An Actor's Obligation

Have you ever been in a show where you or another actor had an "off night?" Worse yet, have you ever been in the audience of a show that was having an "off night?" Why is it acceptable to excuse a sub-par performance? Don't we, as actors, have an obligation to our castmates and audience?

We have one chance every night to make a lasting impression. The audience doesn't care if we had a bad day at work or the dog threw up on the carpet or we had a fight with our significant other or if that certain "someone" came to see the show. Each and every person took time out of their lives and money out of their pockets to see us; we owe them the best work we can give. If a cast has an "off night," are they going to offer rainchecks for people to come see a better show for free? Of course not. We shrug it off and say, "Oh well, I'll/we'll be better tomorrow." I saw a show during the Rogue on an "off night." I felt cheated, especially when a cast member said that the night before had been really good. "Thanks for coming; too bad you saw us on an off night."

What will make Ventoux stand apart is the training the actors are getting. With what everyone is learning in terms of emotions, relationships, etc. if somebody has a bad day it won't affect the performance. Every night we will bring our best game, because every night is opening night.