Succeeding in the Performing Arts: Difference between revisions

(7 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)

Line 4:

''' Links to Live Discussions'''

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6471066515 Acknowledging Your Cast and Crew]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6441079525 Ambient Light & Sound]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/5731096515 Are These Threads Productive?]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2261069215 Arriving Early]

Line 23:

Line 24:

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2161086515 No One Loves You When You're Down and Out]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6771009415 Packing Your Own Parachute]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2681093815 Put on a Happy Face]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8521061815 Rest, Exercise and Diet]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9051069215 Scouting the Venue]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9991004135 Selling Merchandise]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/4081035515 Setting the Stage]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8811061815 Sight and Sound Lines]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8411014135 Upstaging]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9391059325 Voice: The only instrument you must learn formally]

* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2111029125 Walk-In Lighting and Sound]

Line 73:

Line 79:

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6471066515 Acknowledging Your Cast and Crew]

== Ambient Light & Sound ==

One of the best ways to improve a performance is by reducing unwanted ambient light and sound.

When someone walks through a door into a darkened performance space and light suddenly leaks through, the audience is distracted and it becomes harder to see the performance. The dynamic range of light is reduced.

Similarly when there's unwanted noise, from HVAC equipment, from extraneous noise sources -- whatever -- the performance suffers.

Of course it is not always possible to control these unwanted sources of light and sound, but often it is.

* Can a light lock be rigged so that latecomers can enter without a big splash of light?

* Could a few windows be taped with black duct tape?

* Can a chiller or refrigerator be unplugged for a performance, giving sometimes a whopping 30 dB of additional dynamic range?

All of these small improvements can add up to a significantly better performance environment.

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6441079525 Ambient Light & Sound]

== Are these threads Productive ==

Line 162:

Line 188:

As to equipment related to your performance, such as a laptop, that can be distracting or visually obtrusive to the audience, you must decide if there is a location that works both for you that minimizes the negative impact on them.

Discussion: [ Cell Phone (Leave it Offstage)]

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/7401096515 Cell Phone (Leave it Offstage)]

== Dress for Success ==

Line 328:

Line 354:

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6771009415 Packing Your Own Parachute]

== Put on a Happy Face ==

Chris & I were talking about this, & we decided that this topic needed to be discussed. The most difficult thing I have had to do as a musician is to perform when I've just had a big loss in my life like a death in the family. Or sometimes it's even difficult to perform when you're just having a bad week. Either way we don't always have the luxury of putting things behind us when we step up to the mic. The audience has come to hear us perform & perform we must. It is not healthy to have to push down the emotions & put on a stage persona, but we have to do it quite often.

The afternoon I had to perform after my dad's death earlier that morning was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. The emotions that were flowing through me had nothing to do with the show I was putting on.

The disconnect of putting your energy into a show when all you want to do is be quiet & lost in thought is very hard to describe. It really is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in life, & it happens more often as I get older.

What experiences have you had like this & how did you deal with them?

Tom

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2681093815 Put on a Happy Face]

== Rest, Exercise, and Diet ==

Line 357:

Line 396:

== Selling Merchandise ==

Selling unique merchandise before and after a performance can be an important source of income for a performing artist.

And it can be a wonderful and treasured memento for an audience member.

Generally speaking, it can compromise the integrity of a performance to "push" mechandise from the stage. In most cases, it cheapens the performance, can put the performers in an awkward place, and can make the audience feel uncomfortable ("Isn't what I spent on the ticket enough?")

Making a merchandise table or area obvious to audience members entering and leaving the performance space is sufficient in most cases to let them know that merchandise is available.

Second, it is a well-established fact that an artist who is gracious enough to sign autographs and say hello to audience members from the merchandise table will sell much more than those that don't. This is of course a personal choice: some artists need the time after a performance to unwind.

If you are able to greet your public, consider a modest change in appearance, from your "larger than life" stage look, to something a little more approachable. Garish makeup streaked with sweat and a soaked shirt may not be as attractive in the harsh light of after-performance meet-at-greet as it was as you split-jumped into that last power chord.

