Before taking centerstage actors need to get prepared
During my early years as an actor I was fortunate enough to have directors who instilled in me some very good habits. Habits that would continue to come in handy as I performed in collegiate and professional theatre. Here are few things that every actor can to be ‘The Prepared Actor.’
Bring A Pencil – A pencil is VITAL to the not only the success of the individual performance but to the production as a whole. Each performer will be given direction by the director telling them things such as where to enter, when to move, which way to move etc. It is up to them to write this information down in their script for future reference.
It saves us a ton of time to not have to go over that same information the next time we rehearse that scene. It is frustrating as a director to have to stop and give the same direction and it is not courteous to the other actors who are having to wait because of the unneeded stop.
Be Focused – We all love to have fun. Believe me I love it but in theatre, like many other places in our lives, there is a time for work and a time for fun. Rehearsal is a time for focus. While it may seem harsh we only have so many times together to practice to get it right. I want to be sure that the time we spend is well spent and not wasted. Spend the hard time up front and the fun comes latter!
Be Rested – In addition to being focused it is vital that these young actors come rested. While I know that Friday nights area ‘stay up late night’ I just want them to have the energy and metal alertness that they need.
Be Creative – Nothing please me more as an actor than to have actors be brave and take chances with their interpretations of their characters. When you are working with your children on their lines encourage them to try to read them differently. Don’t feel the need to tell them ‘say it like this.’ Instead try to lead them by asking ‘how would it sound if you were more excited here?’ It’s amazing what their minds will do when challenged.
