Mastering Efficiency: Tools and Gadgets Every Musical Theater Artist Needs
In the fast-paced world of musical theater, where every day is a whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, and performances, having the right tools and gadgets can be a game-changer. These items not only add convenience to your daily routine but also enhance efficiency with their practicality and multi-purpose features. Let's explore four key categories of tools that have transformed my life as a musical theater artist.
Privacy: Protecting Your Personal Space
Privacy might not be the first thing that comes to mind for an artist, but consider this – as performers, we're constantly in the public eye. Whether it's commuting to auditions, rehearsals, or managing other aspects of our business, privacy becomes a crucial factor. Enter the privacy screen for your phone, a simple yet powerful addition that changed my perspective.
I stumbled upon this gem when my brother, a lawyer, introduced it to me. A privacy screen ensures that your phone activities remain your own, even in crowded public spaces. Imagine sitting on a bus, working on audition materials, and not worrying about prying eyes. It's a small investment that goes a long way in safeguarding your personal conversations and work. Check out the one I use on Amazon – it's a game-changer.
Another privacy essential is the AirTag. Small yet mighty, this device has saved me from misplacing items and provided a layer of security for my belongings. Whether it's tracking luggage during travel or ensuring the safety of my car, the AirTag has proven its worth.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the links – at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating content. Thank you for your support!
Health and Wellness: Taking Care of Your Body
Maintaining health and wellness is non-negotiable for artists. Beyond the standard advice of staying hydrated and using a foam roller for muscle care, here are some unconventional uses for these tools.
The foam roller, typically known for post-workout relief, doubles as a creative tool. I've found it useful for propping up my microphone or camera during self-tape sessions. It's a versatile item that serves multiple purposes.
Multi-purpose blocks with a strap are excellent for yoga and stretching, but they also shine as supports for electronic devices. Whether it's elevating your laptop during coaching sessions or propping up your camera for self-tapes, these blocks add functionality to your everyday items.
Investing in a quality yoga mat is not just for fitness routines. It creates a personal space for stretching or meditation, even in cramped quarters. Plus, it's a hygiene savior, sparing you from shared gym mats or hotel floors.
For maintaining overall well-being, consider incorporating a fitness app into your routine. Personally, I'm a Peloton enthusiast, but find what works best for you. Having a guided fitness routine, especially during periods without rehearsals or performances, ensures you stay in peak condition.
Tech: Empowering Your Digital Presence
Efficiently organize callback information.
In today's landscape, where callbacks and tape requests are as crucial as in-person auditions, I've developed a system to streamline the organization of vital details.
In today's digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in a performer's career. A reliable microphone is a must-have for recording self-tapes and virtual auditions. The Apogee microphone, compact yet powerful, has become my go-to for its versatility and digital capabilities.
An iPad, specifically the iPad Pro, serves as my digital hub. It's not just for scripts and scores – it houses my entire career toolkit. From audition materials to e-books, having everything in one portable device streamlines my workflow.
The Samsung SSD T7, a tiny yet robust hard drive, ensures I have access to all my video footage on the go. In a profession where video is queen, safeguarding and backing up your work is paramount.
Planning Systems: Streamlining Your Workflow
Lastly, efficient planning systems are essential for solo entrepreneurs in the performing arts. Google Workspace has become my command center, unifying my email, calendar, and documents. Streamlining everything through one platform has made communication and organization a breeze.
Claiming your online real estate with a personal website is a strategic move. It's not just a portfolio; it's your digital headquarters. Whether it's showcasing your work, listing performance opportunities, or sharing news, having a website provides a centralized space that you control.
In conclusion, these tools and gadgets are more than just accessories; they are enablers of a streamlined, efficient, and successful musical theater career. As artists, embracing technology and innovative solutions enhances our ability to navigate the demands of our dynamic industry. Cheers to a more convenient and productive artistic journey!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the links – at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating content. Thank you for your support!
Ashlee Espinosa is an accomplished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. With her expertise as an experienced actress, passionate educator, and dedicated career advisor, she helps artists build fulfilling lives and careers based on their definition of success.
