With my warmest applause for @joolieannie, whose viral TikTok video has earned her the money she needs for her transition!

1. You stay quiet while other actors are rehearsing

Being respectful of others while they are working is very cutesy, very demure. Making a bunch of noise at rehearsal is disrespectful of others’ time and energy, and plain old distracting. Treat others like you want to be treated!

2. You learn your lines by (or even before) the off-book date

When you’re the only one who isn’t prepared, it’s embarrassing for you, and it’s frustrating for everyone else. Not knowing your lines is a disaster waiting to happen! It also wastes time in rehearsal. Practicing your lines thoroughly ahead of time so you’re completely ready for the off-book date is very considerate.

3. You communicate with your production staff

If problems arise, you should immediately talk to your production staff so they can handle it. Being a clear communicator is very approachable. It helps you avoid bigger problems in the future.

4. You take good care of your props, and don’t touch other people’s props

Be careful with your props, as well as your costumes, and be especially careful with those that others need to use. There are few things worse than having something you need for a scene messed with by someone who had no business touching it in the first place– except maybe the bad feeling that comes from being the person who messed with the prop. Respecting other’s tracks in the show is very mindful.

5. You pay close attention to the rehearsal schedule to avoid unexpected conflicts

Calling out of rehearsal at the last minute creates a lot of problems for a lot of people. Keep your rehearsal schedule somewhere you have easy access to it, so you can reference it as needed to make sure you don’t accidentally overbook yourself. Being prepared for rehearsals is very cutesy.

6. You come to rehearsals on time, and let the staff know if you’ll be late

Being on time is a must. Inevitably, though, things will occasionally come up– we can’t always plan our way out of freak traffic blocks or unexpected car problems. If you are going to be late, it’s very considerate, very demure to tell the production staff ASAP. Make sure you have contact information for the appropriate people, so you can give them a heads up if something like this happens.

7. You don’t eat in costume

You shouldn’t eat in costume because of the potential for stains or crumbs to ruin the look your production’s costumer likely worked hard and spent money on. Respecting your costumer is very demure.

8. You treat the production techs like human beings

The stage carpenters, lighting designers, and audio technicians who make sure your production can happen are just as important as you are, mx. actor! Be very respectful, very demure in your communications with them. Don’t forget to treat them with kindness– and say thank you!

9. You stay home if you’re sick

Please, don’t come to rehearsal if you’re sick. Call on your understudies if you need them! Coming sick puts everyone’s health at risk. Putting others in harm’s way is not very cutesy.

10. You stay professional with your fellow actors

This means you treat each other well. But not too well. Stay away from that showmance until the production is over, girlies– it can cause real problems for the entire production. Let’s be mindful of everyone else’s boundaries and not get entangled with something that might make others uncomfortable.

Let’s not forget to be demure, divas!