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9991004135 Selling Merchandise]

== Setting the Stage ==

Line 363:

Line 418:

I am careful about the visual impression. In smaller places there can be artwork, kitschy decorations, light streaming through a door to a storage space, and the occasional mop handle intruding on the scene on stage. I try to clear all of that out of the way, or at least be aware of what might be peeking out from behind my head. I've played in front of some pretty strange artwork and the visual impression of some goth creature glaring down at me from behind was completely incongruous with the music.

Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your ~~L1™~~ just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.

Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your L1® just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.

In places with small stages, there may not be any controllable lighting. Do you bring any with you? I've noticed that LED lights looking relatively inexpensive, cool, and lightweight. Anybody using something like this?

Line 384:

Line 439:

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8811061815 Sight and Sound Lines]

== Upstaging ==

The performing arts is always a challenge of creating a compelling storyline for the audience.

One of the most damaging issues in maintaining a good story is the act of upstaging.

(Upstage as a place means the area at the back of the stage, furthest from the audience.)

Upstaging means drawing the attention of the audience away from where it should be. And it is disastrous to a performance.

Worst of all, because it is done "upstage" it is usually done without the knowledge of the artist who is being upstaged, who is usually downstage and so has his or her back turned to the upstager.

There are obvious examples, sadly rather common, such as a rhythm musician who is conversing while a singer pours his or her guts out during a ballad.

But there are more subtle examples that are also harmful. A supporting actor that is supposed to be still can move only a little and distract from the main performer. Or a musician who nervously fiddles with equipment when he or she should be directing attention to the main performer.

The main idea is to minimize or eliminate anything that can distract an audience from the story that is being told. Of course a prerequisite is that the artists KNOW what the storyline is.

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8411014135 Upstaging]

== Voice: The only instrument you must learn formally ==

Some people can just play an instrument inherently and never go beyond a couple of basic lessons, if that. If, however, you sing, whether by necessity, because you're told you have the voice of an angel, be it you may be a natural, it doesn't matter. The voice is the only instrument that you MUST absolutely, positively learn how to use properly for sure. A simple statistic: About 90% of professional singers who do not take voice lessons eventually badly strain or damage their vocal chords to the point where they must stop singing, at least temporarily. About 99% of those who do take voice lessons do not. No matter how good you are, the right voice training will also improve your singing and allow you to really do it professionally. You'll be good for the long haul.

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9391059325 Voice: The only instrument you must learn formally]

== Walk-In Lighting and Sound ==

When audience members first walk into a venue their senses are heightened. There's a great feeling of anticipation and wonder.

A little bit of care for how they're greeted with lighting and sound can go a long way towards making them feel welcome and creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Walk-in music should be played a level that does not interfere with conversation but covers the silence of a room that's still filling up. Moreover, instrumental music is recommended as vocal music is often impossible to appreciate given the level is at or near ambient level.

As the room fills, and the ambient noise level increases, the level of the instrumental background music can increase as well.

When it's time to introduce the first artist, a rather quick-count fade-out signals to the audience that the show is about to start. The announcer and the performer(s) must be ready to go when this happens so some coordination is essential.

Walk-in lighting should create a mood of anticipation. Bright lighting should be avoided but there must be enough light that folks can find their places without straining and can see the faces of their companions and fellow audience members without difficulty. Pools of light on the audience can help to create a beautiful scene.

Dimming house lights just before a performance begins is another telltale signal that the show is about to begin.

It does not hurt, often, to allow the audience to settle for a few seconds after lights have been dimmed and walk-in music taken down.

Some may be tempted to think that these guidelines only apply to well equipped performing arts theaters but in fact the opposite is in a sense true. Professional theaters already do this. It is the more informal setting where these guidelines are often forgotten and where their use can make the most difference.

