I auditioned for a minor part as I am new to it and ended up getting a major one, which is great news I guess - but I am well in over my head here.
I don't know any of the other cast, barely know the Director (who seemed a cool guy) I dont understand anything about professional OR amateur theatre and am really feeling like I dont know where to start.
Anyone got any tips so as not to make an *** of myself from the word go?
2007-09-17 03:14:34 · 12 answers · asked by Caffeine Fiend 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
Yep. Relax.
I've been a professional actor for 35 years now and I'm here to tell you that, pro or amateur, it's always the same at first rehearsals.
Everyone is nervous, even those people trying not to look nervous. It always feels like the first day at school. The good news is that most people don't know each other, so you'll all be in the same boat. Most first rehearsals consist of just getting to know people and a gentle read-through of the script. This is of a just have a wander through it so we've all heard the whole thing and be sure we're all singing from the same hymn sheet kind of thing to break the ice.
I'm sure in no time you'll be feeling right at home. Acting's a lot of fun. That's why some of us do it for a living, despite any number of difficulties - the unemployment, the poor pay etc.
The fun's the thing.
So I hope you enjoy yourself. All the best with it.
2007-09-17 03:53:16 · answer #1 · answered by monklane79 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alright! You got a Lead! Now the fun starts. Congrats! Be prepared to take the Final Bow. Kewl!
Now the Work starts. You have been cast because your director believes in you. You are good enough. You would not have been cast if you weren't.
PREPARE! Read your script. Write your lines, over and over. Memorize. Learn, and Know your Blocking. NEVER paraphrase.
You have the power to be brilliant. This is how you do not make an a** of yourself.
As a Lead, you have a responsibiliy to the Cast to be a Leader. Do not shy from this. Stand Up.
A leader leads. Quite simple, actually.
OH! Don't mumble. Speak Clearly and with Confidence
2007-09-18 19:34:48 · answer #2 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A first rehearsal is always daunting but everyone else is in the same boat.
Before you go have a good read through of the script and see what happens to your character and how you relate to the other characters in the play.
Be open and friendly when you go in. If possible try to chat with others and get to know a bit about them before the rehearsal starts. Then just go with the flow. You'll probably have a read-through of the script. No one will expect you to be brilliant. Have a go but don't go overboard.
Most of all enjoy it! Everyone has to start somewhere. Look on it as a fabulous learning opportunity and just have fun. Things will get serious enough once rehearsals are fully underway.
It will be fab!
2007-09-17 03:59:51 · answer #3 · answered by vickster66 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read the script ahead of time. When you get your rehearsal schedule if you haven't already then you'll know which scenes you'll be working on when so you can plan on what lines to work on before going in.
I assume you know how to mark stage direction in your script? Just take a pencil :-) If for some reason you can't mark in your script, take a note pad.
As far as personal relationships go, hang back and watch... meaning being new you may not be aware of the backstage politics that come into play and who else was up for your role that may have gotten a lesser one, etc. Watch what you say and who you say it to. Just be glad to be there and remember that you're the new guy. Try to be nice to everyone and if you don't want everyone to know your business, keep it to yourself until you know everyone a little better. Once you get a feel for how the politics work at this particular theatre then you'll see what I mean and you can ease yourself in as you see fit.
break a leg!
2007-09-17 05:32:28 · answer #4 · answered by Marianne D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is the basics the MOST important things to remember. Always project your vioce that means to speak loudly. NEVER turn your back to the audience. When your on stage facing the audience left stage is left of you, right stage is right, center stage is in the middle of the stage, down stage is toward the audience and up stage is away from the audience. Oh and NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, NEVER BREAK CHARACTER!!! And try to remember your lines. Follows these rule sand you cant go wrong
2007-09-17 06:39:13 · answer #5 · answered by Holly D 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just be yourself and be confident. I wish you all the very best of luck with the show. Break a leg.
2007-09-17 03:25:45 · answer #6 · answered by Scarlett 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well you already got the part 4 a reason
2007-09-17 03:40:28 · answer #7 · answered by ... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chill out if you can read a script you should be fine,brake a leg.
2007-09-17 04:11:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You sound like you'd be better off playing a member of the audience.(If any) Trust the director.
2007-09-17 08:56:13 · answer #9 · answered by poppy vox 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Well they must have faith in you to give you a major part, so just have faith in yourself.
2007-09-17 03:28:20 · answer #10 · answered by happy wife and mum 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