Everything I Need to Know, I Learned in the Theater. Part 1

     Now that rehearsals are already started, scripts are out and everyone is getting ready for the first day of school to catch up with the first day of the theater season, lets talk a little about time management. That is an evil phrase we all groan about, but its also one of the best lessons we can take away from the theater. Colleges and employers have recognized that time management skills are one of the most desirable traits in new hires and theater arts teaches that. It is however, not a natural skill for many of us, so lets look at ways all you newbies can start to train yourself, along with your posture, wrench skills and speaking voice, to be the best possible in and out of the theater.

     1. Get enough sleep. That sound like the end of the day, not the beginning, but you cannot be your best if your brain is undercharged. Studies show teens sleep patterns change, so while you may get tired later, you actually need more sleep than your little brother who is in fourth grade. Unfortunately, school systems have not caught on, so you may still have to get up early. Just recognize that you PHYSICALLY need the sleep.
 
     2. Make a written list of what you need to do. A trick that is used in the culinary field that can work for everyone. They make a list, then the throw it away. Then they make it again. Then they toss it. They do this until they have their prep lists down cold. You don't need to be that militant, but make a list before you leave every day of what you need to/want to accomplish. And actually write it down. In a notebook dedicated to that purpose. Putting it in your calendar is good, but putting pen to paper uses more parts of your brain, thus locking the information in more areas and creating more neural connection to the data, making it more likely that you will remember and succeed at that task. Science.

     3. Use the drive time. If you take the bus, use that time to read and plan. If you drive with friends, you can do the same. Please don't read and drive.

     4. It goes without saying, but don't skip class. Even if you can. Much like stretching before dance or vocal warm ups before singing, skipping only hurts you and you will regret the choice later on.

     5. Be prepared. Get to your class with enough time to get your materials out and be ready to go. You will feel less overwhelmed by new information if you are not constantly searching for a pencil when the lesson starts.

     6. Eat lunch and drink water. Your brain will thank you.

     7. Use after school time wisely. If you have a study hall, use it to do homework or better yet, get ahead. Mark Twain had a saying, "Eat the frog." Sound horrible, right? Well, that's the idea. Do the hardest thing first. Get the worst part of your work out out the way. Psychologically, you will feel better. If you find you need help, you will know that very quickly and can seek help sooner than if you put it off. You will likely gain time back in your life by tackling your hardest subjects first, as you will be mentally fresher and not tired and struggling. Tip for test studying, chew gum while you study, then chew the same gum during tests. The flavor and smell will be associated with the information, making it easier to recall. Not allowed to chew gum? Hard candies, jolly ranchers, cough drops, anything like that will help.

     8. Memorize on your own time. This goes for class and rehearsal. The work starts when you know the information. Introduction, information and practical practice are your director/teacher's job. Absorbing and learning it is your job. No one can learn for you. Walk while you read, move around with your book/script. Again, the activity will help you retain information.

     9. Use rehearsal time wisely. Turn off the phone. Really, off. No one will care that your Snapchat goes silent for three hours and the Twitter-verse will survive without you. It'll all be there when you're done. Rehearsal time isn't social time. That doesn't mean you should be a cold jerk to everyone around you, but if you aren't learning your script,blocking, choreography or cues  in your rehearsal time, do your homework. You will feel better when its done, the rehearsal will be quieter and you will not have to go home to a mountain of homework. The hard stuff will already be done, right?

     10. Make time for friends, but make more time for you. Remember that whole sleep thing we started with? Resist the urge to go out with friends after rehearsal if you have to get up at 6:30 to get to class. You are more important than the social needs of others. Recognize when you need to sleep and say no to distractions when you need it.

     There are always more tips and tricks, but ten is a good place to start. Remember, its your time and you don't get it back. What are you going to create with that time? Don't be afraid to ask for help and have fun. Its theater, if you're not having fun, you're not doing it right.
   

Interesting links on the subject

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/inside-the-classroom/8-ways-to-take-control-of-your-time

http://themetapicture.com/useful-tips/