Tomorrow is Labor Day, that yearly national tribute that celebrates the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country by giving them the day off.
For most, it evokes images of construction workers in hard hats, police officers and firefighters, nurses, teachers, mail carriers and assembly-line workers.
Few think of those in the theater world as doing work at all.
In some ways, that's because of the way we often see them.
Say actor, director or choreographer to the average person, and it conjures up one of two snapshots: Either they're all spiffed up in glitzy formal wear standing on a red carpet at an opening night or slinking into or out of rehab or night court in the aftermath of some egregious excess
Partially, it's because if they are doing their jobs correctly their work should look easy and effortless.
A well-rehearsed and well-trained dance ensemble soars and spins as though borne on the wind while singing on tune and on the beat.
But it's harder than it looks.
If you doubt that premise, try singing your favorite show tune while doing a two- or three-minute aerobic workout -- the approximate length of a musical number. Time yourself to see how long it takes before you're panting for breath.
Partially, it's because much of the art of theater is the construction of a world so vivid that you forget what you're watching isn't real.
You don't see the hours of rehearsal, the years of classes, the bandaged blisters in the tap shoes, the steps tried and discarded.
You're not supposed to think about how many years the actress spent steaming espressos at Starbucks to put herself through drama school -- or whether she's still working there to support her acting career.
Wondering where the costumer found that fantastic brocade for the Duke of Milan's coat or what store sells the drawer pulls the set designer used on the kitchen cabinetry tears a hole right through the heart of the show's carefully constructed fantasy.
When the rain starts in an outdoor arena and the company soldiers on as if oblivious, you may marvel at their concentration and determination as they hold onto their characters and keep the show moving forward.
You almost certainly give not a thought to the technicians who are getting soaked while holding umbrellas over the sound and lighting equipment to shield it from moisture -- or that when the show comes down, their attention turns not to seeking shelter but to covering the seats so they aren't damp for the next performance.
It's OK to do that tomorrow, though.
So, while you celebrate the extended holiday weekend, give a thought to those who labor in the theater.
Yes, it's pleasant work for the most part and can garner gratifying attention.
Few who spend their days building car engines, filling prescriptions or collecting garbage ever receive applause or get asked for their autographs while shopping at Giant Eagle.
But it is work, and it deserves recognition.
Contemplate the casts and crews around town who are gearing up to perform for holiday audiences.
Send a mental shout-out to the crew at the Benedum that's spending the weekend putting in the set for "Wicked."
Contemplate for the artistic directors who are working their way through a pile of scripts to find that one gem that will engage an audience in the coming season.
Hoist a pint of something cold in tribute to Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival performers acting in the hot sun while wearing costumes of brocade and velvet.
Reflect on the efforts that all sorts of workers expend to make our lives more pleasant and rewarding.
Just make sure to include those who work in the theater.
