Page 2 / NEWS, TRENDS, GOSSIP AND STUFF TO DO : Behind the Scenes O.C. : Exercising Their Demons

It may not seem that way, but job stress can take its toll on actors. With all those odd characters to play, those strange personalities to take on, actors can use time to relax and reorient themselves.

Next to the shrink’s couch, what may be the therapy of choice for most folks? The gym, of course, and actors are no different.

Performers at South Coast Repertory and the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa have it easy, at least when it comes to convenience. They tend to take a short walk to the upscale Spa for perspiration and pampering.

Amanda Weig, a spokeswoman for the Spa, pointed out that SCR veterans Richard Doyle (who appears in the Mainstage production of Shaw’s “The Philanderer,” opening tonight) and Hal Landon and Martha MacFarland (both of whom are performing in the Second Stage’s “True West,” by Sam Shepard, beginning Sept. 21) have been going through their paces recently.

“It seems to be very good to go there,” Weig said. “Some exercise, some have facials and other things, but it seems to help them relax. It’s good for performers at the Center [who may only be in town for a week], as they have a place to go to, too. . . . A lot of them have asked for places to work out.”

OK, everybody off the stage and into the pool.

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For information on SCR’s “The Philanderer” or “True West,” call (714) 708-5555.