December 22, 2008

• Post-Performance Blog

  I won't write too much now, 'cause it's late.  But I had to post a successful completion of my first-ever improv show before a paying audience.  I didn't get any money, mind you, but I did it.

  As the show got closer and closer to curtain, I got very scared.  Onstage, I was mostly able to work through it.  My brain performed haltingly at first, and in between scenes in which I was involved, I was trying to silence my inner editor and just let go.

  That finally happened in the second act.  There was a "mistake" in which my naughty Lord Treaudeau was to kidnap a shoemaker's wife (long story).  The guard accidentally brought the wrong woman.  And then he brought the right woman.  As one of my fellow actors warned prior to the show:  after the mistakes actually happen, things get easier.  And they do:  the "worst" has already happened, you just have to keep going.  Putting out fires is easier than trying to start one without sparks.

  After that, things got much easier, and I was able to enjoy what I was doing. 

  The post-show notes Dave Dennison took were identical to my own inner criticisms, with the exception of one I'd been unaware of:  I was moving sort of unnecessarily and it telegraphed into nervous energy.  I wasn't really aware of that, but I'll have to watch out for it.

  I am currently holding the belief that the next time will be easier.  Which, of course, implies that, despite my nerves, I'll do it again.  So, shut up, nerves! Hee. 

  • 1:54 am
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