Eight shows a week
“Cause to be victorious, you must find Glory in the little things.”
Eight shows a week is not for the faint of heart.
Pre-Covid, actors were performing eight shows a week all across the world, not just on Broadway. Heck, I was performing eight shows a week in Chicago and on tour before I moved to New York for The Lion King. But something shifted when I got to The Lion King that made performing eight shows a week more challenging than it had ever been before.
The show was very, very physical. So I quickly realized that a health and wellness routine was the only way I would be able to achieve successful shows repetitively. I learned that drinking water like it was my job helped. I learned that I needed to treat my voice like cash and budget it wisely. I learned that I couldn’t say yes to every opportunity, because it would mean that I’d get burned out and I wouldn’t be at my optimal level for my show each day. I learned that pilates was my life saver, and that epsom salt baths and ice baths are both healing and restorative. I learned that it is okay to show your weakness, announce it even, so that you can get the help that you need. My eight shows a week care routine is here.
It takes more than just booking the role. Once you book the role, then you have to deliver, over and over again. I’m so grateful that I figured out a plan that worked for me. Whenever we get back to performing again and you find yourself in an amazing role, just make sure that you’re still taking care of yourself!
Cheers,
Adrienne