Stagecraft Tweet Tips

 

Last month, I did my third “tweet tips” series of daily tips for belly dancers. June’s theme was stagecraft.

Now that the series is over, I thought I’d share the full series in one place.
 
 
 

The tips:

 

1) Pretend there’s paint on your feet & paint the whole stage
 

2) Imagine your chest is filled w/ light & let it stream out your fingertips, toes, eyes & mouth
 

3) When you’re tempted to add more “stuff”, vary the timing instead. Try QQS, SQQ, SSQQS
 

4) Turn your back on the audience. It creates a pretty view & plays with emotional distance
 

5) Dancing is like speaking: take a deep breath before you start your next phrase.
 

6) Dance in the spot with the best lighting. When there, you’ll feel the light on your face and eyes.
 

7) When you have audience on all sides, dance for the people behind you. Make their view interesting.
 

8) On an overwhelmingly large stage, imagine there’s a more manageable stage in the middle of it.
 

9) Use “up & over” eye contact to include the whole audience http://bit.ly/RsOsjO
 

10) Ask what color the backdrop is. Black costume + black backdrop = floating head & torso
 

11) Your audience may not know where to look. Use your gaze to direct their eye.
 

12) After you direct their eye, look at them again to reinforce it. “You’re looking, right? Good.”
 

13) The audience may not know it’s okay to look at your body. Use gaze, framing, or just point
 

14) Play peek-a-boo: break & reestablish eye contact to play with the audience’s emotions.
 

15) If they don’t follow your gaze, you may not have taken charge of the show http://bit.ly/12GwDre
 

16) Stage lights can make translucent fabrics see-through. Plan your undies accordingly.
 

17) Whenever possible, do a sound check. (Trust me: don’t skip this.)
 

18) If your show has a stage manager (s)he is GOD. Obey accordingly.
 

19) Don’t get TOO close to the front row; it blocks everyone else’s view. Try 2 arms’ lengths.
 

20) The back corners of the stage are emotionally weak, but don’t avoid them; work the weakness.
 

21) The rear 3/4 body angle has a vulnerable quality. Work it or peek over your shoulder to subvert it.
 

22) Just like a new costume, it’s wise to practice in new jewelry before wearing it on stage.
 

23) Floorwork only works with good sightlines. Make sure everyone can see you down there.
 

24) If you have access to the space, test the flooring with spins & turns in your shoes/bare feet.
 

25) Bring *at least* two copies of your music. Extra formats (CD iPod mp3) help too.
 

26) In a group show, be ready at least 2 spots early. If there’s a problem, you still get prep time.
 

27) Stage lights can change your lipstick color. If you can’t test, wear true red. (h/t Aunt Rocky)
 

28) While waiting to enter, stay TRULY out of sight. They can see suprisingly far into the wings.
 

29) Remember that the details matter, but the only “must” is to share your joy with the audience.

 

Your turn

Which of these were new to you?

Which are your favorites?

Do you disagree with any of them?

What other stagecraft tips do you have to share?

Share your thoughts in the comments.
 

How to get more

I’ll be doing another set of daily tips next month too. July’s topic will be creativity boosts. These are quick exercises to help you shake things up and start thinking creatively.

To get those, you can follow me on Twitter, like my page on Facebook, or search for the #creativityboost hashtag on Twitter.
 

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