For those of you just tuning in, I’m in  the middle of a multi-part blog series called Project: Introspection.  Previously, I discussed the importance of taking the initiative.  Read on for the next part in the series.

Another lesson that goes along with time-budgeting that I talked about on Wednesday is promptness and a respect for deadlines.  Tardiness is never acceptable in theatre because it shows a lack of self-discipline, and more importantly, a lack of consideration for others.  Being late for a rehearsal or a work call or failing to finish an assigned task on time damages a production and adversely affects the work of many other people. As a result, we expect that everyone arrive on time and meet scheduled deadlines.

I’ve always been a stickler for being on time at the theatre.  I usually try to get there early, to prepare or hang out before rehearsal starts.  If I’m on a tight deadline, I make sure I’m fully prepared or work on my lines or choreography or whatever needs to be done.

I’m not going to relate a long, boring story about one time when I was late (it wasn’t my fault, i swear), but I will say this:  the success of your production depends on you and your team meeting deadlines.  If the deadlines aren’t met, whether it’s lighting up a cross or memorizing lines, guess what!  The show must go on!  Which means it goes on without your fancy cross, with you fumbling through your lines… in a word: disaster.