In the theater world, we all have rituals we tend to before our shows. It may differ depending on the day (week shows or weekends), and it also may depend on the show they are currently doing. For me, I know that I always have the most rituals before Saturday shows. I created a list of my most common and favorite ways to prep for a show or just destress before a run.

1. Sleep in hardcore.

For a normal show week, I am always up late for the shows and doing homework. On a day like this, I always sleep in until around at least 9 AM.

2. Take a bath.

It sounds like an obvious one, but nonetheless is something that I always put on my priority for a Saturday morning. I get my favorite bubble bath, play some jams and soak for as long as I want. It’s my time of the day to be selfish and just relax.

3.Listen to showtunes.

I’m a mainstream theater kid to the core. Although I may jam out to the occasional song on the radio, I spend most of my time listening to Broadway cast recordings. It inspires me for the show that night, and I love getting to learn about more and more shows and the beauty behind them all. Currently, I have been obsessed with Dear Evan Hansen (I mean, who isn’t?), Big Fish (I remembered how much I love this show), Hunchback of Notre Dame (beautiful I cannot help) and Come From Away (new one and I love love love). They help me unwind and focus for my own performance.

4. Hang out with my parents.

I like to take a break from hanging with anyone or being social the morning of a Saturday show to keep focus for the night ahead, but I love spending time with my mom and dad. They keep me grounded and push me to be the best I can be everyday even though I don’t always get to spend the time I want to with them. I am usually at rehearsal or performing, so having quality time with them is a great way to remind me why I do what I do. No matter what, my parents are the best and are my biggest fans. I love them with all my heart.

5. Do my makeup.

On nights of shows where we have school, I get ready in the dressing room usually when it’s time for call. I get dinner before, and it just works the best. However, doing my makeup at home on these days minimize my stress for the night and allows to me not feel like I have to rush. At school, we share dressing room spots, and I feel so guilty when I’m getting ready not in my time slot and stealing the spot. Doing it in the comfort of my home is calming, and I get to crank up my own tunes.

6. FaceTime.

This is just a general one, but if I am going to talk to my friends on a morning like this, it usually takes place over FaceTime. Sometimes I get to say hi to my family in Canada too. I perform because I love people, and surrounding myself with people keeps me sane. Knowing so many people support me in what I do is encouraging and can amp me up for a Saturday run.

7. Odyssey.

I always love Odyssey, but it really helps me calm down and prep. I love writing, but also getting to read other people’s work is really soothing. Especially when I have my morning coffee and warm weather, I hit the jackpot. My two passions are performing and writing or communicating with people, and putting those both in the same day put me in the most positive mood.

Somedays, you just get so stressed or you’re just in the worst mood. Theater always fixes that for me. Although we get exhausted, performing is worth the long nights and blood, sweat and tears. I wouldn’t give it up for anything. With a little detox and relaxation, I am always game. Hit with me another show. I’ll never quit.