How do I perform the lead in my first ever play without looking stupid?

Question

I am the navy seal character in a comedy about what happens after a toy store closes at night.

Answer 1

Listen and respond. LISTEN to the other characters lines and use your line to respond. Don't just say your line, talk it(scream it, whisper, etc.). Try to use as much eye contact as possible. don't be yourself pretending out there, become your character. If you "pretend", you will get nervous. You can't get nervous if you aren't yourself. If and actor falls on stage, it is not that actor falling but the character falling. Listen and respond.

Answer 2

Congrats on getting the lead! Chances are if you got the lead, there isn't much reason to worry about looking stupid. You're obviously capable, so this is just your nerves talking. here are some tips:
1) be confident even if you don't FEEL confident. If you can play a character, you can fake confidence easily.
2) If you really are nervous, don't forget to breath. Take deep breaths whenever you feel anxious. It helps!
3) No matter how uncomfortable you feel, BE the character. Walk, stand, speak, and carry yourself like your character would. It's the best way to ensure you're truly in role.
4) Remember to not freak out! If you forget some lines, it's okay. You're human. Just be calm and collected and you'll be fine.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Not only should you know your lines, but you should know the lines of every other character. You can't look stupid if you are in an amateur play and others barely know thier lines, but you are helping them get their lines right. Make a copy of the lines, and cut them into pieces, or strips, then peice them together. Do all kinds of excercises to get familiar with the lines. Get to know the nuances of the lines, and how brilliant the writing is or not so brilliant. If you know the lines well, you will feel comfortable, and look better.

Answer 4

You're in a COMEDY...you're supposed to look stupid!...haha...but seriously... most really great actors worry about the same thing all the time. That's what makes them great!
They worry constantly about how to make it work!...and all that worry, really, is just a form of motivation 'disguised' as fear. Memorize everything and then forget everything you've learnt....THEN...when you're performing... LISTEN to everything, intently,... your cast, your audience, and your intuition. Theatre is about being PRESENT. I hope this helps in some way.

Answer 5

Be yourself; be prepared; so you feel comfortable; enjoy the journey !
and good luck, I know you'll be just fine. A few heebie jeebies are to be expected, even by the most seasoned performer.

Answer 6

If you were cast in a LEAD role, I don't suppose you have much to worry about. Obviously, you showed enough poise and ability in the audition process to inspire confidence in your director. That, in turn, should make you feel confident about your ability to pull it off.

Answer 7

you there to entertain, so what if you look foolish it is part of the show. the hardes role is to play a fool for the first time. then you relize the joke is on them. they believed the illution, the act. the show must go on!

Answer 8

um well memorize every word in your script write on hand/arm/shoulder/leg/etc though try to make it look concealed and that you know what your doing. Try finding a form of landmark, something to help you find out if it is your time to do something.

Answer 9

acting is all about letting go of yourself and becoming the character, stop worrying about how stupid you'll look, and do your best

Answer 10

Ask your acting teacher to coach you, until you feel comfortable.