2019s kept hot for longer than 20 minutes. This <\/span>Klean Kanteen travel mug<\/b><\/a><\/span> is double-wall insulated and comes in a bunch of colors!<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Heating blanket.<\/h4>\n
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Sometimes hang and focus, set construction, or choreographing a tap number can really make your back muscles sore. <\/span>Heating blankets<\/b><\/a><\/span> really go a long way in helping muscles relax, and during the colder months (when muscles are tighter from shivering your way to and from rehearsals), a heating blanket can help you settle in for the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Zip-up hoodie.<\/h4>\n
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Let\u2019s face it: theatres are <\/span>cold<\/span><\/i>. When you\u2019re sitting at a light board, working on costumes in the shop, or putting up your hair in a fancy updo for your show, sometimes you need a little extra warmth to keep yourself comfy. Grab one of these <\/span>zip-up hoodies<\/b><\/a><\/span> so you don\u2019t have to worry about lifting a hefty blob of fabric over your face (or over that giant up-do).<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Reusable cotton bandage.<\/h4>\n
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Sometimes, we pull muscles or overuse a certain part of our bodies like knees, wrists, or ankles. For those small injuries, try wrapping them with an Ace Bandage, or a <\/span>reusable cotton bandage<\/b><\/a><\/span>. It can greatly reduce pain and help you focus on what you do best: creating art.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Essential oil diffuser.<\/h4>\n
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This is something that should be used at home (since not everyone we work with likes the same scents). An <\/span>essential oil diffuser<\/b><\/a><\/span> is great for helping with relaxation, stress relief, or focus. <\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Tiger Balm.<\/h4>\n
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Tiger Balm<\/b><\/a><\/span> is used for sore muscles and smells a little like cinnamon. Rub a small amount on the affected area and be patient as the salve warms your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Socks.<\/h4>\n
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If you consistently wear boots or sneakers to work, you\u2019ll always need to wear socks. So make sure they\u2019re comfortable! Thin socks tear easily if they\u2019re worn a lot, so invest in a pair of <\/span>thick socks<\/b><\/a><\/span> that are both comfortable and durable. Plus, if you\u2019re a dancer or an actor and you\u2019re preparing in the dressing room sans-shoes, you\u2019ll want to keep socks on to keep your feet warm against cold floors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Headphones.<\/h4>\n
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This may sound like a no-brainer, but a <\/span>quality<\/i><\/b> pair of headphones<\/b><\/a><\/span> can do wonders for your sanity. Theatre professionals who listen to music while they\u2019re researching, designing, writing, or rehearsing can benefit from drowning out outside noise so they can focus on their presentations, light plots, script, or lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. A notebook.<\/h4>\n
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Everyone needs a <\/span>notebook<\/b><\/a><\/span>. <\/span>Everyone. <\/span><\/i>Designers, actors, directors, dancers, dramaturges, prop makers, scenic painters, house management, playwrights \u00a0\u2014 everyone. And I\u2019m not talking about tracking tasks for work (though that is a good use for a notebook). I\u2019m talking about personal use. Notebooks help us take stock of the things we need in our personal lives. They\u2019re great for journaling, list-making, doodling, budgeting, and more. You can even have a daily log of accomplishments or nice things that you\u2019re grateful for every day. (If you\u2019d like to delve into bullet journaling for theatre, take a look at this post<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span>.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget: treat yourself.<\/em><\/strong> Make a cup of tea. Rub some tiger balm on that sore knee, and wrap it in an Ace bandage. Put on your coziest socks and your hoodie. Light up your oil diffuser, and put on your favorite music. Wrap yourself in your warmest blanket, and take some time to reflect on you and what makes you amazing.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n