Actors - Don't Just Stand There. Do Something

Hi, It's Ruth from StageMagazineOnline.com.

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I have a bit of advice for our actors and directors today. It will help you with any role you have on stage. You know how life often stops onstage? Actors suddenly find themselves with nothing to do and a lot to say. There they are standing several feet from the nearest piece of furniture, nothing in their hands, standing like sticks devoid of behavior. The inexperienced look panicked, and the experienced radiate an angry confidence in standing still and doing nothing.

Directors, give that actor something simple to do while he/she talks! Let them tie their shoes, file their nails, look through their wallet, clean their glasses, rub a stain off their clothing, pick up something from the rug, eat a roast pig–something.

It is simply amazing how an actor can light up when he/she has something to do.

Don't just stand there. Do something. Ruth Goldman