One saying that I stuck by all haunt season other than, "Do what's best for the haunt." was the phrase, "We don't leave unless we are in a body bag." Instead of tapping out a few hours in because "I'm tired" or "my big toe hurts" I and everyone in my area of the haunt stood by this saying. I was so proud of my little area, fighting through any minor pain or cold and being so proud of themselves once the night was over because they didn't let anyone down and had a kick ass show. It wasn't until I was dragged out of the haunt one night, weak, dehydrated, malnourished, and on the verge of passing out, that I realized...there is a real and scary limit to what an actor can and can't do.
There is a vast difference between pushing your body to the extreme and pushing your body to it's breaking point. For example, there is a girl that works at Ravenwood Manor, Molly, who doesn't really care how injured she gets. I've seen her jumping off the roof, breaking glass and mirrors with her bare hand, I've even seen her swallow a huge rock just to shock the audience. (I still have no idea if that sucker is still stuck somewhere in her system. Poor rock.) She's the kind of person who will refuse all medical help and get upset if anyone calls a doctor. She's also a trained stunt woman. So, she knows how to take a punch and can physically handle everything she does. She's pushing her body to the extreme, but she keeps her limits in mind.
On the other hand, there's another actor, Jim. He comes to the haunt, having eaten nothing all day, despite having major issues with his blood sugar. He only drinks energy drinks to keep his energy up, despite having a heart condition. Then, he goes into his scene, which is basically a hot box with little ventilation and has to scream and thrash around all night. On top of this, he decides to wear the hottest, long-sleeve and long pants costume instead of the shorter version. He does everything in his power to make his job harder for him and by the end of every night he nearly passes out or has a dramatic meltdown. This is pushing your body to it's breaking point, and there is no sympathy for that.
Taking care of your body and yourself is the most important thing you can do to help the show succeed. If you are hurt, it's not smart to keep pushing yourself until you completely break. Pacing yourself is key. If you are hurt or sick and you go 100% on every group from jump, you will end up being out for the next few days to recover. Now your stage manager has to figure out how to fill your spot for all these extra days. If you were to go 50% for each group instead, you will last the entire weekend. Sure, it won't be the best performance on the planet, but it will keep you safe and keep you in the game a bit longer than if you used up all your strength and energy in a single night.
If you are injured, let someone know. Don't keep it a secret and end up permanently hurting yourself. Nobody likes a dumb martyr that could've avoided getting hurt. Most owners will understand if you are hurt and will try to accomidate the best they can. If you're worried about bringing your haunt down or being a waste of space, just stop that train of thought. There is a place for everybody. Every role is vital. If you have to stay seated for medical reasons, there will definately be a spot for you to sit and get a few good scares. If you need to take a break every night for medical reasons, there is definately a way to put you in a room that works with two actors but can also work with one when you need to take your break. There are ALWAYS options much better than hurting yourself and ignoring your health and well being.
During show nights, there's a checklist of things to keep in mind. After this past year, I'll definately keep these things in the front of my mind.
1. EAT before getting to the haunt. Bring snacks to keep you energized through the night.
2. Stay HYDRATED!!!! Don't ignore this. Water is your saving grace! Water is life. I love when you love water.
3. DRESS for the weather. Wear shorts on hot nights and leggigns when it's cold. There's a weather app on your phone to help you out.
4. WARM-UP your body and voice. Stretching and vocal exercises will keep you from hurting yourself through the night.
5. Take MEDICINE if you are sick or are prone to headaches or pain by the end of the night. (Advil is my life during haunt.)
6. Get enought SLEEP. Don't go party all night after the high of the haunt (Like I did). Get your rest or you will be miserable, tired, grouchy, and not at your best level for performing.
Whenever people don't follow these things, about two weeks into the season they begin dropping like flies. We want to make sure everyone can survive the entire season. Not just the first week. There shouls also ALWAYS be runners in your haunt stocked with any food, drinks, and medicine you may need, but don’t rely on them entirely. Please be responsible and know how to take care of yourself.
Now, I'm not usually this preachy about health and safety. I'm well known at my haunt for putting myself and my health last because that's just the kind of person I am. Maybe I just needed this for me. Lately, I've had health on my mind. If you've been reading the blog, you will know that I was excited to start the upcoming season. I had plans to get in shape, learn how to do flips and climb and perform all kind of acrobatic stunts (Was I delusional? Maybe just a bit, but I was determined.) so that I would have something special to offer the next season, but I soon learned that I had to stop. I recently injured myself (worse than I like to let on), and, instead of worrying about my own health, I instantly thought, "What about the haunt?" Hell, when the doctor told me I may not be better by October, I told him to just cut off my injured limb. Ravenwood could definately use an amputee actor, right?
After I got hurt and after I got the diagnosis, it really began to hit me. I was going to be limited this year. (And if anyone knows me, I'm too ambitious for my own good. Limitations are NOT an option.) I began scrapping all my audition ideas. I deleted the monologue I've been working on. I have no idea what I'm going to do or what I even want to showcase anymore. (Hello, my name is Jaz and I will be auditioning for Tree Stump #2.) I began to spiral into this weird depression because I was going to be seen as weak and broken and unable to do everything and anything in the haunt. It sucked. It still sucks, and it scares me, but I feel like I still can't let my haunt family down. I starting thinking of alternatives to acting (Dramatically jumping to the worst case scenario of being completely unable to act because of an injury. Typical Jaz.). I could work in the ticket booth. That would be helpful. I wouldn't be a waste of space. I will still be vital to the cause. (Insert world's biggest eye roll here.)
Anyway, I guess by writing this post I'm giving the young, stuborn, little haunter in me the "Come to Jesus" talk I need. There's no reason to get down or upset because I'm human and I get hurt. There are always options. There will be time to heal. I just need to allow myself the time to let myself heal. The same advice goes to you, my pretties. If you go into the season with injuries or you are discouraged because of medical issues, don't be. Haunt is a home for every little monster, no matter how broken and mangled you are. The health and safety of an actor is the most important thing. The show will go on. It always finds a way to go on. There is always a place for everyone, but if you blindly throw your safety out the window on your own accord to prove a point that nobody asked you to prove (what I always do because I'm stupid), don't expect everyone to catch you and baby you when you fall. Take care of yourself. If not for you, then for your haunt. Do what's best for the haunt, but also do what's best for you.
On that note, stay scary and happy hauntings, my pretties!
From your Wicked Witch of the South,
Jaz
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