By Zoï IOANNIDI MAM-S5ELA
Edited by Dalia Sophia WOLNY MAM-S5DEA
Theatre is an extremely demanding job, either if practiced professionally or if practiced as a hobby. It requires a certain physical ability, deep focus, and of course, confidence. In order to achieve the above, it is extremely important to have time to prepare and focus on the demanding task ahead.
Last week, I performed a theatrical piece, having to interpret a challenging role that demanded all my attention and focus. After finishing my performances, I was asked: ‘What is one thing you are keeping from this show?’, and I immediately responded that it was ‘getting ready’ before the show. I have, therefore, decided to write about my almost ritualistic preparation before stepping on stage.
It all begins before even going to the theatre, at home. It is vital to move one’s body before a show, either by exercising or just stretching, because it helps to clear the mind and wake up the body. A few hours before the show I make sure to also eat a fulfilling meal, in order to feel energized during the show, but to pack some food and water for the theatre as well. Moreover, I have found that meditating a few minutes before leaving for the theatre helps clear my mind and get me focussed on the task ahead.
At the theatre, I would first complete the actual ‘getting ready’, thus, putting on my costume, doing my make-up, styling my hair etc. It is very important to stay organized in the theatre, as it is quite easy to lose things, hindering the success of the show; I, for one, am still looking for my hairbrush, which I most certainly remember leaving in the changing rooms.
After any ‘getting ready’ that is required for the show is complete, most theatre directors make sure to organize a warmup for the actors. That includes a physical, vocal and mental warmup, depending of course, on the demands of each show. If the company doesn’t organize warmups, make sure to warm up at some point before the show. You can find plenty of warmups on the internet, curated for the style of the show you are performing, whether it is drama or a musical.
A few minutes before the show, when my nerves are starting to kick-in, I try to stop any interactions with the other actors and to focus before stepping on stage. Instead of going through lines or choreography, I find it best to empty my mind and to breathe, as it helps me memorize.
Every actor has a different sort of routine, but they all resemble each other in some form. The most vital outcome of getting ready to perform is to feel prepared and confident by the end of it. That way, an actor can perform the same show multiple times a week for months, or even years, without exhausting their voice, their body or their mind.