Getting your act together, putting on a show. We all know that rehearsals are part of the job.
Preparing a show is a lengthy process and it goes through several different stages. First you find out who you are and what you do. This applies to singers and dancers as well as to actors. There are the moves, the steps, the moves; each little piece of the performance has to be learnt and polished and it takes time for it to connect. Some lucky people can pick things up very quickly, most of us take a little time. I always used to say it’s a bit like having a bank account. You can’t take anything out until you’ve put something in. And believe me there’s nothing worse than being underprepared and trying to catch up on the big day comes you didn’t do your homework. Banks don’t like that and neither do performances!
But there’s also the reverse where everything has been learnt too soon, it looks like it’s ready and there are weeks to go. That’s a recipe for boredom and repetition. At our performing arts classes we don’t have this problem because there are several more layers to come after learning the words, steps or songs. Who are you and anyway why are moving, speaking or singing? These are eternal performer questions because of course a performance isn’t really just about the words, the moves and the tunes. We don’t go to a theatre just to watch and listen to words and moves. We want to be engaged; follow a story, have some feelings, see some purpose to it all.
Only once those questions have been answered and the performer knows who they are and what they are doing are they ready to take on the last layer – the audience. Do you pretend they aren’t there or do you directly communicate with them? What do you want them to feel? How do you get them to sit up and take notice?
Most directors start from where they want to finish and work back to where they need to start. That rehearsal journey has to be organised to keep everyone on board. And that’s a lot of life skills in one complete package.
Our nationwide performing arts schools, teaching young people skills in singing, acting and dancing can provide your child with a weekend activity that encourages confidence, friendship, communication skills and so much more. If you would like to find out more about our theatre schools or your child has shown an interest in attending drama, dance and singing classes then visit our website www.theatretrain.co.uk
