Showing Tag: "lights" (Show all posts)

For Hosts, Emcees, Lights, and Sound: Run the Show

Posted by Ben Swoboda on Saturday, November 13, 2010, In : Host 
Dry-run a test-show in actual rehearsal for the rest of the players.

This would be the final step in what I consider to be a fully-prepared Ringleader. It seems like the most obvious one, right? It's also the most nerve-rattling. I mean, you're doing it for your peers. If you've managed to build up a good ensemble, then you care about what they think a lot more than you care about the audience anyway. And since the new Ringleader cares about them, it's likely their head is a-tumble with all th...
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For Hosts, Emcees, Lights, and Sound: Dry Run the Intro

Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, November 12, 2010, In : Host 
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 ...

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For Hosts, Emcees, Lights, and Sound: Memorization

Posted by Ben Swoboda on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, In : Host 
Prove memorization of essential, scripted pieces

I have found it helpful, when building a solid program for the nominated Ringleaders to go through a kind of oral exam. They need to do the homework and they need to prove they can recite their scripted pieces to their team. Whether that means having the group gather around with flash cards for "Intro," "Chain Murder Mystery," etc. or having a tenured Host "haze" a newbie Host one-on-one by having them blitz through their lines, it doesn't matte...
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For Hosts, Emcees, Lights, and Sound: Repetition is Key

Posted by Ben Swoboda on Monday, November 8, 2010, In : Host 
This is a continuation of the series on how a beginner can be a good "Ringleader" which I have defined as anyone who does Host, Emcee, Lights, or Sound roles.

"Go through a series of training rehearsals"

Two things to get out of this immediately: 1) Series 2) Training.

1.) Series of rehearsals - You cannot learn what you need to do overnight. You cannot learn it by watching. You cannot learn it by reading about it. You can only learn how to be a Ringleader by doing, and the safest way is with r...

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For Hosts, Emcees, Lights, and Sound: Get Nominated For Your Role

Posted by Ben Swoboda on Saturday, November 6, 2010, In : Host 
Not everyone has aptitude they think they are good at.

Let's look at American Idol as an example. Time after time, Simon and Co have to tell aspiring pop-stars that they are, actually, terrible singers. It's become a cliche scene in reality television for someone to rage at the judges, begging for another chance, fall out, break into tears, etc. It's because they have deluded themselves into thinking they have a talent they do not have.

So when school improv teams are getting started, beware ...
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For Hosts, Sound, Lights, and Emcees: Know the Shows

Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, November 5, 2010, In : Host 
I'm reaching out to Hosts and Emcees. Two slightly different terms for people with similar goals.
  •  "Host" is usually a name that is bestowed on a member of a house group. The Host is usually a short-form device. All of their functions fall within a single show or scene - They introduce the game(s), often keep score, set time limits, solicit suggestions from the audience, etc.
  • Emcee is someone who acts as the through-line for a series of sets. There might be several groups performing, but the em...

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