It is no exaggeration to say that most Actors share the same fear: “going up” ― that is, forgetting their lines while on stage. We always reassure the children that the role of narrator is, in part, to offer a safety net for just such situations ― and it is essential to have someone there to provide a missed cue or forgotten line.
But what about the little slip-ups that can happen to anyone on-stage: dropping a prop, bumping into a piece of furniture, or tripping? In short, how can we best prepare a young Actor for the unexpected?
There is no way to promise a child that there will be no mistakes on “the big night,” but we can help them trust their instincts should something arise. An essential strategy is to instill the understanding that appearing in a production is not just about memorizing lines. It is also about learning how to “inhabit the stage.” This is where and how rehearsals are so key, as we encourage the children to feel at ease with the set, the costumes, and the props ― every bit as much as with their lines. After all, the child needs to “fit” securely into each of these elements in order to create and express their characters.
Familiarity with the stage enhances and supports confidence ― and the child’s conviction that they can be as comfortable in the world of the character as in their own. This came to the fore in one memorable production, when a painting fell off the wall of the set. Very calmly, while still speaking his monologue . . . our young Hamlet simply walked over and placed the painting back on the wall, just as he would have done in his own home!
The valuable lesson was impressively demonstrated that Actors of any age can maintain their poise if something unexpected occurs or goes awry ― because they feel at home on the stage.
©2020