- @Stage&Story
How to Use the Stage to Boost Your Ego in Eight Steps
STEP ONE: If you are cast in the ensemble, don’t worry: your director has something personal against you. So just navigate yourself to the front of the group numbers, with your “good side” facing out.
STEP TWO: Always be ready to shower your director with compliments; if you can’t think of anything positive, don’t forget…you’re an actor.
STEP THREE: When the director isn’t looking, give plenty of notes to your fellow actors on how they can perform better. Even if the director doesn’t know it, he needs your expertise.
STEP FOUR: Use every moment to perfect your craft. If a novice actor asks you to help her with lines or choreography, decline, as your time is too valuable…unless the director is watching.
STEP FIVE: Redeem any down time by reminding the cast of your vast experience in other shows. Remember, not everyone will know how blessed they are to have you, unless you tell them.
STEP SIX: Since the director’s notes don’t really apply to you, pretend you’re listening by nodding your head and squinting your eyes. If the director gives you a note, deflect by subtlety shifting the blame to someone else.
STEP SEVEN: Practice singing in your falsetto voice when you see the director walking toward you — when he compliments you, say, “Oh my! You heard that?” For added effect, cough and tell him you’ve been battling a crippling cold this week.
STEP EIGHT: When an audience member compliments your performance, ask her what she liked about it, heartily agree with her, and then ask if she could share that with your director and all social media.
Nearly every performer faces the challenge of what to do with the spotlight. If we exist to glorify God, how do we prevent the spotlight from glorifying us?
At LifeHouse, we’re quite blessed. I (Wayne) often get to thank our casts for their unified and selfless spirit. They make “checking their egos at the door” a habit that influences the culture of our theater.
But, the heart is deceitful, and no performer is immune from the allure of pride. So, even the mature among us can benefit from reviewing the hidden traps surrounding the stage. I hope our humorous satire helped you see this in a new light. Get it? If not, that was Wayne’s joke.
This article was originally posted on Wayne Scott's "The President's Perspective" blog on LifeHouse Theater's website.
Wayne Scott is president and founder of LifeHouse Theater. He is a writer, producer, and director who has authored 30 original musicals. Wayne also sits on the board of Stage & Story.
Dane Bundy is president of Stage & Story and on staff at LifeHouse Theater in Redlands, CA.