Tips for Performers--First Timers and For Those Who Need Reminders
On a random note, before I begin, I usually don't use the dead icon. But since Mishi pointed out that I hardly ever use it and that it is cute...well...there it is. XD Anyways....
Just thought I'd throw this out. Maybe someone on the F-list needs it or doesn't need it at all--whatever. Or we can even poke fun at ourselves with old memories of performances gone horibly wrong. XD
Anyways...on with the tips!
1. When making a mistake....DO NOT WINCE.
When you wince, the audience winces with you. This also goes for facepalming, headdesking, grimacing or going blank right in the middle of a performance. No matter what you must always smile--unless you're supposed to do any of the aforementioned gestures. Just keep your face neutral, take a quick breath and go on as if nothing happened. Pretend the audience isn't there and that you didn't make a mistake and only your fellow actors and direction will be the only ones who know the truth, which is usually for the best.
2. When you forget your lines...make something up.
There are times when you get so horribly nervous (or you just get distracted) that you forget what you're supposed to say. Just ad lib a little. If you don't remember your lines perfectly, word for word, make something up that is CLOSE to it. Your fellow actor shouldn't be able to pick up on the mistake and just recite their own lines, as long as it makes sense. This doesn't apply for singers though, because it's rather hard to make up lines for a well known piece of music without SOMEBODY noticing.
3. Don't memorize only YOUR lines. Memorize EVERYTHING.
Some people just think that, when doing a play or something, they can just memorize their own line and be done with it. NO. You have to memorize everything. It makes you remember your cues better, your fellow actor's cues better as well as the cues for the techs working the stage in case of a foul-up. Actors must be well versed for any eventuality.
4. If you have to sing LEARN how to first.
There are two types of singers in this world: the naturals and those who THINK they are naturals. However, no matter what type you are it is imperative that you go and take SOME lessons, lest you kill somebody's ears.
5. BREATHE.
There are some people out there who simply forget to breathe while doing the simplest of things. Taking a breath during a speech or during a song when there is no place for rest WON'T hurt your performance at all. In fact, it should help you since making sound requires breath and if your voice begins to die out at an important part because you didn't BREATHE, well...
6. Just because it pre-recorded, it doesn't mean you don't have to memorize your lines.
Oi. Lip syncing is a lot harder than it looks. ESPECIALLY when you're moving. And NEVER leave things until the last day. Learn the movements, the expressions and the sync! You must match words to movement and action, otherwise it just looks silly! Or like a really badly dubbed kung-fu action flick from the '60s.
7. Project your voice.
No matter how silly it sounds to you or how overdone it seems, you really have to make yourself heard. The people in the back will greatly appreciate it as would your director. But the only way to do this is to OPEN YOUR MOUTH. It's no use projecting a voice when you barely move your lips. It's just not done.
8. Practice, practice, practice!
I think it speaks for itself there. No one likes a sloppy performance.
Hmmm...anything else to add? I suppose there are, but thee are my pet peeves, I suppose...If anyone wants to know anything don't hesitate to leave a comment!
Just thought I'd throw this out. Maybe someone on the F-list needs it or doesn't need it at all--whatever. Or we can even poke fun at ourselves with old memories of performances gone horibly wrong. XD
Anyways...on with the tips!
1. When making a mistake....DO NOT WINCE.
When you wince, the audience winces with you. This also goes for facepalming, headdesking, grimacing or going blank right in the middle of a performance. No matter what you must always smile--unless you're supposed to do any of the aforementioned gestures. Just keep your face neutral, take a quick breath and go on as if nothing happened. Pretend the audience isn't there and that you didn't make a mistake and only your fellow actors and direction will be the only ones who know the truth, which is usually for the best.
2. When you forget your lines...make something up.
There are times when you get so horribly nervous (or you just get distracted) that you forget what you're supposed to say. Just ad lib a little. If you don't remember your lines perfectly, word for word, make something up that is CLOSE to it. Your fellow actor shouldn't be able to pick up on the mistake and just recite their own lines, as long as it makes sense. This doesn't apply for singers though, because it's rather hard to make up lines for a well known piece of music without SOMEBODY noticing.
3. Don't memorize only YOUR lines. Memorize EVERYTHING.
Some people just think that, when doing a play or something, they can just memorize their own line and be done with it. NO. You have to memorize everything. It makes you remember your cues better, your fellow actor's cues better as well as the cues for the techs working the stage in case of a foul-up. Actors must be well versed for any eventuality.
4. If you have to sing LEARN how to first.
There are two types of singers in this world: the naturals and those who THINK they are naturals. However, no matter what type you are it is imperative that you go and take SOME lessons, lest you kill somebody's ears.
5. BREATHE.
There are some people out there who simply forget to breathe while doing the simplest of things. Taking a breath during a speech or during a song when there is no place for rest WON'T hurt your performance at all. In fact, it should help you since making sound requires breath and if your voice begins to die out at an important part because you didn't BREATHE, well...
6. Just because it pre-recorded, it doesn't mean you don't have to memorize your lines.
Oi. Lip syncing is a lot harder than it looks. ESPECIALLY when you're moving. And NEVER leave things until the last day. Learn the movements, the expressions and the sync! You must match words to movement and action, otherwise it just looks silly! Or like a really badly dubbed kung-fu action flick from the '60s.
7. Project your voice.
No matter how silly it sounds to you or how overdone it seems, you really have to make yourself heard. The people in the back will greatly appreciate it as would your director. But the only way to do this is to OPEN YOUR MOUTH. It's no use projecting a voice when you barely move your lips. It's just not done.
8. Practice, practice, practice!
I think it speaks for itself there. No one likes a sloppy performance.
Hmmm...anything else to add? I suppose there are, but thee are my pet peeves, I suppose...If anyone wants to know anything don't hesitate to leave a comment!