{"id":43014,"date":"2019-08-25T13:30:01","date_gmt":"2019-08-25T17:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarcorner.com\/?p=43014"},"modified":"2019-08-25T13:33:57","modified_gmt":"2019-08-25T17:33:57","slug":"stagecraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.classicalguitarcorner.com\/stagecraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Stage Craft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stagecraft involves everything you do in front of an audience besides playing the music. It makes a large impact on the audience and contributes greatly to their musical experience. It does not, however, receive much attention from performers and is seldom practiced. Small changes and refinements can make a big difference to your performance so why not spend a little time working on your stage craft to elevate your musical performance?<\/span><\/p>\n

Compared to the countless hours you have put into your playing, this is low hanging fruit that can make a big impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Think about the experience of the audience, what do they see first? Well, if we were to get really granular it would be the announcement of the performance, the performance space, the program and all of the other precursors to appearing on stage. These all influence the experience of the listener and should be taken into account but they might be a little out of the scope of this discussion. So, what does the audience see first on the stage? They see you as you walk on stage. <\/span><\/p>\n

Walking on stage<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

It seems so simple that we would never consider working on this first step but you know what they say about first impressions! The moment you walk on stage you are conveying a message. What is your message?<\/span><\/p>\n

Disorganized<\/strong> – Did you forget your music offstage and have to duck off only to re-enter with a bemused look? Or perhaps you are fumbling with all the materials you are carrying, a stand, guitar, and a footstool to boot!<\/span><\/p>\n

Isolated<\/strong> – Do you walk on the stage without acknowledging the audience? <\/span><\/p>\n

Casual<\/strong> – Does your gait and attire send the message that you are relaxed, perhaps too relaxed for this setting?<\/span><\/p>\n

Your walk from the side of the stage, or arising from the audience and getting your guitar out of its case (as might be the case at an open mic or guitar society meeting) is your first opportunity to perform the music. Sure, you haven\u2019t played a note yet. Far from it. But your audience is already feeling different because of the messages you are sending.<\/span><\/p>\n

Imagine this<\/strong>: Your music, footstool and stand are set up waiting for you on stage. You enter with appropriate attire for the setting, confidently walk across the stage with guitar comfortably in hand and acknowledge the audience either with a bow, a smile, or a greeting. <\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, this often neglected first step has set you off on a virtuous path that engenders confidence not only in the audience but in you as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s next? Ah yes, sitting down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting Down and Getting Settled<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Another simple process, so why not improve it.<\/span><\/p>\n

You have a guitar, a footstool or support, music or iPad, bluetooth page turner, chair, tuner and perhaps glasses to see better. What you need is a system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you put your footstool down before sitting and awkwardly juggle the guitar ? This can sometimes lead to an audible \u201cthonk\u201d on the music stand followed by a distressed check of the soundboard. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do you have your sheet music taped together or is it in single sheets that need to be organized before you get started?<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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