When to promp?
Sun, 25 Nov 2007, 11:16 amGordon the Optom23 posts in thread
When to promp?
Sun, 25 Nov 2007, 11:16 amIn a play I saw recently, an actor was prompted whilst in full flow. Both actors were happy with the dialogue and the audience, I’m sure, unaware of any error.
The prompt given, was a completely different line to that being spoken. The actors ignored it and carried on regardless. It was obvious that the prompter was trying to get verbatim that which was on the page.
When does one prompt? Only when a deadly silence hits the stage? Or if the actor goes unnoticeably off track?
The only time
Mon, 26 Nov 2007, 10:29 amThe only time I was ever prompted was when I was all of thirteen years old. I was delivering a monologue as part of a school production and had paused for a moment for dramatic effect, when the teacher who was doing the prompting (whilst sitting in the front row, I might add) called out my next line, loudly and clearly.
I don't think she ever got over the look I gave her.
Needless to say, I've always felt that an actor should be able to remember their lines, or, if they dry up, find a way around it. You fall in a hole, you climb back out of it again. It's all part of evolving as an actor.
I'm not sure about blood and hair, but anyone who prompted me mid flow would definitely find themselves on the receiving end of a 'meaningful look'.
Freddie
The Rocking Jedi Badger