Author: Lisa
Date: 2004-03-15 01:34
I haven't played Gypsy, but I have played in several community theater pits. Here are my suggestions for rookies in the pit.
1. Don't scribble a whole bunch of notes to yourself about the show in the actual pit book. You are responsible for erasing EVERYTHING in the book before it gets turned back in, whether you wrote it or not. (Occasionally--no--quite frequently, there are mistakes in at least a song or 2. When I see a true mistake correction, I leave it there.
2. Practice both sax and clarinet in the same sitting at home. When you get the pit book, start out by previewing the songs in order. (The overture, entre'act and dances will probably need your most attention.) Yes, your embouchure might feel "confused" for a while if you're not used to doubling and immediate horn changes. Work through that and just keep playing til you get tired for the day. Of the reeds you already have, maybe choose the softer ones for doubling ease. Get a doublers stand for whichever sax AND clarinet if you don't already have one.
3. Remember that the show is not 2 1/2 hours of straight playing. There is dialogue, intermission, etc.
4. If the show has a long run over more than just a weekend, you may want to write notes for yourself concerning the timing of songs after dialogue. Note songs the music director wants performed out of order. If the pit book doesn't have cue lines the actor's say just before you play, jot them down. Conductors make occasional mistakes too, and sometimes sit on the podium and enjoy the show instead of raising their baton to get everyone's attention. Speaking of attention, if you're not in a deep pit and are far back enough to see stage action, don't YOU get too involved in the performance that you don't see the downbeat for the song, esp. during first dress rehearsal. (That's also a note to self.)
5. If the show's run is long, it will become boring to listen to after a while, and you'll be able to recite the lines along with the actors!  I like to bring a good book or crossword puzzles to do during long dialogue parts.
6. Get to know the others in the pit to make connections for the future.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you "just don't get" something. Play with confidence! Your part is important and you're on your own with it, except for an occasional soli or octave doubling.
8. Arrive a bit earlier to "set up" your area. If you get there late, everyone else will have their stuff (cases, chairs) spread out, and you may have to squeeze into your spot.
9. Bring a water bottle and extra batteries for your stand light (provided by theater) when it'll inevitably go out early in the first act. The set crew will have every size battery than what you need in their possession.
10. Have fun, and please keep us updated!!!
I'm hoping some pros will add or subtract from my list. They're the experts on this topic.
Post Edited (2004-03-15 01:36)
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