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2111029125 Walk-In Lighting and Sound]

----

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 ''' Links to Live Discussions'''
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6471066515 Acknowledging Your Cast and Crew]
+* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6441079525 Ambient Light & Sound]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/5731096515 Are These Threads Productive?]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2261069215 Arriving Early]
@@ Line 23: / Line 24: @@
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2161086515 No One Loves You When You're Down and Out]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6771009415 Packing Your Own Parachute]
+* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2681093815 Put on a Happy Face]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8521061815 Rest, Exercise and Diet]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9051069215 Scouting the Venue]
+* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9991004135 Selling Merchandise]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/4081035515 Setting the Stage]
 * [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8811061815 Sight and Sound Lines]
+* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8411014135 Upstaging]
+* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9391059325 Voice: The only instrument you must learn formally]
+* [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2111029125 Walk-In Lighting and Sound]
@@ Line 73: / Line 79: @@
 Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6471066515 Acknowledging Your Cast and Crew]
+== Ambient Light & Sound ==
+One of the best ways to improve a performance is by reducing unwanted ambient light and sound.
+When someone walks through a door into a darkened performance space and light suddenly leaks through, the audience is distracted and it becomes harder to see the performance. The dynamic range of light is reduced.
+Similarly when there's unwanted noise, from HVAC equipment, from extraneous noise sources -- whatever -- the performance suffers.
+Of course it is not always possible to control these unwanted sources of light and sound, but often it is.
+* Can a light lock be rigged so that latecomers can enter without a big splash of light?
+* Could a few windows be taped with black duct tape?
+* Can a chiller or refrigerator be unplugged for a performance, giving sometimes a whopping 30 dB of additional dynamic range?
+All of these small improvements can add up to a significantly better performance environment.
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6441079525 Ambient Light & Sound]
 == Are these threads Productive ==
@@ Line 162: / Line 188: @@
 As to equipment related to your performance, such as a laptop, that can be distracting or visually obtrusive to the audience, you must decide if there is a location that works both for you that minimizes the negative impact on them.
-Discussion: [ Cell Phone (Leave it Offstage)]
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/7401096515 Cell Phone (Leave it Offstage)]
 == Dress for Success ==
@@ Line 328: / Line 354: @@
 Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/6771009415 Packing Your Own Parachute]
+== Put on a Happy Face ==
+Chris & I were talking about this, & we decided that this topic needed to be discussed. The most difficult thing I have had to do as a musician is to perform when I've just had a big loss in my life like a death in the family. Or sometimes it's even difficult to perform when you're just having a bad week. Either way we don't always have the luxury of putting things behind us when we step up to the mic. The audience has come to hear us perform & perform we must. It is not healthy to have to push down the emotions & put on a stage persona, but we have to do it quite often.
+The afternoon I had to perform after my dad's death earlier that morning was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. The emotions that were flowing through me had nothing to do with the show I was putting on.
+The disconnect of putting your energy into a show when all you want to do is be quiet & lost in thought is very hard to describe. It really is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in life, & it happens more often as I get older.
+What experiences have you had like this & how did you deal with them?
+Tom
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2681093815  Put on a Happy Face]
 == Rest, Exercise, and Diet ==
@@ Line 357: / Line 396: @@
 {{:Scouting the Venue}}
+== Selling Merchandise ==
+Selling unique merchandise before and after a performance can be an important source of income for a performing artist.
+And it can be a wonderful and treasured memento for an audience member.
+Generally speaking, it can compromise the integrity of a performance to "push" mechandise from the stage. In most cases, it cheapens the performance, can put the performers in an awkward place, and can make the audience feel uncomfortable ("Isn't what I spent on the ticket enough?")
+Making a merchandise table or area obvious to audience members entering and leaving the performance space is sufficient in most cases to let them know that merchandise is available.
+Second, it is a well-established fact that an artist who is gracious enough to sign autographs and say hello to audience members from the merchandise table will sell much more than those that don't. This is of course a personal choice: some artists need the time after a performance to unwind.
