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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?

My understanding

Thu, 2 July 2009, 11:23 am
My understanding of a group warm-up is when the cast (and sometimes crew) gather together to do a few vocal and/or physical exercises to get ready for going on stage. For me personally it's more about being with everyone involved (I'm a bit of a hippy that way) and connecting together ready for the journey ahead. Sometimes you do focusing and enrgising exercises as well. I think they're fun, but I do understand that some people find them more of an annoyance which is cool as well. It's important for people to feel free to prepare in the way that works best for them. DazzaB "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." Scott Adams

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