Dry-run the introductions to a show about a few times to the satisfaction of the artistic director.
This is another step in preparing to be solid at one of the "Ringleader" positions.
The beginning - the period of time when the audience meets you, the performers, your format, and even improv - is going to set the tone for the whole evening. It's just like any interpersonal introduction: it has a tendency to steer how the rest of the relationship is going to go. The introductions of your shows are typically going to be the most challenging for a few reasons: - The adrenaline is pumping, especially for the beginning Ringleader.
- There are a lot of cues to remember.
- There are a lot of lines to remember.
- It's dark
- It's loud, but you have to be quiet.
- Something always goes wrong.
The answer to all of these is issues is developing both comfort and energy. That's quite a tango. You cannot succeed in a polished way without having gone through the moment-to-moment bits and pieces of it numerous times. It's helpful to have your artistic director there when you rehearse to give you some confidence and guidance.
#6 may seem a little threatening, but don't let it get to you. But you can handle it. You're a rehearsed improviser. You'll be fine.
Typically, the solution to the problem will be the one that is most fun. Some examples I can think of are:
- "Johnny is missing," You can pretend Johnny is there.
- "Karen thinks she is going to be sick." You can inform the audience that at any moment Karen may leave the performance, but "please applaud as she goes."
- "The CD player is not working," The Sound person can hum songs over a microphone.
- "The footer lights are out." After each scene, the Lights person can come onstage and describe to the players and audience amazing, made-up things that happened in the dark around their ankles.
All of this comes easier when you have a level of comfort. And comfort is only there when you have familiarity. And familiarity is born of experience. Just give yourself some rehearsal time and gain some experience.