10 Life Lessons from Theater

There's a lot to learn from theater people and theater training. Here, I share just a few tips for a happier, more efficient life and practices that will help you in your job, your relationships, and even in creating your own business.
Introduction - I'd like to share lessons I've learned all the way from theater school to performing in music groups to directing plays and performing in lots of plays.
You can watch the video playlist, or read the transcript here:
1 - Your Part is Essential. It's important. As they say, there are no small parts, only small actors. I even like to think about the crew people; the prop people who put the bread on the table, so that the cast will act out having dinner. What if that prop peson forgot to put the bread on the table? Oh no!
So every part is essential.
2 - Always, always, always.....Be On Time. I had an experience once, when I was performing in a play, and we had a call time - and I was there. Except - the door was locked, and I couldn't get in. So, by the time I finally got in the door, I had beeen replaced. Someone else had been given my part because they had to keep going.
And that's why now, I allow extra time. Time for traffic, time for finding a parking place, time for making sure the door is open. Usually about a half hour more than I think I need, I allow extra time.
3 - Respect Others. This sort of goes back to the one about there's no small parts, only small actors. But it doesn't matter if you feel like somebody is more important or less important than you, we all need to respect each other,, and work together. And let's be friends!
4 - Anticipate Your Next Move. A technique we learn in acting is that you just about have to memorize the lines of the person you're speaking with, so that you're ready to take a breath just before they are finished.
So that works out into other areas of life too. You want to plan ahead. You want to be ready for the next thing. Don't you hate gaps and big delays?
5 - Check the Mirror. Check yourself in the mirror before you go out. This applies to lots of things, like going on a Zoom meeting, or going to the office. And it's good idea to get out of your pajamas before you go out too. ;)
6 - Take Care of Your Health. This is a really important one, because your body is your instrument. It's not just about theater, that's in everything. How can you work if you're sick? One of the most stressful things for me about being in a play or a concert is knowing that I CAN"T get sick. All these people are depending on me. So I've worked pretty hard on this one. if you would like some ideas on how to take good care of your health, look at the links in the decription, or click HERE.
7 - Practice Every Day. This is the way to look "talented," or gifted. It's just about practicing, and learning your craft to where it appears natural. If you do it enough, it will just feel like - it's so easy. And that's why we practice every day.
8 - Get Over Rejection. Learn to live with rejection. This was one of the most important lessons I learned in theater school. They made a point of helping us see that being rejected doesn't necessarily mean you're bad, or wrong, it just means you're not right for that particular job or part. So, get used to it! It's going to happen whether you're writer, or a salesman, or just about any job, you will experience rejection. Get over it!
9 - Support Each Other. Support your fellow actors, or musicians, or team members or whoever you work with. We all need each other. let's be friends. It's so much better working with friends.
10 - Be a Good Audience.  When you're too old to participate, be a good audience member. Or mentor, or teacher. These days, when I go to live theater, I am happy that I can be a blessing to the people I am coming to see. And I get a blessing from them too. 

I hope you will share your own life lessons in the comments. Navigating life and business is not easy, but it's much more enjoyable with support from friends.
​Peace,  Donna