Tips for 1st Time Performers
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Category: Producing Theater
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1978
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 4:38pm
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Topic: Tips for 1st Time Performers
Posted By: claning
Subject: Tips for 1st Time Performers
Date Posted: 8/17/06 at 11:30pm
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On our community theatre podcast "Your Neighborhood Stage" ( http://www.neighborhoodstage.com/ - http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com ), one listener has asked for tips for a first time performer. This listener just landed a lead role in a show (his first show ever) and wants to know some tips to help him through. ------------- Chris Laning, Co-Host "Your Neighborhood Stage" Podcast http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com chris@neighborhoodstage.com |
Replies:
Posted By: susanhollister
Date Posted: 8/18/06 at 1:39am
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Practice... practice... practice. :) And never forget presence of mind.
------------- Susan Hollister http://www.search-snake.com - Snake Search.com mailto:hollister.susan@gmail.com - hollister.susan@gmail.com Search your own way today. |
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 8/18/06 at 11:35am
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Spencer Tracy said it best when asked the secret of good acting: "Learn all your lines and try not to bump into the furniture." ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: B-M-D
Date Posted: 8/18/06 at 12:33pm
I'd have to agree with that advice! However I'm more concerned with the fool of a director that cast someone with no experience in a lead role. But then again the up side is no bad habits to contend with! Hmmmmm.....maybe not so foolish after all.
------------- BD 
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
Posted By: castMe
Date Posted: 8/18/06 at 5:33pm
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Learn your lines Bring a pencil and eraser to each rehearsal and mark down your blocking and director's notes (never trust it to memory, you may not return to that scene for a few weeks) Speak loudly and clearly (hit those consonents) Ask questions if you don't understand what you are being asked to do, but don't argue with your director Don't talk backstage----EVER Pay attention to what's going on when you are NOT on stage (you never know what you may learn or when you may learn it) ...and did I mention.....learn your lines? You cannot truely begin to act, to fully develope your character, until you've set aside the script. ------------- Investigate. Imagine. Choose. |
Posted By: castMe
Date Posted: 8/19/06 at 12:01pm
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oh yeah.....be on time for rehearsals.
------------- Investigate. Imagine. Choose. |
Posted By: claning
Date Posted: 8/20/06 at 9:22pm
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Thanks for the responses. I would like to read all or part of some of them on this week's episode of "Your Neighborhood Stage" podcast. If you would like me to mention your real name should I read your response, and you did not include it in the message, email me at mailto:chris@neighborhoodstage.com - chris@neighborhoodstage.com . Otherwise, I will credit it to your screen name. This week's show (episoded 1.13) should be released on Tuesday. So check and see if you response is included. Thanks again.
------------- Chris Laning, Co-Host "Your Neighborhood Stage" Podcast http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com chris@neighborhoodstage.com |
Posted By: jphock
Date Posted: 8/21/06 at 9:03am
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The following list was posted on a different message board in response to the question "How do I make a good impression on a director?"
While the situation is slightly different here, I think these are excellent tips for a 1st timer-- Show up 15 minutes before you are called for every rehearsal Come prepared to work Leave your ?day? at the rehearsal room door and focus on your rehearsal Do your character development and script work at home Stay in character whenever you are on stage Don?t venture off from the rehearsal hall while you are waiting for your next scene Let the stage manager know where you will be if you do need a break so you can be found in case the director wants to work a scene that you are in but was not plan for Carry a pad and pencil and take notes when you are getting notes from the director Pay attention at notes and ?Hang? on every word as if it is the most important thing in your life Avoid loud conversations during rehearsals Know your lines Know your blocking Don?t argue with your director at any time Discuss your ideas for changes off-line with the director one-on-one Don?t gossip Don?t be high maintenance Don?t ever back stage direct |
Posted By: B-M-D
Date Posted: 8/21/06 at 10:11am
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Great advice for even the most seasoned of performers!
------------- BD
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
Posted By: bigtech
Date Posted: 8/21/06 at 11:20am
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Don't expect perfection on the first time out, and don't beat yourself up if you make some mistakes. For most folks, you're bound to be nervous on the first time out. No matter what happens you will have succeeded in improving a great deal. ------------- The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was. |
Posted By: claning
Date Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:22am
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Thanks to everyone who responded to this topic. I have used several of the responses in this week's episode which was posted this morning and is available at http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com - http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com .
------------- Chris Laning, Co-Host "Your Neighborhood Stage" Podcast http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com chris@neighborhoodstage.com |
Posted By: jcorkran
Date Posted: 8/22/06 at 4:29pm
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First, I have to agree with the comments already posted. It's all good advice. I'd like to add that you need to commit completely to the production and the character. Listen to the director and do what he/she asks, regardless of whether you agree, but also be willing to take chances onstage as an actor. Do this in rehearsals. If the director doesn't like it, he'll let you know. Most directors I know, however, appreciate a little creativity from actors in the production (not performance) stage. ------------- You're working too hard... there's a reason it's called a PLAY. Have fun! |
Posted By: hollie_26
Date Posted: 8/23/06 at 10:55pm
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Pray. :) It really helps. I would usually get jittery before performance; worse, sometimes I feel like throwing up. But a silent prayer can definitely ease tension. Just try it. :)
------------- Hollie Smith http://www.hvachome.net - HVAC Home.net Learn everything you need to know about HVAC. |
Posted By: eveharrington
Date Posted: 8/28/06 at 2:34am
the first time I directed a play I filled the lead part with an actor who up until then had been in one show with about three lines and had only done that as a favor to the director, although he tried to talk me out of giving him the lead, once it was clear my mind was made up he did a wonderful job and it was simply because he made a DECISION to jump in with both feet and give it all he could, when I ran into him recently after about two years I find he is a working actor, and he says people still recognize him in our town from that show! The moral of this ramble is that sometimes if the newbie is willing to commit lack of experience will mean nothing, use the fear to drive you and be a sponge at rehearsals, you'll be fine  ------------- "If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights." |
Posted By: red diva
Date Posted: 9/26/06 at 4:04pm
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One thing that I've noticed in a lot of "stage virgins" is letting their eyes wander to the audience (which relates to concentration and remaining in character). Most often they don't even realize that they're doing it until it's pointed out to them, and if they do realize it they don't think that it's noticeable. Most have really appreciated suggestions on how to overcome the habit. ------------- "I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!" |