Any tips for acting in a blackbox theatre...?

Question

I'm going to be performing a monologue approx. 4min, high energy in a very small black box theatre. My question is: any tips on how to stay focused on what your saying without forgetting lines etc. when you have to look the audience members in the eye for the whole piece!? (this is the directors choice). Anyone else tend to freak out when you have to look in their eyes and then realize that all their eyes are on you? This is why I love the blinding lights ... LOL

Answer 1

Yeah, the whole point of working in a blackbox theater is it's intimacy.

So, in fact, the goal is to connect with that audience. Get deep into your role, be the character and come from an honest place.

You don't have to look into their eyes, just focus just over their heads (or look at their foreheads, lol). And don't play to the audience ... connect with them.

you can do this!

break a leg.

Answer 2

It can appear that you are looking in their eyes, but i mean, if you rally have to stare, for, what, a long time? Well then you just have to go and do it then. If its high energy, you need to get pumped up and GET a lot of energy and you won't mind the stares. Don't think so much that they are all watching you and you will forget your lines, because then you will, but don't be overly confident, because then, you still wil forget. It's kind of a double ended sword huh?