+If you are able to greet your public, consider a modest change in appearance, from your "larger than life" stage look, to something a little more approachable. Garish makeup streaked with sweat and a soaked shirt may not be as attractive in the harsh light of after-performance meet-at-greet as it was as you split-jumped into that last power chord.
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9991004135 Selling Merchandise]
 == Setting the Stage ==
@@ Line 363: / Line 418: @@
 I am careful about the visual impression. In smaller places there can be artwork, kitschy decorations, light streaming through a door to a storage space, and the occasional mop handle intruding on the scene on stage. I try to clear all of that out of the way, or at least be aware of what might be peeking out from behind my head. I've played in front of some pretty strange artwork and the visual impression of some goth creature glaring down at me from behind was completely incongruous with the music.
-Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your L1™ just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.
+Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your L1® just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.
 In places with small stages, there may not be any controllable lighting. Do you bring any with you? I've noticed that LED lights looking relatively inexpensive, cool, and lightweight. Anybody using something like this?
@@ Line 384: / Line 439: @@
 Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8811061815 Sight and Sound Lines]
+== Upstaging ==
+The performing arts is always a challenge of creating a compelling storyline for the audience.
+One of the most damaging issues in maintaining a good story is the act of upstaging.
+(Upstage as a place means the area at the back of the stage, furthest from the audience.)
+Upstaging means drawing the attention of the audience away from where it should be. And it is disastrous to a performance.
+Worst of all, because it is done "upstage" it is usually done without the knowledge of the artist who is being upstaged, who is usually downstage and so has his or her back turned to the upstager.
+There are obvious examples, sadly rather common, such as a rhythm musician who is conversing while a singer pours his or her guts out during a ballad.
+But there are more subtle examples that are also harmful. A supporting actor that is supposed to be still can move only a little and distract from the main performer. Or a musician who nervously fiddles with equipment when he or she should be directing attention to the main performer.
+The main idea is to minimize or eliminate anything that can distract an audience from the story that is being told. Of course a prerequisite is that the artists KNOW what the storyline is.
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/8411014135 Upstaging]
+== Voice: The only instrument you must learn formally ==
+Some people can just play an instrument inherently and never go beyond a couple of basic lessons, if that. If, however, you sing, whether by necessity, because you're told you have the voice of an angel, be it you may be a natural, it doesn't matter. The voice is the only instrument that you MUST absolutely, positively learn how to use properly for sure. A simple statistic: About 90% of professional singers who do not take voice lessons eventually badly strain or damage their vocal chords to the point where they must stop singing, at least temporarily. About 99% of those who do take voice lessons do not. No matter how good you are, the right voice training will also improve your singing and allow you to really do it professionally. You'll be good for the long haul.
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9391059325 Voice: The only instrument you must learn formally]
+== Walk-In Lighting and Sound ==
+When audience members first walk into a venue their senses are heightened. There's a great feeling of anticipation and wonder.
+A little bit of care for how they're greeted with lighting and sound can go a long way towards making them feel welcome and creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.
+Walk-in music should be played a level that does not interfere with conversation but covers the silence of a room that's still filling up. Moreover, instrumental music is recommended as vocal music is often impossible to appreciate given the level is at or near ambient level.
+As the room fills, and the ambient noise level increases, the level of the instrumental background music can increase as well.
+When it's time to introduce the first artist, a rather quick-count fade-out signals to the audience that the show is about to start. The announcer and the performer(s) must be ready to go when this happens so some coordination is essential.
+Walk-in lighting should create a mood of anticipation. Bright lighting should be avoided but there must be enough light that folks can find their places without straining and can see the faces of their companions and fellow audience members without difficulty. Pools of light on the audience can help to create a beautiful scene.
+Dimming house lights just before a performance begins is another telltale signal that the show is about to begin.
+It does not hurt, often, to allow the audience to settle for a few seconds after lights have been dimmed and walk-in music taken down.
+Some may be tempted to think that these guidelines only apply to well equipped performing arts theaters but in fact the opposite is in a sense true. Professional theaters already do this. It is the more informal setting where these guidelines are often forgotten and where their use can make the most difference.
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/2111029125 Walk-In Lighting and Sound]
 ----
 <references />