What traditions do you have with your theatre program?

The magic of theatre isn’t just in the performances; it’s woven into the traditions that bring us together! From heartwarming pre-show rituals to quirky backstage customs, these traditions create a sense of belonging and excitement for both students and educators.

We asked: What traditions do you have with your theatre program?

Feed your soul

We always have a potluck supper together on opening night. It’s Mississippi: food is a bonding experience! (Chelsea P.)

Create meaningful moments

Before each performance I hold “My Little Corner Of The World.” That is where the entire cast and crew meet with me and we share positive thoughts and feelings about the show and each other. There are lots of hugs and good feelings. (Bil G.)

One student per show receives our journal and they get to write about their experiences in that show. Only a student that receives the journal gets to look inside. I also choose one student and make them into a monkey in the style of the character they portrayed in that show, which started because I bought a monkey border for my classroom. The monkeys are displayed in my class with a picture of that student from the play and a program. (Jen M.)

I always gave my kids Angel Cards on opening night and suggested they use their inspirational word to discover something new in the play or character that night. They’d lead each other in warm-ups pre-show and I’d then have them circle up to give them each a card. If they wanted to, they could share their word and what it meant to them as a connection to the show. (Beverly B.)

Embrace fun rituals

You had to dance to enter the paint storage room. Backstory: the door to storage led to even more doors. And one does not simply walk into Mordor… (Ryne M.)

This is such a great question and brings back so many memories! For the past 25 years, I’ve had a tradition for opening night: I pick a lead character and a prop, then sneak in a funny photo — whether it’s a baby picture or a celebrity crush. It’s always an inside joke, and I team up with their friends to pull it off. The kids eagerly await "prank opening night," and my students never break character! For example, during The Odd Couple, we put a senior’s baby photo in Felix’s baby book. Last year, in Alice in Wonderland, when the rabbit opened the court scroll, we swapped in his first recital photo. The students never know who I’ll choose, but they always get a little teary-eyed after the show! (Eric M.)

Graduates get to sign the wall in our storage closet. Before every show, we hold hands and chant “Go Bananas,” beginning with a whisper and building energy each time we chant until we’re bouncing off the walls. In between performances, we eat pizza and then try to perform other actors’ scenes from memory. We are committed to being kind, brave, and curious, and we reference those traits often. (Annie E.)

Develop energy-building warm-up routines

I am the theater assistant at my high school and also an alumnus. I am trying to re-establish traditions because there was no smooth transition between directors. Combine that with COVID and traditions fell by the wayside. I brought back "frequency" as a pre-show warm-up. Everyone gathers hands and we "pass" a squeeze around. It takes a few times to get it right. I have also started a new tradition of a senior key chain that has a charm for each show they've done along with some charms to represent the school. (Cory R.)

Pass the pulse before EVERY SHOW and pass the clap at the end of EVERY REHEARSAL and quiet coyote kisses before every green room to stage exit. (Southfork PA)

Honour the team

Opening night we recognize new performers with a Premier button. We have Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum company members that are differentiated by the number of shows they’ve done. We inducted the cast and crew at half hour. Post Strike, the crew signs the walls of the catwalk. (Chris C.)

Incorporate secret traditions

We use special props from past plays in current plays even if they are hidden. It’s a small thing that brings me joy and hopefully to them too! (Susan B.)

Sorry I couldn’t tell you about our high school traditions; I’ve been told never to tell anyone! It’s a senior secret! But yes, dressing room traditions and chants only our drama department knew! Also a warm up that was different for each show. (Jack R.)

I bought this weird 3-D picture of the Santa Maria (Columbus’ boat) at a thrift store (it’s about 8 by 10) and we’ve had it somewhere on the set in every show since we opened the new auditorium in 2000! It’s become a Waldo kind of thing that only the kids know about. Alumni will come to shows and look for it on the set. (JM E.)