I played one song as part of a skit. I did not act in it.. just merely played as a musician in a bar..... Though it gave me a hint of what it is like to be part of a theatre production. The experience might have hit me hard due to the fact that i have never seen a play in a proper venue before.. and the first time i do, im in it.
Arrived early for a full rehearsal. Practice getting in and out of stage, positioning, lights etc. Before you know it.. seven hours has passed, and its time for the show.
There must have been about 50 people running around backstage. Perfecting their actions so as not to screw up during the actual show. Backstage has a very unique position in a production. Its where all the mess, confusion and clutter is. Hidden away from the view of the audience. All they see is a smooth crisp show.
Backstage is where you would find people practising their lines, putting on costumes and getting ideas for some last minute improvisations.
From the backstage, performers have to make the journey towards the stage wings [the most interesting place in my opinion]. This is where all the emotions are. Its a dark narrow alley on both sides of the stage. Scarcely lit by lights from the stage, creating a strong contrast of light and shadows. Its a place people and props wait moments before getting on stage - squeezing through each other, chasing precious seconds with their eyes fix on stage, not to miss a cue.
Anxiety could be clearly seen on everyone's faces.
Getting on stage was liberating in a way. All those time spent practising comes down to one final moment. The crowd reduced to figures in the darkness. Leave all your anxieties aside. When your on stage, there is no right or wrong.. whatever happens, the show must go on. Therefore, all you could do is to enjoy the moment.
I've been performing as a band on stage plenty of times, acted in a couple of school plays.. but there was a distinctly different energy to theatre.
Perhaps it was the old Victorian ceiling with chandeliers dangling down from it.
Perhaps its the hustle and bustle backstage.
Perhaps its knowing that every second of what you do matters.
Perhaps it was the way the curtains open before you - revealing a crowd all suited up.
Perhaps it was the hundreds of stage lights interplaying with each other - exaggerating every emotion that makes a scene.
I understand now why a lot of people leave their field of expertise for life in theatre. Even great actors speak of theatre fondly.
It is a truly unique experience.
saya joegrimjow
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