What is it that captivates us about a performer?

What do you guys think is the key to captivating an audience? I mean from an individual performers perspective. Assuming the material is good, what is the key to an individual performer really knocking your socks off when you go see a show? Is an awesome voice enough to do it? Is it all in the acting? Dancing? Both? Does their confidence come across? I realize all of these things are factors, but I'm interested in sparking discussion about specifics. Feel free to name a good performer, and what it is about them (specifically and technically) that really grabs you. Try to avoid saying things like, "She's the best!" or "He's so awesome." Be specific, what do they do, specifically, on stage that works for you?

Well, I think that one of the oft-mentioned things in show-biz about performers is the "it" factor, the indescribable thing that makes them special. I think if I had to define "it," I would say that it's the quality that makes a performer especially interesting to watch, which I think comes from the kind of brave vulnerability (sp?) that an actor needs to have to be truly effective, to allow the audience to see what's inside of him.

Updated On: 10/18/05 at 08:18 AM

Interesting points. I defintitely see the "it" factor in certain performers. It seems to have a lot to do with a certain confidence they have. Like they know every thing they do up there is the right thing to do. It really shows when a performer is confident and comfortable. I guess when things seem to flow from them naturally, it really helps as well. Good point on the voices too. I have heard cast recordings with voices I was really impressed with, then I saw the performer live and was dissapointed. It's hard to pinpoint for sure. It all seems to come down to prescence, and the energy they give off.