Treading the boards

[King Henry V]

In roughly 10 minutes, a week from now, I shall be publically assuming my first theatrical role as René Artois (Gah! My first role is as a Frenchman! How can I survive the shame?) in the play version of 'Allo 'Allo!, based on the great comedy by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. Has anyone else acted or is an avid theatre-goer, and therefore has some advice to offer to an aspiring thespian?

[Duke Malcolm]

I do often attend performances of a theatrical and operatic nature in the the less than cultured city of Dundee and the neighbouring University town of St Andrews, where they usually put on some damned good Shakespearean and Classical plays.

I recently attended a performance (over 3 weeks) of the Theban Plays. Though they were good, the story was bastardised in that it was a group of students around a campfire telling ghost stories. Otherwise it was marvellous.

I have little theatrical ability myself, and take to stuttering when pressed upon in such circumstances.

I can offer no help, but simply wish good luck.

[drone]

I played Dr. Einstein in "Arsenic and Old Lace" back in high school. Fortunately I had to concentrate on the accent, so I didn't get too nervous. Make sure you know your lines and movements, and do plenty of walkthroughs with the guys you interact with the most in the play.

I wasn't able to do this, but I hear going drinking with the fellow castmates helps as well. :medievalcheers:

[Crazed Rabbit]

I have dabbled in it. A couple Shakespearean plays, and some by Shaw. Not professionally, but it's fun.

What's fun is when the other actors don't show up on cue, and you are forced to improvise or stand there looking stupid. Also, when the actors are supposed to bring you a real letter on stage and you read it, and they bring you a blank piece of paper. Good times.

Crazed Rabbit

[Beirut]

Has anyone else acted or is an avid theatre-goer, and therefore has some advice to offer to an aspiring thespian?

I recite Shakespeare in the shower, does that count?

Be confident. Be clear. Enjoy yourself and make sure you go home with the prettiest girl in the audience.

[Hosakawa Tito]

Break a leg.

[John86]

Its fun!

You'll enjoy yourself, dont worry.

[King Henry V]

Break a leg.
Shhhh! The director's already broken his leg and thigh and the girl who plays my paramour broke her arm.:juggle2:

[Gregoshi]

My kids tell me I act stupid. My wife doesn't say, but I'm pretty sure she agrees with them. Aside from a couple of Star Trek home movies with a friend in high school that affirm my lack of acting talent, I've no acting experience.

Good luck to you KHV. May you get out of the experience everything you hope for...or some great stories at the very least. ~:cheers:

[CountArach]

Good luck KHV! :2thumbsup:

[Hepcat]

Well my only theatre experience is playing trumpet for the orchestra in a musical and we had quite a few crisis. From my limited experience there I learnt that there is ALWAYS a crisis but the show must go on. Just enjoy it and you'll be fine. I always loved 'Allo 'Allo!

Good luck with it!

[Crazed Rabbit]

You're telling him 'good luck'?! Argh! Under the tradition of theater, you've now given him bad luck! Why don't you just go and shout Macbeth at him while he's performing?! ~;)

Have fun!

CR

[Lemur]

Rabbit, what are you doing, mentioning the Scottish play to a guy who's about to go onstage? Shesh, you might as well sacrifice a black goat to Nyarlothotep while you're at it ...

[Omanes Alexandrapolites]

Good luck!