re-la-tion-ship

noun

the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected.

A lot of the time, when we think of the word "relationship," we only think about a relationship between two people. The word "relationship" might trigger a past relationship we had with someone who was/is also in theater. We might think about the "dating tree" concerning every person who dated within our theater department or the word "relationship" might just represent the connection we have with our scene partner within a play.

However, the word "relationship" is not a surface level term and if you are in theater, you are most likely in 6+ relationships. These include a relationship with your career, your environment, the text, your cast and crew, your audience and yourself.

1. Your relationship with your career

You must nurture your career and you must know how acting makes you feel. You must constantly think about what you need to do to keep this relationship alive, dynamic, growing and enduring.

2. Your relationship with the environment

This relationship is a bunch of relationships within a relationship. You must have a relationship with the stage, temperature, set, lights, costumes, etc. If you are in a touring production this relationship requires constant change, an open mind and quick adaptation.

3. Your relationship with the text

You have to have a clear understanding of the language, but also the subtext. You have to connect to the punctuation so you know how to deliver your lines. You must honor the playwright.

4. Your relationship to your cast and crew

Get to know one another. Spend time together outside of rehearsals and shows. Say "thank you" and let your cast and crew know how much you appreciate their work. Then, let them know how much you appreciate them as human beings. This relationship requires ensemble building and provides adventure, variety and endless love.

5. Your relationship with your audience

Your audience develops a trust in you and they have expectations of you. They come to support you doing what you love to do. Openness and intimacy balance this relationship. This relationship also looks after you financially. If your audience didn't pay to see you, you wouldn't have a job.

6. Your relationship with yourself

You must develop a relationship with yourself as an actor and human being. You have to love yourself. You have to take care of yourself. You have love yourself in the role and the role in you.

Channeling these relationships allow us to show love to ourselves and to those around us. If we show love to ourselves and to those around us, we will always show love in our art.