Actor Etiquette: How to Behave Every Step of the Way

Adapted from a Backstage article by JV Mercanti

Rehearsal:

• Arrive early for all rehearsals.
  • Give yourself time to travel, warm up, and be ready to work at start time for rehearsal.
  • Come back from breaks on time and ready to work.
• Bring a pencil and paper with you every day and have back ups.
• Have a notebook exclusively for the project that contains things like character thoughts, facts about the project and your character, what other characters say about you, the circumstances of every scene, your questions and ideas, and notes from the director. The process of writing aids your memory. 
• Be positive and support the process.
• Approach individuals and introduce yourself before and after rehearsals, as well as during breaks. (Don’t wait for them to come to you.)
  • Ask people what role they play. Let them know what your role is in the show, 
    
  • Make conversation by asking questions, not by talking about yourself.
• Wear clothes that allow you to run, jump, stretch, bend, and dance during rehearsal.
  • Shoes are required at all rehearsals.​
    • Don’t wear open-toed shoes, sandals or flip flops unless the role requires them. 
  • Dress similar to your character in rehearsal. 
• Do not change your hair length, color, or style at any time before rehearsal starts or during the process without consulting your director/designer first.
• As far as personal hygiene goes, always brush your teeth, shower, and wear deodorant and clean clothes. 
• Bring a water bottle and healthy snacks if you need them.
• Keep your character idea flexible. The directors may steer you in a different direction, so try it out. If you’re not feeling it, use your reading and analysis of the script to support their case.
• Rehearsal is a collaboration—but ultimately your directors have the final say.
• Pay attention to what your directors say about the project.
  
  • You often can pick up something valuable to use.
• Don’t ask too many questions.
• Don’t make everything about you. 
• Look up the definition and pronunciation of any word or reference you do not know.
• Find an activity for every scene you’re in. Activity creates behavior. Acting is doing.
• Use the rehearsal room as your opportunity to take chances.
• Listen to the script and director, not your ego.
• Be off-book the second time you get to a scene. 
  • Try not to paraphrase lines. 
• Always find a sense of urgency and a sense of humor in your character.
• Respect the work of your fellow actors.
  • Don’t talk while others are working.
  • Be respectful and quiet inside the rehearsal space.
  • Be patient.
• No physical contact without first discussing it with your scene partners. 
  • ​​Talk to your scene partners about boundaries. 
• Remember that no matter the size of your role, you’re part of a bigger picture.
• Keep your ego in check—you’re almost always replaceable.​​
• Thank the directors for their time.

Tech rehearsals + performances:

• Leave your phone inside the dressing room. No phones should be backstage.
• Don’t talk backstage.
• Listen to what your directors says during notes and write it all down.
• Listen to your stage managers and their assistants. Respect them. Appreciate them. Thank them.
• Befriend all the tech people working backstage and in the space, as well as the ushers and front of house staff.
• Tech is not the best time to ask your directors major questions as their focus will likely be elsewhere.
• Remember every day that this is what you wanted to do, and that you’re lucky to be doing it. This is where you come to be safe, inspired, take risks, collaborate, and create art. Appreciate it.