[Chrizzle]

People who did GCSE drama, I need help!

I am performing in a play called A Memory of Lizzie (true story bout Lizzie Borden, girl who murdered her parents allegedly). Its a funny but rather sinister play, which I play a schoolchild bullying then helping Lizzie Borden as she gets taunted for having a boys middle name. Anyhoo

My exam is on Thrusday, and I have two more rehearsels!
I need tips on how to keep nerves under control, and any other tips you'd like to share!

[Arneldo]

Picture everyone in there underwear.

[Sunny_01]

I use Bachs rscue remedy Chris - always helps to calm me nerves just a couple of drops on the tongue right before you go in!!

Also look up some deep breathing techniques - the more you concentrate on your breathing the less you will worry and stress out

[Ruth*Star]

Picture yourself in a happy place. that might help.

[Arneldo]

Before you go on on stage take a moment and take some big deep breaths and imagine your inhaling through the top of your head and exhaling through your toes.

[BigSister]

What i do before night of an exam or anything big is go through the thing you need to learn in your case your lines then i forget all about it and do something nice like listen to a fave album or come on computer/labtop or watch a film or a good tv programmee
But good luck for it

[Kristen]

I'm a total drama ***** and I never get nervous (oh so humble :laigh but the most important advice is don't let the nerves get too you.
I always see nerves as a good thing. They can help take your acting to the next level.
Always take every oppurtunity and milk every line, that's what I do.
If you think a lines gonna get a laugh you make sure it get's a laugh by making sure you deliver it with 100% confidence.
People hate nothing more than seeing a nervous person so even if you're shaking on the inside make it look like you're confident!
It's bad l**k to say 'good l**k' so break a leg!

[Red Moon]

Some good tips on breathing have already been given.

Another thing is to make a firm entrance on to the stage. Don't enter is wishy washy way be bold and be in character mentally before you enter the stage.

Once you are on the stage be centered and do it. And most of all enjoy it.

If you try to be good or milk the lines etc you will look like an utter fool and like a crap actor. I have seen so many actors age 14-18 who think they can act and most of them are rubbish who in talent terms are a waste of space.

Most really good actors will tell you they don't know what they do or how they do it they just do it. Their biggest fear is they will step on stage and they won't be able to do it, because they don't know what they do.

[Kristen]

Originally posted by Red Moon
If you try to be good or milk the lines etc you will look like an utter fool and like a c**p actor. I have seen so many actors age 14-18 who think they can act and most of them are rubbish who in talent terms are a waste of space.

[b]Victimisation and insulting other members is not allowed on the TiBB- Warning issued - Red

[Corkie]

If you have nerves good!

Use them to your advantage and make the nerves into a good piece of drama.

Also don't say "the Scottish play" (you know what I mean...) whenever I've done a play someone has said the real name and has screwed up on their lines...

Also break a leg

[stacey]

i think everybodyss mentioned most but break a leg

[Chrizzle]

Watched some peoples drama performances today, mines tomorrow about 11.30-12 so think good thoughts!!

[Red Moon]

Good luck Chris I hope it goes well.

[Chrizzle]

Thanks Red. I am SO nervous. I really am. Im quite excited, but so nervous.
Its all good, but we added a dance routiney thing on Monday have had only 3 days to rehearse it so Im a bit nervous about that.

[Red Moon]

It will be fine.... just trust in yourself and it will be wonderful.

[Chrizzle]

Thanks for the ecouraging words.
I just wanna get it over with

[Red Moon]

That's okay Chris I remember doing my Drama Exam O-levels many a red moon ago. You feel a lot worse before then than you do while you doing them. It's natural. Once you are doing it you will be fine.

You will let us know how it goes We will all be rooting for you.

[Chrizzle]

Thanks

You are right. The first 5 minutes are SO bad. But once im in it, i get going. I just hope that I dont stress to much.

[Red Moon]

Nice regular deep breaths.

Count them in and then count them out making sure you breath out as much air as you breath in. It is important you get the breath in and out balance right.

Have a nice night messing and having fun on here and take you mind off it.

[Pipergun]

Drama! I used to be petrified when we had to act out scenes in front of all of my friends, so I can sympathise a bit, although I didn't take it to GCSE level.

I think the best advice that I can give is that whilst you're performing, you ARE that person - not Chris, but whoever you're playing. It's odd, but somehow when I've told myself that, I become less nervous, and find it easier to express myself!

Hope this helps, and all the best for the exam!

[Chrizzle]

Thanks Tom!

Problem is, at the beginning we have to say our name candidate number and who were playing.
And I play various characters lines as ONE character.
so I gotta say

'Hi im Chris, candidate number blar blar, and Im playing Christy, Frances, Joe, and KATHY pmsl'
everyones gonna laugh!!

[Red Moon]

Do the name thing in a character called Chris who happens to look like you.

[Sunny_01]

Good luck for tomorrow Chris - you will be fine once you are up there doing your stuff!!!

[Bells]

Good luck - hope it all goes well. xxx

[Chrizzle]

Thanks everyone!!