Succeeding in the Performing Arts: Difference between revisions

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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]

@@ Line 417: / Line 417: @@
 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]