Just before curtain up-

[Christygreer2005]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 5:59am

First of all, hi there, I'm Christopher (although I'm usually known as Christy) Greer, and I live here in Ireland. I am glad to find this website. Introductions finished, so I'll now get on to my first question. In the 10-15 minutes just before going on stage for a performance, what do you do? Do you pace up and down the wings, or do you stand-or sit (One actor I know lies down in the wings until a few seconds before her cue! I am a pacer and a worrier before going on stage! There are several dressing rooms in Ireland with huge creases in the carpet, where I've paced before going on! I also worry A LOT-usually silly things like "Will I be better than last night?" However, I'm nice and calm by the time I go on stage, and I absolutely LOVE IT! Anyone else care to share their experiences of backstage waiting to go on?

[mbjts]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 6:02am

I'm not an actor, but as an audience member, it's the most exciting time! I love the feeling and buzz of the audience, and when the lights begin to dim, my heart actually races.

I know a few actors, and it's usually a quiet time for them. They use those minutes to settle themselves down, and get into character.

[Mr. TN]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 11:07am

When I'm acting in the show, I usually just sit backstage and think. I think of my character and attempt to put myself in his mindset (Sometimes more successful than others). However, most of my time is spent in the orchestra pit. Ten minutes before showtime is when, as a music director, I am pulling my hair out because something isn't right and the overture is about to begin and my damn winds will not tune properly. Then I drop my baton for the first measure and everything goes away. After years of it, you really get used to the feeling and they become part of your normal routine. If, for some reason, those feelings aren't there, something definitely is wrong.

[timote316]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 11:08am

Welcome to the boards! We'll have to get Emcee in here with the welcome message lol

I've been in three productions, each time with a varying amount of nervousness lol. My first one I was so nervous I was about to pass out lol, so I was sitting. The second one I stood, maybe paced a little. For my third one, I wasn't the least bit nervous, for whatever reason lol.

And yes, as an audience member, it definately is the most exciting time!