Driving halfway across country gets my mind thinking about fatigue and its affects.
Theatre is notorious for keeping its actors, designers, and techs up wee hours into the night/morning. This is painfully true during tech/opening week. Since most Chicago actors are pulling day jobs to make their bread taking a day off can be difficult.
This leads to dangerous fatigue in a very stressful time. The first performance with an audience will see speeds drastically increase and intentions intensify. If this is coupled with adrenaline from fatigue mistakes can (and do) happen.
The solution lies in better management of time in rehearsals, especially in the week of opening. The process for putting up productions has remained unchanged for decades. There surely are ways to do what is technically necessary without exhausting the cast and crew.
As an actor performing stage combat, be sure to protect yourself and fellow cast by being as rested as possible. As hard as a money hit may be, if that is your only option (it shouldn't be) then it is better than an injury that could end or alter your career. You also have the right to be sure your fight partner(s) are rested and able. If at any point you feel unsafe either perform the fight slowly or cut it. No amount of money, no review, no role is worth injury.
Greg
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