Thursday, November 6, 2008

opening night nerves

Today was opening night. This current show is much different than anything I've done before. The other actor and I basically sit at desks and read the letters, and the show spans from when they were elementary school up through adulthood. I've had to approach this show very differently than any other piece I've worked on. Usually I focus all my attention on the other actors and what my character wants from them. But in this piece I don't look at my co-star until the very end of the show. Instead I look out towards audience, the front row of which is so close I could spit on, if I were so inclined. But I don't look AT the audience, which would actually be easier. Instead I look up and around and listen to the letters. It's hard not to look at the audience when you're that close. And it's really hard to not think about how they are reacting and focus instead on the listening.

That said, I think it went fairly well. I think. I feel like all my usual barometers are out the window. It's uncharted territory.

It's scary.

As my fellow actor said about our jitters before we went onstage - "It's both the best and the worst feeling in the whole world."

18 comments:

Kat said...

That sounds like an incredibly difficult show. I would have no idea how to deliver that one. Wow.

Sarcasta-Mom said...

Good for you for tackling something so different. I'm sure you kicked its ass!

Unknown said...

That sounds like a great show.I love that you are worried.. it means you really care about the character, and your job. Trust yourself.

MARY G said...

Sigh. I wish I could have been there. Are you going to get reviewed at all?
Sounds to me as if you had a grip on the essential task of the actor -- I bet you aced it.

Anonymous said...

Good for you for stretching yourself, Painted Maypole. We're cheering for you.

Mary Beth said...

I'm glad it went well - doing something different is always scary for me but there's such a feeling of accomplishment when I tackle it. I hope all the other performances go well:)

Anonymous said...

I was so intrigued by this when you first told us you would be doing it, I really wish I could see you. Except I'd probably make faces at you or something. I'm mature that way.

the dragonfly said...

Glad to hear it went well. :)

Run ANC said...

If you can hold their attention in such a static play, you must be a pretty fan-bloody-tastic actor. Kudos.

S said...

i'm so sorry i've been MIA. i am swamped but wanted you to know i am reading.

carrie said...

You are so brave. I could never do that.

I'm sure you were wonderful!

Ambassador said...

PM -

I LOVE that show! I was fortunate to see Jason Robards and Elaine Stritch perform that show what seems like ages ago.

I know you were wonderful! Wish I could've been there!

Ambassador

flutter said...

I bet you are amazing.

Anonymous said...

i love that show. i always suspected it would be a hard one to perform

Mad said...

Hey you,
I've been thinking about emailing you for advice on an ethical issue concerning acting. I notice you don't have an email acct attached to your blog. If it would be ok for me to email you, can you drop me a line at madhattermommyAThotmailDOTcom?

Woman in a Window said...

You're a brave soul. I could never do it! NEVA! nope. good luck on the next playings.

JCK said...

This is a great show! How fun that you are doing it.

Louise said...

I don't think I've been in a play since elementary school, so I have no idea. But I do think I can half-imagine what it is like to be in uncharted territory in front of a bunch of people who paid to watch for entertainment. That IS scary!