Treading the boards
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?
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"We were not born into this world to be happy, but to do our duty." Bismarck
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Re: Treading the boards
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.
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Re: Treading the boards
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.
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Re: Treading the boards
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
Ja Mata, Tosa.
The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the Crown. It may be frail; its roof may shake; the wind may blow through it; the storm may enter; the rain may enter; but the King of England cannot enter – all his force dares not cross the threshold of the ruined tenement! - William Pitt the Elder
Re: Treading the boards
I recite Shakespeare in the shower, does that count?Originally Posted by King Henry V
Be confident. Be clear. Enjoy yourself and make sure you go home with the prettiest girl in the audience.
Unto each good man a good dog
Re: Treading the boards
Break a leg.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." *Jim Elliot*
Re: Treading the boards
Shhhh! The director's already broken his leg and thigh and the girl who plays my paramour broke her arm.
www.thechap.net
"We were not born into this world to be happy, but to do our duty." Bismarck
"You can't be a successful Dictator and design women's underclothing. One or the other. Not both." The Right Hon. Bertram Wilberforce Wooster
"Man, being reasonable, must get drunk; the best of life is but intoxication" - Lord Byron
"Where men are forbidden to honour a king they honour millionaires, athletes, or film-stars instead: even famous prostitutes or gangsters. For spiritual nature, like bodily nature, will be served; deny it food and it will gobble poison." - C. S. Lewis
Re: Treading the boards
Its fun!
You'll enjoy yourself, dont worry.
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Re: Treading the boards
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.
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Re: Treading the boards
Good luck KHV!
Rest in Peace TosaInu, the Org will be your legacy
Re: Treading the boards
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!
Last edited by Hepcat; 03-24-2007 at 00:48.
Re: Treading the boards
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
Ja Mata, Tosa.
The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the Crown. It may be frail; its roof may shake; the wind may blow through it; the storm may enter; the rain may enter; but the King of England cannot enter – all his force dares not cross the threshold of the ruined tenement! - William Pitt the Elder
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