I’m so excited to be traveling to Vermont! I’ve been sitting on this contract for a little bit now, so I’ve had plenty of time to prep and think about what I will need to pack. I’m also in a privileged position of being able to drive a car up there, so I don’t have to worry about luggage space. I did try to consult different guides, and ultimately figured I should make my own! Here’s what I went through on my list.
Clothing
The best advice I have is to pack layers! Of course based on where you’re going, you can try to pack for the temperature, but I’ve found that both weather and rehearsal rooms can be unpredictable! Layers will allow you to adjust each day (and allow for different outfit combos!)
Some other things to think about when it comes to clothing:
Footwear: are you going to a muddy, rainy location? Will you need sneakers for working out or boots for hiking on days off? Maybe consider bringing a pair of slippers for walking around the cast house. If you’re dancing in the show, don’t forget all your dance shoes!
Formal wear: is there an opening night party where you’ll need to be dressy?
Workout clothes: is there access to a gym? Is the show super physical or dance-heavy where you’ll basically be wearing workout clothes to rehearsals?
Swimwear: is there access to a pool?
Makeup / hair
I can’t forget both my everyday makeup as well as my show makeup! I also want to think about how to do my hair for the show, although that’s a bit tough since some of those decisions may not be made until we’re in the rehearsal process / seeing everything together with costumes. If you have room you can over pack your curler, flat iron, etc. but honestly, even just a whole stock of bobby pins goes a long way. I often do pin curls to curl my hair, so whether I’m curling it, wearing a wig, or keeping it natural, the bobby pins are my main tool!
My rehearsal bag, of course! In all the packing for the long term, I almost forgot what I use every day.
(Check out this blog post on what’s in my rehearsal bag).
Also in the daily category: headphones and device chargers. I always have a phone charger on me so it's not something I think about, but I definitely want to make sure it gets transferred to my luggage! Same goes for my headphones, laptop charger, and any other cords I might need.
Shower Caddy filled with all my preferred products
I bought my shower caddy from Vera Bradley when I was going to college. It has held up since then, and I’ve used it when traveling for an extended time with a shared bathroom. I love this because the mesh keeps water from gathering, and it’s flexible so it takes up less space without any products in it, and allows you to organize your products how you want (the boxy ones are less configurable). Ideally I can find sizes of my products that will last me the length or the contract (1 to 3 months) so when I leave I just have my empty caddy to take (but that’s not always possible - travel sizes are sometimes too tiny for more than a week or two, and I might still be taking home the rest of the regular size). Unfortunately Vera Bradley seems to have discontinued their shower caddy, but I found these alternatives:
This is closest to what I have. It comes in different colors/patterns, ranging from $7-12
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I found the above when searching for alternate shower caddies. It’s more expensive than the other option ($20) but I like the closure that opens up to a hook. This is great for not worrying about your products spilling out while traveling, and the hook means you don’t have to put it on the gross bathroom floor!
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Organized medications and supplements
Of course you don’t want to forget any prescription medications! I also take a number of daily vitamins, and like to have certain over-the-counter supplements handy in case I start to feel a cold coming on. (Always consult with your healthcare providers before taking any supplements - they need to know what vitamins you take in case of interactions). Instead of packing the whole bottle, I prefer to save space and only bring the number that I’ll need.
My first recommendation is to reuse any old bottles or containers that are the right size - I take the label off of used prescription bottles and re-label with what I’m putting in instead (Reminder to always label everything so you know what you’re taking! It’s helpful to include the dosage info on your label as well!). Smaller cosmetic bottles can also work well! If you’re looking to buy something, basic searches for “pill organizer” tend to have compartments organized by days of the week, which isn’t helpful when your contract is longer than a week, or it’s a supplement you only take as needed and not every day! Instead, check out the options I found below. There’s a variety because this totally depends on how many supplements you plan on packing!
This cute container comes in different colors and sizes, for flexibility depending on how many different supplements you’re packing and whether they’re daily or as needed.
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This organizer doubles as a dispenser! I think it’s more suited for taking daily pills.
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This larger option can handle a greater number of pills. I like how you can change the number of compartments based on your needs.
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This 3-pack comes with its own labels. You can fill one pack with your daily pills, and another with your back-up / as needed supplements.
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Which supplements to pack is a personal choice, but think about the conditions you’ll be in and what you might need. (Are you performing outdoors and need allergy pills?) I will recommend the following throat products. Of course these are helpful as a singer, but I pack them even when performing a straight play, because I still want to take care of my voice! (I talked to my ENT about these, but you should always consult your own health care team with any supplement).
I love throat coat tea! I love to settle down with a cup after a long rehearsal day. I personally enjoy the taste of the original flavor, but they also make a Lemon Echinacea and Eucalyptus flavor.
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Singer’s Spray is a rescue tool if I’m feeling particularly dry or full of phlegm. Also comes in a lemon honey flavor (many don’t like the taste of the original - try to spray it in the back of your throat and not on your tongue).
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Vocal Zone throat pastilles are another rescue tool. I’ve performed in dry conditions, and these really help. Once I’m warmed up, I will pop one of these in before the performance (which also helps me to rest my voice, as a reminder not to do too much yapping!)
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Food and Snack ideas
The contract should be providing you a way to eat, whether that’s a kitchen in the artist housing, a per diem (daily amount to buy food, more common for a touring gig), cafeteria access (gigs housed on college campuses), or food directly (dinner theater gigs). That said, it’s nice to have some independence and control of your own nourishment (what if you’re hungry outside of meal times, don’t like what they’re serving, or can’t get to the shared kitchen without waking up housemates?) When I have the luxury of driving my car to a contract, I have the space to pack emergency food. Things like oatmeal packs or mac and cheese cups that don’t need to be refrigerated and all you need to do is add hot water!
This electric tea kettle boils water quickly, and collapses for easy packing!
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This travel thermos is nice because you can eat or drink right out of it! You can also adjust the temperature based on your preference or what you’re having.
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Some food ideas!
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Even if I wasn’t bringing my car, this particular contract includes use of a company car so I’ll be able to go shopping as needed during the month. But it's helpful to be as prepared as possible!
(On my way up to Vermont, I was stopping for a weekend in Massachusetts for a wedding - but that’s another story!)
As an Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As an actor, I understand finances are often tight, so I try to keep my recommendations budget-friendly! (Products on this list are under $20) (Also, I really only make pennies lol I wouldn’t advertise something if I wasn’t recommending it anyway).