The most important thing in connection with stage acting is the actual moment when you perform on stage. The moment the audience sees you for the first time will define how much attention you'll receive from that moment until the end.
Posted by Katriona on 2011-11-01
Stage presence is something that an actor brings with him; it's not something you can learn. Although it is possible to improve with more powerful stage entrance, an excellent rendition and good body movements on the stage. We've prepared a list of general tips for better stage acting.
Experience, don't feel
Many beginner actors try to connect their feelings with those of the character they are portraying during the entire period of time on stage. With every pore in their body, they try to feel what their character is feeling. When you think about it, we're usually not exposed to such intense emotions in our everyday existence as you are on a stage. We don't experience such dramatic emotional upheavals all the time. And so it is on stage: try to connect with the scene, listen, experience and react.
There are many different ways to work on texts and on characters. Some of those ways start by finding answers to questions such as: Who am I? Where am I? What do I want?
Some include paperwork where you'll be writing down everything that is said to you and about you, or that you testify about yourself and others in the play. Then there are different ways to work on the physical movements of your character: for instance, a particular character feature like a limp, or a nervous tick. But the most important thing is that when you get up on the stage, you thoroughly understand what you are saying and why you are saying it, at all times - This is your motivation.
If you're doing a scene out of production, it is highly recommended that you read the entire play, in order to understand the context. In order to create different hues in a scene, you should split it up into sections where the character presents different attitudes and desires.
It's important to know whom you are speaking with. If you're working without a partner, imagine how the person you should be speaking to looks, acts, reacts and exactly where he is standing. The person you're speaking to should be at eye-level with you and, in a large theatre, you should be somewhat stage-centre. When you're performing a monologue with no partner, and are thinking "who am I speaking to?" the answer should never be "to myself" or "in general, to everyone". Always have a specific person or a specific group in mind.
Physical Work on Stage
An actor should work on the physical side of the character on stage; posture, body language, the way he holds his body and moves. The actor needs to decide which of his limbs to move first and what is his rhythm for movement and action. The actor should move with confidence on stage.
Your eyes are the gateway for the audience to connect with: it's important for you to establish eye contact and not keep your gaze at the floor. If your character is one who would keep his eyes lowered, do that in such way that the audience will see your eyes. Know whom you're speaking to and don't let your eyes wander aimlessly on stage. Many actors close their eyes in order to evoke the feeling that they are connecting with the character, that is a mistake; the audience can't connect with you without eye-contact.
One more thing - when you get on stage, look for the light. The place where you are dazzled by the light is the best place on stage. Before the performance, when all the lights are prepared, you can go on stage and find the place where both of your eyes are "blind" equally. This is the position where the audience can see you best.
Appearing Before Audience
When you see a comedy, you are aware, no doubt, that the actors pause in order to give the audience time to laugh, so that the laughter won't drown out the ongoing dialogue. It's easy in this instance to see that the actor is playing for the audience and not for himself. He's constantly aware of the audience throughout the stage performance. This is also true for dramatic actors. The actor doesn't play for himself, he is on stage first and foremost for the audience.
When you stand on stage before a full-house, it's very important that the audience be able to understand what is being said. It's very important to work on diction and voice projection, that is the art of sending your voice into the audience - even to the very back row. Don't raise your voice by yelling, but rather produce your voice from your diaphragm - not from the throat. Direct your voice so that it will reach the other end of the theatre. Diction is the way you pronounce words. Make sure to pronounce all the letters and do not swallow parts. Make sure to say each sentence clearly. Don't drop endings of sentences. When you start to work on a text, it may sound strange to speak so clearly, but the importance of this is immeasurable, so practise until it sounds natural on stage.
At the Audition
Be relaxed and natural, wear comfortable clothes and remember that as soon as you enter the stage area or room, you're 'on stage' as far as the examiners are concerned. When you do a monologue, don't look the examiners straight in the eye, but rather a bit above of them. If you speak directly to them, they may feel a bit uncomfortable.
Just for precautions, be ready with two or three options for monologues and songs that will show off your talent (in addition to those you were asked to prepare).
Last Minute
Don't eat a large meal just before a performance and don't do a full rehearsal on the day of the performance. If you rehearse that day, it should be a technical rehearsal, so that you don't strain your voice and lose energy. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to organise everything you need at home, so that you can leave relaxed and focused.
Remember that excitement is part of the stage work. Try not to be afraid ('stage fright') and don't be afraid to get all excited! The adrenaline will help give your performance an extra boost. Work with those feelings.
As you appear more and more on stage, these feelings will reach a controllable level.
Good Luck!
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