I'm taking a theatre class for the summer.It's like 8 weeks.?

Question

Any things i should know about acting on stage??I have anxiety and get nervous around big crowds.We have to do a play for everyone at the end.

It starts on Monday

Answer 1

It sounds like you've signed up for a complete program, so no worries. They should take you through from begining to end on this. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask the staff. Whomever seems most empathetic, try to catch them before class or at the end if you don't want to ask in front of everyone else.

Make friends and have a blast!!!!!

Answer 2

If the theatre class is worth your money, then they should tell you everything you need to know about the basics. But, here are some important key points:

* stand still -- don't let nervous movements such as hands/arms swinging back and forth distract from your performance

* come to grips with the fact that people are looking at you -- if you want to act, then you want people to look at you, let them look ... let them look all they want and don't hide from them ... stand up there and act -- it's all about exposing yourself so that the audience can relate to what they see

* speak loudly and clearly -- an acting teacher once told me that the people who can't be heard onstage don't want to be heard ... make yourself heard

* take a risk -- decide something about the character and show that trait through your posture, your speech, your movement ... if the director doesn't like it, they'll usually tell you to do something different, but they'd rather see you make a choice than watch you just reciting lines

* you're going to be nervous, it's natural ... use the nerves to energize your body ... you should be aware of what every part of your body is doing at all times -- let the nerves help you figure out what you're doing with your feet, your hands, your shoulders ... the nervousness will make you hyper aware of yourself so use it

break a leg ;->

Answer 3

You're going to have a ball! By the end of the eight weeks you will be used to speaking in front of your class and that will help with the anxiety you think you have now. When it's all said and done, you will be in a much better position to decide if you want to continue on or if this is not for you. In either case, you will have gained a new confidence in yourself and the ability to speak in front of people fearlessly. You're going to do fine!