words of wisdom?

Question

I have to perform a play on this firday and saturday!! I'm so nervous. I have one of the leads so you know..... what happens if I forget a line or miss an entrance? I memorized all 86 of them and I know what I'm doing but what do you do if you forget something?My drama teacher said I could have a script backstage with me just in case. Our school is very professional so there is no one stand benath the stage that will give me my line if needed. the summer of kaos is a performance that involes alot of movement. it's KAOS so there is screaming and running everywhere. (It's about a summer camp.) WORDS OF WISDOM? how do i not be so nervous when performing?

Answer 1

When I did leads in plays I had my script open to the scene I was at. When I had a quick break I would review if I needed. It was more of a comfort factor rather than a necessity. You probably won't need it, but having it there will make you more confident and less nervous so you will preform better. You know your trouble spots, be aware of them and relax. If you are truly in character before the curtain rises, you'll be able to figure out what the character would have said, a little improve never hurt anyone, if needed. You'll do well. Break a leg!

Answer 2

To a certain extent nerves are a good thing. They keep you focused and can drive you to give an even better performance than you thought possible. The true enemy of giving a good performance is complacency, so as long as you are a little nervous that is a normal and good thing.

The key is to be comfortable with your knowlegde of the play. Know what the purpose of each line and movement and interaction is, that way if you, or one of the other actors, forget something or make a mistake you will be able to recover as if nothing went wrong.

So in other words embrace your nerves and be confident in your knowledge of the play, relax but just not too much.

Break a leg!

Answer 3

I have a few hints for you, because I had the same worries when I played Juliet in my school's Romeo and Juliet play.

1. The only way you'll forget your lines is if you get too nervous, or you forget to pay attention. You should also memorize the lines the people before you have so that you say the right line at the right time.
2. Since you're a lead person, you'll most likley have other people going on stage with you. Remember who you go on with. Also listen carefully to the people on stage, because they'll most likley hint towards your appearance.
3. Just relax and have a fun time!!!

Answer 4

I have been involved with acting for almost 32 years and I still get a little nervouse before I go onstage. It is perfectly natural to feel this way.
My way of dealing with this is to make sure that I am prepared. I memorize my lines, have a script to refer to backstage, do some relaxation exercises, and concentrate on my part. When I do this I find that I give a good performance.
Also, another important thing is to LISTEN. You may hear lines onstage that you have never heard before, people may forget their lines and you might have to cover....a variety of things may happen, but if you listen and concentrate you will be successful.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Focus on your fellow actors, not on the audience. It is easier when the lights are shining on you and you can't even see the audience.Also carry a good luck charm or follow any superstitions you have, it will make you feel more secure. Apparently it is good luck to be pinched before a play, so I pinch everyone back stage.
Break a leg.

Answer 6

You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile good. -Charles Carlson