Ask Amy: Help, I Double-Booked My Rehearsal Schedule!

November 23, 2014

This story originally appeared in the December 2014/January 2015 issue of Pointe.

I accidentally double-booked myself for rehearsals for two different performances. I can’t be in two places at once, and I’m afraid I’ll get fired for messing up. How can I talk to my directors? —Maye

When you’re freelancing, coordinating multiple rehearsal schedules can get sticky. In my experience, directors are usually aware that their dancers are juggling gigs and side jobs. That said, not all of them are willing to be flexible, which is why it’s best to be organized and transparent about your availability from the get-go.

In this instance, try to prioritize. Which rehearsal is more essential for you to attend? For example, if one production is only a week away from performances, or you’re learning a crucial scene, you probably shouldn’t miss it. You also want to gauge each director’s personality—approach the one who seems most agreeable first to see if there’s anything you can do. Apologize for the mishap, and promise you’ll be more careful about scheduling in the future. But if neither is willing to compromise—and your job is on the line—determine which project you’re more interested in or which director you’d prefer to keep working with in the future.

Have a question? Send it to Pointe editor in chief and former dancer Amy Brandt at [email protected].