ABSTRACT
As per union rules, this schedule can shift slightly. For example, meal breaks may be taken at 1pm-2pm and 6pm-7pm or there may be an extra long dinner for the designers if the actors have to get into costumes, makeup, wigs, and mics. (This time may also be used for catching up on notes.)
If you’re counting, that’s on average 84 working hours a week-16 hours a day, if you include meals (then, 96 hours a week)—for a 6-day standard theatrical workweek. More if you work 7 days in a row. This is more than double the considered “standard” American workweek of 40 hours in 5 days. These hours can be exhausting, so get as much sleep as possible-especially if you have a long commute to the theatre. If you are working in a city that relies on public transportation, treat yourself to a late-night cab ride home once or twice a week to help with overall fatigue.
