Improv Bootcamp

Tips on how to move from Stage 2 (Improv Grad) to Stage 3 (Mainstage Player)

Many performers find the transition from Stage 2 to Stage 3 the most difficult one to navigate. It is at this stage where you need to prove your worth as a performer, and that requires commitment and a great deal of self-belief.

Here are some areas to work on if you want to become a Mainstage Player (but first go back to my post ‘How to Get on Stage’. All the tips on there are still relevant so you should still be doing all of them!) Now to the new stuff:

Be Consistent

If you want to become a mainstage player, consistency is vitally important, because directors will cast people they know will deliver a solid performance every time. Consistency comes from self-belief, and self-belief comes from experience. It will take some time but if you are focused on what you want you can speed up the process. Consistency is NOT about being perfect. It is about trusting your instincts. Take the time to develop them and learn what they are. Figure out what kind of pre-show preparation serves you best and make it a habit. For example, I always take a moment before every show to close my eyes and focus my energy. You might do something completely different – find whatever works for you.

Develop Your Stage Presence

Stage presence is something that can be developed and improved if you don’t feel like you are a ‘natural’. I think it boils down to 2 things – confidence and likeability. Now confidence doesn’t mean arrogance, it is more about developing a level of comfort on stage. As an audience, it is hard to trust a performer who looks nervous or unsure of themselves on stage. Even if you don’t feel it, learn how to fake an outward appearance of confidence. You’d be amazed how you can even fool yourself! Nor does likeability mean always being ‘nice’ or uncontroversial. It is about being open, positive and fun. You can be as cheeky, rude or controversial as you want when the audience likes you. They will go with you pretty much wherever you take them. Always bring a positive energy to the stage and manifest it in your own personal style. Before you even start playing your scenes, in the opening moments and set up of the show, make sure you stand tall, smile, speak in a loud clear voice, walk with purpose, and use your physicality!

Be Playful

Being playful as an improviser is mostly about letting go of the need for everything to be ‘perfect’. Have fun on stage and learn to embrace those unexpected moments or curve balls instead of panicking that the scene is not going the way you want it to. Play with people you have a great connection with and enjoy the fun of that. Take the pressure off yourself – after all, it’s just improv!

Know the  ‘Culture’

Every improv company has its own culture and style of play. If your aim is to be a part of that, then you need to understand the culture and how things are done. You also need to be visible to the people that make casting decisions. If you are auditioning for shows and ensembles but not getting cast, see if you can get feedback as to what you could do better next time and ask specifically what they are looking for. Watch the current mainstage performers – What qualities do you notice in them? What could you bring to that mix of people that is unique?

Keep Being a Student

Classes can be a great way of stretching your improv muscles no matter how experienced you are. If you don’t have any previous acting training, taking ‘straight’ acting classes can really help develop your performance skills and stage presence. Work on your stagecraft and your voice, take advantage of opportunities to learn from guest teachers and take classes from different groups if you can. There are many different schools of thought on improv out there – why not broaden your horizons?

Speaking of which, I’m off to the US in a couple of weeks doing some shows in Vegas and New York (yay!) so I’m sure I’ll have many more insights when I get back.

I look forward to hearing about how you are going. I’m loving the comments so please keep sharing!

Lisa x