It’s that time. Those two words that every performer knows and fears: tech week. The week before a performance where rehearsals are unforgiving and take place every single day, lasting hours upon hours. It is certainly not for the weak. Being in tech week is not unlike living in the brutal and unforgiving fantasy world of Westeros. When you play the game of shows, you win or you die.

1. When you arrive at rehearsal

2. Vs. when you leave rehearsal

3. When call time is an hour before anything actually starts

4. When you can’t find something slightly important

5. When the dressing room isn’t unlocked when you get there

6. When you admit that you actually do need help with that one quick change you thought you could handle

7. When you all do your pre-show rituals that look like a cult to anyone outside of the company

8. When you lounge backstage in your costume with no shame

9. When the opening night audience arrives

10. When it’s all over and you realize you’ll never perform this show again.