Maybe we should say a little prayer
The stress level around here is high these days. Without going into details (so as to not start any drama in the rare chance that someone involved in the show reads this), it's been an emotional challenge for everyone. Actors have been getting frustrated with the process and I have been frustrated with the condescending way people (including myself) are addressed. One day, when tensions were particularly high, I had to go find one of my actors. I knew he was probably out smoking, but we rehearse on the 4th floor, and he was on the first. So I went sprinting down the stairs after being verbally abused for things running a few minutes behind (which was for reasons beyond my control). I got down there, and said actor was walking in and so i said, "we're ready to get started!" As we rode the elevator, he said, "I was cooling off." I said, "yeah. it's fine. Director is just anxious to get started". The actor and I had a brief chat about his present frustrations. He said, "It really pisses me off. I don't know what to do besides pray." I said, "yeah, I don't know why that happened". He said, "Should we pray? Maybe we should say a little prayer right now." And without missing a beat, we both hung our heads. i don't know if he actually said a prayer, but I did. I said the first prayer i've said in months. then after having just enough time to silently pray "Dear God, help us", the elevator doors opened and we both walked out smiling...putting on a face of strength. and as those doors opened, I realized that if I hope to survive this show, I need more moments of 10 second prayers.