How to Be a Stage Actor

Stage acting is much more challenging than TV of film acting. Once you walk onto the stage, you don't get a second chance to reappear. It is also much more rewarding due to the immediate gratification of the live crowd. Becoming a stage actor requires a solid commitment and a desire to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Participate in small productions and local plays to develop a comfort level with audiences and fellow actors.
2. Study your script, so that you can be “off book” (have script memorized) as soon as possible. This will allow you to focus on your “blocking” (stage movement and placement).
3. Do exactly as you are directed. Some actors believe every actor brings something different to the table and I’ll do it my way. When you think about the most successful stage plays in history, all the major roles stayed exactly as they were initially written and directed. Challenge yourself to be exactly what the role calls for, rehearse it, and be it.
4. Do not “ad lib” (add extra words or different words to your scripted dialog) and do not add or subtract from your blocking. Many of the words and actions by the actors and technicians are prompted by specific words or movements that you do. You may not know the exact words that a sound technician or light technician is using as their queue to act.
5. Be aware that the call time prior to a performance is usually one and a half hours prior to the show beginning. Be in character. Excluding an emergency, do not respond to any name except your character name once you arrive at the theater.
6. Perform exactly as you rehearsed your part. Audiences differ. Do not try to do something different because your current audience is not laughing as much as a previous audience or because the applauds don’t seem to be as loud as that of a previous audience.
7. Never upstage a fellow actor (walk or stand in front of another actor) unless specifically directed to do so. This will cause fellow actors to complain to the director and could cost you your job.
8. Never turn your back on the audience, unless specifically directed to do so.
9. Never look into a person’s face that is in the audience. This can cause you to lose your concentration and forget your lines or blocking. When looking out into the audience, set your eyes on the front part of the balcony (just above the heads of the main floor and just below the balcony audience). If there is no balcony, set your eyes on a fixed point above the heads of the audience.

Tips & Warnings

• Rehearse diligently. Go to all your rehearsals and rehearse as much as possible on your own.
• Do not go on stage if you do not know your lines or your blocking. You will embarrass yourself and you will never live it down.

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