topherchris

My first paying job was as the drummer in a pit orchestra for a dinner theatre that featured musicals and served awful food. $30 per show, unpaid rehearsals, all paid under the table. Since I was young at the time (still in middle school) it was pretty intimidating. Here I was, the only kid by a long shot, working closely with other musicians and dealing with the eccentricities of some of the best and worst actors in the area.

As time went on, I got over being “the kid” and went with it. I learned that actors, especially stage actors, really are crazy. I learned that you can pretty much screw up anything as badly as possible but not many people will notice if you keep on smiling. And I learned that putting on a tuxedo every goddamn day actually gets to be almost enjoyable.

It was a great experience which I remember fondly.

Don’t blame me, thephenthouse asked.