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how do you prepare for the evening's performance?

Wed, 1 July 2009, 11:36 pm
Lisa Skryp45 posts in thread
OK - my turn to ask a question of actors, directors & techies of all varieties - how do you prepare for the evening's performance? I tend to have a light, not too garlicky dinner, then prepare my ever-present travel mug of coffee & head to the theatre as early as practicable. I find music that suits my character - often look for a "theme song" to get me in the right mood for my character. This time it might be something by the Kinks, but still deciding. Singing in the car is warmup part one. If the show is a musical, there will of course be a fair bit more vocal exercises. Get to theatre; dump my gear; check/set my props/costume. Tooth brushing, enough costume for decency, warmup (see below) then makeup/hair, if I can do it in that order. I like to be ready early enough for last-minute disasters. Then I go around stashing my water bottle(s) here & there for easy access backstage. I enjoy group warmups that are to do with pace/group intuition, but on my own I like to do at least a little light stretching/relaxing excercises & go through my moves onstage, walking my way into character. I like to do a familiar speech (not necessarily from the current show) & work on projection & breathing. Depending on the physicality of my role I might get into a bit more of a physical warmup as well. Think that's roughly it. Might change a bit this time - we'll see... What's your routine?

Ahh...remind me never to work with Murray....erm...

Thu, 2 July 2009, 12:52 am
Toothpaste? In the bag? That's just evil! I like to rock up, get dressed, crack innapropriate jokes, maybe slide in a little oversharing, talk back stage while the stage managers glares at me, then just walk on and do the part. I usually eat as well. Lot's. During, before, and after the show. Sometimes I talk so much I forget to come on for a whole entire scene during the dress rehearsal...maybe next show I'll try practicing the mysterious art of 'focusing.'

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