Question: Must the show really go on!?
I've had some directors tell me that no matter what the show must go on!. But recently I've I've had director ask me why I didn't stop when there was problems in a scene!. And that I need to learn to stop and fix the problem!. For example
The piano that I was actually playing wasn't
working because the cord came unplugged And in a another show I went on stage and sung "On My Own" completely without a mic on!.
Is it right that I continued on even
with all the technical problems!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
During an early rehearsal, it's always best to stop and ask your director questions about blocking/emotions/etc!.
When it gets to tech week, you need to let tech people work out the problems you might have, but don't stop the performance!. That's the director's job!.
And when it comes to performances, NEVER stop!. However, don't ignore problems!. If your mic doesn't work, sing louder and naturally amplify your voice!. If the piano doesn't start at the right time, listen to the way they're playing and try to make it work!. But never, ever stop in the middle of a performance!. It is unprofessional!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
If you ever consider stopping in the middle of a performance, consider this: Years ago, I was at Tosca, the title role being sung by a very famous, overweight soprano!. In the awaited solo, Vicci d'arte, she was alone on the stage with a desk and an ornate arm chair!. Singing, she rested her elbow on the chair, and part of it broke off and clattered to the floor!. Without missing a beat, she walked around a little and eventually ended up back at the chair, this time on the other side!. You guessed it!. She put her hand on the other arm, and crash! That our soprano was none too pleased with the stage people was evident at this point, but she continued to the end of the aria!. However, while the applause went on and on, she picked up that offending piece of furniture, carried it to the wings, and threw it backstage!. Ahhh, the charm of live theatre!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Oh I know that the 'show must go on'!. But theatre lore is full of stories of actors who have 'stopped' a show, mainly when something was interfering with the audience's ability to enjoy the show!. I have stopped a show when someone was loudly talking on a cell phone until they stopped, to which the audience gave me a round of applause!. I have seen actors stop the show until some idiot stopped unwrapping their 'crinkling' candy wrapper, and the audience applauded!. I have seen two actors stop the show to personally eject an audience member who was obviously drunk and disturbing the entire audience, and they applauded!. The show must go on, unless something is making it impossible - in which case the audience will usually love you for stopping so they can fully get their money worth and enjoy the show!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
At the risk of sounding sententious, yes!.
If you have technical problems, e!.g!. unplugged piano, simply re-plug the piano and continue!. Your audience will understand, if you do it with aplomb!. Your audience "gets" it!. It does not ruin the mood, quite conversely, it enhances it!. They are on your side now!.
Of course, if your problems occured during rehearsal, by all means stop and correct!. This is what rehearsals are for!.
If the problems occur during a Show, just soldier on and remember that your audience CHOSE to see you!. Each individual could have chosen to be somewhere else, yet did not!.
You owe them!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Yes, absolutely!. In rehearsal, you need to stop and fix problems!. That's what rehearsal is for!. But in an actual show, you must keep going no matter what!. Cover for actors who miss lines, and project when your mike dies! That's the meaning of professionalism in theatre!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
yes!. absolutelyWww@QuestionHome@Com
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Shelby knows all~Www@QuestionHome@Com