Featured Photo Curtesy Of: Steppenwolf’s “Purpose,” with Harry Lennix, Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Tamara Tunie, Ayanna Bria Bakari, Jon Michael Hill/Photo: Michael Brosilow

Eating on stage during a play or musical might seem like a minor detail, but it’s a skill that requires careful consideration and practice. Whether the scene involves a quiet meal between characters or a lively banquet, how food is handled on stage can significantly impact the authenticity and flow of the performance. For both performers and directors, ensuring that these moments are executed seamlessly involves more than just consuming food—it’s about timing, pacing, portion control, and maintaining the integrity of the character and scene. 

What we will cover: 

1. Understanding the purpose of food in a scene 
2. Practicing with actual food 
3. Portion control 
4. Timing and pacing 
5. Staying in character 
6. Handling special diets and allergies 
7. Hygiene and cleanliness 
8. Staying hydrated 
9. Coordinating with the props team, and… 
10. Knowing when to fake it

As a performer, you must balance making the scene look natural with managing the logistics of stage life, particularly when food is involved. Directors, on the other hand, need to ensure that these moments enhance the narrative without slowing down the performance or distracting the audience. Whether preparing for a light snack during a dialogue-heavy scene or navigating a full-course meal, both performers and directors must approach eating on stage with the same level of care and intention as any other aspect of the production. 

1. Understand the Purpose of the Food in the Scene

Performers: Before anything else, consider why food is in the scene. Is it a casual meal that characters are sharing? A prop that drives the plot forward? Understanding the role food plays can help you determine how much emphasis to place on the eating itself. 

Directors: Ensure that the presence of food serves a purpose in the narrative. Whether it’s a plot device or a way to deepen character interactions, communicate to your actors how the food should be integrated into the scene. 

2. Practice with the Actual Food 

Performers: Whenever possible, rehearse with the actual food you’ll be eating during the performance. This helps you become familiar with the texture, taste, and any potential challenges, like chewing or swallowing quickly. 

Directors: Provide opportunities for your actors to rehearse with the actual food to ensure they are comfortable and can handle any potential issues during the performance. If the food proves challenging, work with the props team to find alternatives that maintain the scene’s authenticity. 

3. Portion Control 

Performers: Eating large quantities of food on stage can be problematic, especially if you have to speak or sing afterward. Take smaller bites, move the food around with utensils or work with the props team to prepare smaller portions. 

Directors: Consider how much food your actors will realistically need to consume and adjust portions accordingly. Too much food can slow down the scene, while too little might seem unnatural. 

4. Timing and Pacing 

Performers: Practice syncing your eating with the dialogue and action so that it feels natural. If you have lines, practice saying them with food in your mouth to ensure you’re still understandable. 

Directors: Work with your actors to ensure that the timing of their eating doesn’t disrupt the scene’s pacing. Consider running scenes multiple times to find the right rhythm. 

5. Staying in Character 

Performers: Remember that eating is part of your character’s action, so how you eat should reflect their personality. A refined character might take small, delicate bites, while a more boisterous character might eat with gusto. 

Directors: Guide your actors in making character-driven choices about how they eat. Ensure that these choices align with the overall tone and intention of the scene. 

6. Handling Special Diets and Allergies 

Performers: If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, communicate this with the production team as early as possible. Work with the director, props team and/or stage management to find appropriate alternatives that won’t put your health at risk. 

Directors: Be proactive in asking your actors about any dietary restrictions or preferences. Make accommodations to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable during the performance. Always consider fake food as an option for those with allergies. 

7. Hygiene and Cleanliness 

Performers: Eating on stage can get messy, so think ahead about how to manage crumbs, spills, or sticky fingers. Keep napkins or towels nearby and be prepared to clean up discreetly if needed. 

Directors: Ensure that scenes involving food are staged in a way that minimizes mess. Work with the props team and/or stage management to have necessary cleaning materials readily available. 

8. Stay Hydrated 

Performers: Eating on stage, especially over multiple performances, can lead to dry mouth or throat discomfort. Stay hydrated before and after the scene but be cautious about drinking too much water right before a scene where you need to eat. 

Directors: Remind your actors to stay hydrated, but also consider the timing of water breaks, especially if the scene involves eating or drinking. 

9. Coordinate with the Props Team 

Performers: The props team and/or stage management is your best ally when it comes to managing food on stage. They can provide input on what foods work best and help you troubleshoot any issues that arise. 

Directors: Collaborate closely with the props team and/or stage management to ensure that the food is not only appropriate for the scene but also manageable for your actors. Regular communication can prevent last-minute issues during performances. 

10. Know When to Fake It 

For Performers: In some cases, it might be more practical to mime eating, especially if the scene is long or the food is difficult to manage. Make sure your miming is convincing. 

For Directors: If real food isn’t necessary or practical, guide your actors in creating convincing miming actions that still convey the intended effect. 

Eating on stage is an art that requires careful consideration and practice. By understanding the role of the food in the scene, managing your portions and timing, and staying true to your character, you can ensure that these moments enhance the performance rather than detract from it. Whether you’re taking a delicate bite or chowing down with gusto, make sure your on-stage eating is as polished as your lines!