With the exception of intense roles like Cio Cio San and Violetta, opera singers have some time to kill backstage during productions. During both rehearsals and the run of the show, your off-stage time can be a valuable asset. Depending on the space, you may not have the option of chatting with your colleagues between scenes. Yes, you can quietly read a book, scroll through Facebook, or play Two Dots to pass the time, but you can also use the time more productively. Here are some suggestions to make your off-stage time work for you.

Prep your week

Your off-stage time is the ideal opportunity to take care of the “life” things that can get sidetracked when you’re in rehearsal. Take this time to organize your grocery list and schedule appointments via email. Look over your calendar and see when you have a free moment to get coffee with a friend. Do all of the things you want to do "when you have time." Just because you're technically working doesn't mean you can't take care of your own life. Use your downtime today to make life easier tomorrow.

Make your own scarf

Crocheting and knitting are perfect off-stage crafts. You can make everything from blankets to stuffed animals, and it's a great stress reliever. Once you get the basics, you can whip up a scarf with little effort. Your hands will be busy while keeping yourself alert to what aria has just ended in the act two run. People who cannot crochet or knit are very impressed with this craft, and people who can enjoy talking with you about this project and their own works. Yarn projects are portable, fun, and at the end of it all you have a gift for yourself or a friend. If you get prolific with your crafts you could even try selling your items. Wondering which method to try? If you want to make socks, best practice recommends knitting. If you want to make stuffed animals and make hooker puns, go with crochet. 

Balance your budget

Budgeting apps like Mint and Wally make dealing with your finances simpler than ever, but even those won't do all of the work for you. Use your downtime to review your finances, check where you may be overspending, and make a plan to stretch every dollar from this gig. There are even apps available like Stride Tax to track your freelancer finances and to help you get a jump on the next tax season. If apps aren't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other tried and true methods for crafting a budget. Use your break between the chorus number in the second scene and the act one finale to test some options and see what clicks with you. Not sure where to start? Here's some Budget 101.

Writing and drawing

Nothing goes with art like more art. Challenge your creativity and write a short story. If you want to get more into character, try creating a scene from your character's life outside of the opera. If fiction isn't your style, journaling is a great way to work through any emotions you're experiencing. If you're having a wonderful time with the production, it's an excellent way to capture your favorite memories. Since a picture is worth a thousand words (and you don't have time to write a thousand words, you need to get back on stage), drawing may be just the ticket. Try sketching a vision of your character outside of the opera or a character from your favorite book. 

Learn a new language

Singing in a language is great, but understanding what's coming out of your mouth is even better. Naturally, there's an app for that. Duolingo offers courses to help you learn Italian, French, German, Russian, Klingon, and many other languages that can benefit opera singers. The game-like design of their courses are perfect for getting a little practice in between scenes. Leave your intense language workbook at home and use these moments to brush up on your translation skills without the need for absolute silence and hours of concentration.

Don't feel like learning a spoken language? How about learning to speak to computers? Programming is a highly in-demand skill that can help you in crafting your own website or potentially getting you freelance work in the future. Sites like freeCodeCamp are available to help teach the basics of coding in bite-sized courses. Whatever language you choose, using your off-stage time to increase your knowledge is a quick step towards self-improvement.

Plan a vacation

From a weekend getaway to a round the world adventure, if you have travel on the horizon, your off-stage time is a great time to make your plans. There are the obvious logistics like booking flights and hotels, but you can also scan Yelp to find the best restaurants in the area or some spots only the locals know about. If you have a lot of downtime, imagining your future travel can be the perfect distraction from a particularly tedious rehearsal. Once you're out of town, you'll be happy to have some reference points on hand and not scramble to find the best hiking trails or happy hour deals. 

Keep on your singer grind

If you’re lucky enough to have a new gig coming up, take your downtime for this show to prep for the next. Highlight your score, write in your translations, prepare your role study checklist, and complete all of the prep work now. That way when you have time to dive into your score you will be ready to focus on the music. Being overbooked with opera work is a wonderful problem to have. Even if your next role is a little ways off, backstage is a great place to spruce up your brand. Make improvements to your website, update your resume, or research headshot photographers in your area. Don't forget to take some fun photos with your castmates and share them on your social media profiles. Let people know that you're having a great time in the production even when you're sitting around killing time.

There may still be days when all you can handle in rehearsal is liking puppy pictures on Instagram, and that's okay. On days when you have some bandwidth, try using your valuable off-stage time for things that benefit your daily life and mental health. Even if you are playing Nun #19 in this production of Suor Angelica, you still have plenty you can do. If you are able to fill every bit of rehearsal with activities that benefit you, you will leave every rehearsal feeling accomplished.