Small Stage Acting

Topic - Small Stage Acting

General Purpose - To Inform

Specific Purpose - To explain the dos and don'ts of small stage acting

Central Idea - By informing the listeners about what to do and what not to do on a small stage they

can learn from my mistakes and avoid them if they ever want to do some acting.

I. Introduction:

"There is no business like show business like no business I know. Everything about it is appealing. Everything the traffic will allow. No where can you get that special feeling, only when you are stealing that extra bow."

A. You have to endure a lot being an actor or an actress.

B. Stage acting is especially hard.

1. You have to project your voice.

2. Stand where everyone in the audience can see you.

3. There are no takes so you cannot miss a line.

II. If you screw up, just go on:

A. Opening night I slammed the door open so hard the props fell off the wall.

1. I covered and acted like I was supposed to do it.

2. The other girl on stage bent down behind the couch and laughed.

B. If someone misses a line, go on with your line or try to jog their memory.

C. I dropped my liquor glass in rehearsal and got yelled at because I did not pick it up.

II. Props:

A. It is important to use props that will not hinder your performance.

1. You are responsible for your props.

a. Never leave them in the way or another actor will trip over them.

b. I did not hold the wine glass the proper way.

1.) The director said I held the glass like a beer mug

2.) I was supposed to hold it like a lady: like my character.

B. Always check to make sure your props are ready before you go on stage.

1. It would be awful to not be able to find your prop when you need it.

2. It is also not fun eating week old chex-mix.

3. Someone did not check the gun on opening night, so I had to yell "bang!"

III. Eating and Drinking on Stage:

A. Drinking