learning that it really isn't about me...and maybe that defeats the purpose of this.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Gotta Ham it up!

I got to skip class today and go to Marshall High School for our first rehearsal in the space. It was my first time on a REAL stage. So many curtains I lost count...when they turned the work lights off it was pitch black backstage. I wasn't nervous until I saw the stage. Wow. 

 


It looked something like this. Except, at Marshall there are pieces of neon tape ALL over the stage because 12 schools have to spike their sets.

I love being on stage. The lights down on you, the semi-nervous, semi-excited feeling, the butterflies, its an incredible experience.



I realized today on that HUGE stage that, no matter your acting skills, your part, how many lines you have, you've got to be big. Ham it up baby! I don't care if you don't like your director, your play, your fellow cast members, or if you have 5 measly lines. You gotta make the audience believe that your a fat, drunk monk, or an old man. You HAVE to make your character big.

5 comments:

majorsteve said...

Good luck Mer! Ham it up baby!

Super Churchlady said...

You GO GIRL!!!

FancyPants said...

You got it. The biggest problem keeping actors from making strong choices on stage (making the character "big") is insecurity. And girl, you don't got much of that, so go for it!

Love ya.

Seth Ward said...

I don't think you could be anything but a big personality on stage. You should also start writing scripts and keep making your films. You know that's how every great filmmaker and story teller started out...

Popcorn said...

I know you were awesome on that stage yesterday Mer!