The Forgotten Rule of Theatre and Film

If you’ve ever worked in theatre or film, you’ve probably heard this phrase before:

 "Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable."

It’s one of those golden rules that gets drilled into actors and crew members—yet, somehow, people still forget it. These days, with last-minute texts and “Sorry, I’m running five minutes behind” messages, punctuality is becoming a lost art. But in this industry, being late isn’t just an inconvenience—it can cost you your reputation.

Why This Rule Exists

Theatre and film run on tight schedules. Every minute counts. A late actor means delayed rehearsals. A missing crew member means everyone else has to wait. A production that falls behind schedule? That costs money—and no director or producer wants that.

It’s not just about logistics, though. Being early (or at least, never late) shows that you’re serious, professional, and someone people can rely on. And trust me, reliability will get you more jobs than talent alone.

What Happens When You Ignore This Rule?

• You stress everyone out. If a rehearsal starts at 6 PM and you stroll in at 6:02, people are already frustrated.

• You make a bad impression. Directors and producers remember the ones who are late. You don’t want to be that person.

• You risk missing opportunities. If you’re not ready when your name is called, someone else might get your shot instead.

And here’s the harsh truth: in a world full of talented performers, the easiest way to stand out is to be the one who’s always prepared and on time.

How to Never Be “That Person”

• Plan for the unexpected. Traffic, transport delays, lost scripts—assume something will go wrong and give yourself extra time.

• Set alarms and reminders. Not just for the start time, but for when you need to leave to get there early.

• Get in the habit of arriving 15 minutes early. Make it second nature. Use that time to warm up, go over lines, or just breathe before the chaos starts.

• Respect other people’s time. If a director calls for 10 AM, that means ready to go at 10 AM, not walking through the door at 10 AM.

  
  

Final Thought

In this industry, talent is important, but professionalism is what keeps people coming back. Showing up early isn’t about being a perfectionist—it’s about being someone people can count on. So next time you’re heading to a rehearsal, an audition, or a shoot, remember the forgotten rule: early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.

And if you’re reading this thinking, "Oops, I’ve been that person,"—don’t worry. There’s always time to change. Just start now.The Forgotten Rule of Theatre and Film