#performance technique

I know I started this little appreciaton series to highlight aspects that are more backstage, and not as much Mafin. But this is also about technique, and it is linked to crew work:

Costuming and set design contrasting the red (two joint high collars, this is serious business) of Marta's dress with the neutral white/sand set (there are notes of green and browns which Maria's costume echoes, but Marta's does not, she is the contrast color)

Also not the lighting setup slanting the shadow just below the cheekbone there (which also limits movement).

I tried to pinpoint the impact of Belmonte's deliver here and I think it comes from reduction. Little movement. Little facial change. Establishing a neutral canvas that will make the smallest gesture impact all the more.

Already walking in, the positioning makes a statement that does not need to be doubled in acting - look how the chandelier singles Marta out like a crown or halo, in the wider opening shot and again in the close-up:

Okay, Camera Crew on angle. Coronation incoming. We get it.

Look at Tapias' sculpting of María's baiting here: mostly vocal, with added mimics - it is not big (to go with the baiting) but far bigger than what Belmonte pulls from a near stillness that then makes one frown stand out and transports that "ready to pounce" moment for Marta.

Forget your stage fright, you will do amazing regardless:

If you are really nervous you can still deliver a beautiful performance. Remember to take deep breaths before you go on stage and remember that the audience are only human beings and at the end of the day they are there to see you, some of them could be like fans. You are the one on stage, theoretically and literally they are below you in that situation. (But not always, don’t get big headed :)) 

Acknowledge your audience:

When you walk out on stage smile, wave or say hello and introduce yourself. This gets the audience on your side. It is important as a performer to be humble and respect your audience. This, in return, will result in the audience respecting you as a professional performer and a down-to-earth individual. 

Choose your piece with care:

Choose a piece that fits your voice, acknowledge your range and respect it. If you are an soprano embrace it, same way as anyone who is a bass, baritone, mezzo-soprano, alto or a tenor, all voices are beautiful and your range should be embraced with care. You will always find a song suitable for your voice but if you find one that does not suit your voice but you have fallen in love with it you can always transpose the piece to a lower key or get someone else to do it for you if you are not comfortable transposing music. The technical part of song choosing is completely over looked by the importance of choosing a piece you can really feel and connect with. Choose a song that you can relate a personal experience to, or if you struggle to do this try and perform it for a friend or family member who can relate to it or even a TV show, movie or book character whom you have formed a connection with or just someone you like as a character. Sing it from your heart regardless. Really feel the piece and the emotion brought with it. 

Performing in character:

If you are a musical theatre performer or just have the pleasure of performing a musical theatre piece you need to remember it is an art in itself. You have to create a bond with your character to become them. You must understand their background, their importance, how they got there and their emotions. This will help your delivery of the piece. For example, in my Easter show in my last school year I performed On My Own from Les Miserables. I adopted the persona of Eponine who at this moment in the musical is heartbroken that her love is in love with someone else. I had to portray her emotion of sadness and hopelessness as she knows Marius will never be hers. Doing this helps get an emotional response from the audience. Another example is I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables, Fantine is in complete despair in her life and this could be portrayed through breathy vocals and facial expression. If you can make yourself cry you have a fantastic talent. If you are performing a happier song, for example you could maybe even be performing a Disney Princess song. The best delivery of a happy song is obviously lots of smiles and maybe even a giggle now and again for extra happiness ;).

Breathing:

Deep breaths are so important, expand your lungs to the max for the longest notes. On your sheet music or lyric sheet, mark where you feel you need to breathe and you should mark it out and perfect your breathing technique. Your posture will help. 

Posture:

Posture is so important when performing. It helps you stay grounded, helps project your voice and also helps with breathing, as well as making you look so much more confident. If you stand up straight your lungs will be at their strongest, it also makes you look more confident and professional. Have your feet shoulder width apart and this will make you more steady and will stop you from looking nervous, as will the standing up straight. 

Forget Mistakes:

If you hear yourself make a mistake during a performance, forget about it until you are done, forget it happened and make it blend in to your piece. The audience probably haven’t even noticed.

Appreciate Applause:

Smile at your audience to maintain your humble appearance. You can also thank them for being there and if it is an event you can tell them to enjoy the rest of their night. 

Take note of the mistakes:  

Have a small notebook, word document or even the notes in your phone handy after your performance and take down any mistakes you make so you don’t forget them and know to work on them in the future. 

I hope this helps anyone who was looking for performance tips, if you have any questions I will always answer them and good luck if you have a performance coming up :).

Emma