I’ve been backstage with dancers in semi professional ballet productions at local performing arts venues. What stands out to me most is how they are when waiting in the wings to go on stage, and how you can feel the energy change right before they go on stage.
It’s hectic backstage, everyone very focused at being mentally ready for their time to go out in front of the audience. If there are costume changes that creates another layer of stress. Usually, there has been someone backstage making sure the actors are ready for their entrance on stage, but the actors or dancers are also watching the scene that comes before them, waiting for their moment to enter the stage.
Every show I have been to or performed in the actors or dancers are doing their own make-up, hair, we ask each other if we look ok. I don’t know what that is like at the Broadway level, I would bet those actors are doing a lot themselves too.
Being backstage after a show is much different than before. Or, I should say much different once a performer is done for the show. Once their part is done they might completely ignore what is going on on stage and be relaxed in a room talking or doing whatever until the very end if they have to go out to take a bow. I think a lot depends on how long the actors have been doing that show or practicing for the show. Before teaching a zumba class I am very relaxed, because I have done the routines a zillion times. Before a folk dance performance I need to concentrate and I am more stressed, because we practice only once a week for three to five weeks before.