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?

Tim Tam

Thu, 2 July 2009, 09:19 am

Labrug

I'm with Tim on this. None of this Vocal Warm-up stuff, always makes me feel like ... well ... making burrring sound and squealing at the top of my vocal range, and I hardly need a physical warm-up. Adrenaline does that alone!

For me, a nice standard meal with the family, do the dishes as usual, all the while thinking about the show, running it through my mind picturing the scenes.

Once the dishes are done and away, I then start thinking about getting ready. Depending on the show, I may apply some base make-up before leaving. If I have a costume, I ENSURE IT IS NEAR THE FRONT DOOR - doesn't guarantee I'll remember it but does improve the odds. Then I take my leave.

I have a selection of CDs that I will belt out at the top of my lungs as I drive to the theatre - vocal warm-up. If I have a concern with any lines, I will run them instead. Often get odd looks from other drivers. I smile and wave. Probably think I'm an escaped mental case. ;-)

I try to get to the theatre anywhere from 1/2 and hour to 15 mins before the half-hour call as I like a bit of space to prepare and focus, but that is often up to traffic. I like to ensure that any significant props I require are all ready to go and then I focus on getting into costume and make-up.

If I am not a starter and have more time, then I ensure I am there about 10 mins before opening. Sure way to get a quiet spot.

Once I am prepared, I usually leave a good 10 to 15 minutes for me to "channel my nerves" where I do not think about the lines or the show at all. I just focus on my butterflies and channel them elsewhere.

Then I step on-stage and it's like none of that crap even mattered.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins
SN Profile
"ÆƒuÄ±Ê‡sÇÉ¹ÇÊ‡uÄ± ÇÉŸÄ±×Ÿ ÆƒuÄ±ÊžÉÉ¯"

Thread (45 posts)

Threaded Flat

how do you prepare for the evening's performance?— Lisa Skryp1 July 2009

You did ask....— jmuzz2 July 2009
- You're bringing up all the good old Cosi times again— Lisa Skryp2 July 2009
  - Of course not— jmuzz2 July 2009
    - Stand-out performance— stinger14 July 2009
Generally - a fairly early— jeffhansen2 July 2009
- I like my space..— Lunamynx2214 July 2009
Ahh...remind me never to work with Murray....erm...— jessmess2 July 2009
I generally arrive— Garreth2 July 2009
The Kinks, Lisa? Now you're— Tim Prosser2 July 2009
- the Kinks are legends!— Lisa Skryp2 July 2009
  - You missed the best one— jmuzz2 July 2009
    - it were luvly, weren't it?— Lisa Skryp2 July 2009
  - Good thinking, Ninety-nine!— Tim Prosser2 July 2009
Tim Tam— Labrug2 July 2009
- Hmmmusical— Labrug2 July 2009
I rarely eat dinner before— grantwatson2 July 2009
These days I'm usually a— Logos2 July 2009
Panic— Lee Sheppard2 July 2009
Pre-show Preparations— DazzaB2 July 2009
Pfft— Freddie Badgery2 July 2009
- You're reminding me of the— grantwatson2 July 2009
Also should add that I— grantwatson2 July 2009
- Group warm-up?— Lee Sheppard2 July 2009
  - My understanding— DazzaB2 July 2009
  - Entire cast gathers in a— grantwatson2 July 2009
    - I definitely agree with— Freddie Badgery2 July 2009
      - ···
        Even at the Ellenbrook— grantwatson2 July 2009
        ···
        ESPECIALLY at Ellenbrook,— Garreth3 July 2009
- warm ups— mike raine3 July 2009
how could I forget the last-minute pee-break!— Lisa Skryp2 July 2009
My Thoughts— Robert Whyte2 July 2009
- I think it depends on the— grantwatson2 July 2009
  - Ahh, memories...— Freddie Badgery2 July 2009
Dedicated Follower of Fashion— danni_skye2 July 2009
- Dedicated Follower of Fashion— Lisa Skryp2 July 2009
My typical preparation before a performance:— crgwllms3 July 2009
- Kinky PS— crgwllms3 July 2009
Just read Pontius Kak— Skybe3 July 2009
Okay seriously...— jessmess3 July 2009
Depends what it is, the— Rebecca Jo3 July 2009
My goodness, all these— Tim Prosser3 July 2009
I saw The Kinks early— Logos14 July 2009
Bathe— Walter Plinge27 Aug 2009
Banana Puddin'— ozzieparker28 Aug 2009

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