In September 2011 I left on my first tour with the National Theater for Children. At the time I was writing a blog post about all the things I was learning on the road. For some reason I never got around to publishing it.
Late’s better than never, right?
Special shoutout to rockstar tour partners John Potter and Tony Milder for their support, patience, understanding, trust, and love. Additionally, much love and respect to Rebecca and Andy for the adventures we shared collectively!
Here’s what I learned on the road for future NTC touring actors.
- Pace yourself.
- Kids are everywhere, Behave.
- Compliments come in many forms.
- But remember: Haters Gotta Hate.
- …So Review your script.
- Stay loose.
- Elementary school bathrooms are disasters. Pee-pare to be disgusted.
- You’ll usually park next to a dumpster leaking spoiled milk.
- You’ll fight with your tour partner.
- Take risks.
- Buy postcards. Then send ’em.
- Stay active.
- Stay hydrated.
- Sightsee.
- Earn & thank the fans.
- Learn something new everyday.
- Get your hotel lined-up early.
- Everything is negotiable.
- Tour under-budget & negotiate a higher contract next time.
- Bring business cards. If a staff member at the school is taking pictures easily request a copy & you could even get yourself a new agent…
- Meet up with other tours.
- Bring your own supplies.
- Share duties.
- Know car basics.
- Take lots of pictures.
- Be yourself.
- Support your tour partner.
- Eat healthy.
- Discover local gems…
- …including the locals!
- Try new things…
- …including: dating the locals!
- Patience: learn & practice.
- Costumes need to be washed more often than you think.
- Love the clothes you bring.
- Stay in touch with loved ones.
- Be grateful.
- Rejoice! You’re living the dream!
Two performances down & 135 to go! Stopping for gas then off to Jackson, TN w/ @johnpotter6! #ntcactorsontour
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) September 9, 2011
@skippyjif & I are @ Bull City & 1 of the students from a show this just spotted us. Totally feeling like a celebrity! #ntcactorsontour
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) January 26, 2012
3 great shows today, one kindergartner even peed the pants after the 2nd show…we're just that funny. #ntcactorsontour
— John Potter (@johnpotter6) September 13, 2011
@skippyjif & I ended week 4 of being #ntcactorsontour with a 3rd grader in the audience exclaiming, "This isn't funny." Yum, humble pie!
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) February 17, 2012
@johnpotter6 & my last show of the day was full energy, a vocal audience & a correct line I'd been saying wrong all week! #ntcactorsontour
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) September 15, 2011
@michaelvenske told me he liked Alan Cumming more than Joel Grey. This led to our first spat. I think we'll get past it. #ntcactorsontour
— John Potter (@johnpotter6) September 19, 2011
I'm not famous or a celebrity, but autographing 45 4th graders hands makes me feel like a rockstar! Such a fun show today! #ntcactorsontour
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) March 9, 2012
This morning @skippyjif discovered this report on the Tuskegee Airmen. They're "fun fucks." #ntcactorsontour pic.twitter.com/6zOldRoP
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) February 23, 2012
Sitting next to @johnpotter6 trying to figure out where we're going to be staying on Monday & Tuesday & Wednesday and… #ntcactorsontour
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) September 9, 2011
#ntcactorsontour highlights: 1) Teacher asks for card b/c her "sister is a talent agent;" 2) 4th grader asks if I'm gay.
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) January 24, 2012
Had too much fun with @johnpotter6 and @michaelvenske in Nashville! Thanks for the memories, boys! Enjoy your moonshine! #ntcactorsontour
— Rebecca Lawson (@HereIsRebecca) September 25, 2011
RT As luck would have it Andy and I ran into @michaelvenske and @johnpotter6 in Louisville for a fantastic dinner! #ntcactorsontour
— Rebecca Lawson (@HereIsRebecca) November 5, 2011
I guess our tire pressure was low? I didn't know was this meant, but fortunately @michaelvenske did. #ntcactorsontour http://t.co/ySN9TA0F
— John Potter (@johnpotter6) September 23, 2011
"I'm all fidgety, and I have to poop. All I smell like is garlic and asshole." @michaelvenske #ntcactorsontour
— Tony Milder (@skippyjif) January 21, 2012
This afternoon's shows left me feeling drained. Luckily @johnpotter6 didn't bother me while I enjoyed a 2.5 hour nap! #ntcactorsontour
— Michael Venske (@michaelvenske) October 10, 2011
What have you learned while touring? Please leave a comment!
THOUGHTS?