All the World's A Stage

by Shawn

SHAWN HAS A FANTASTIC REPUTATION AT SCHOOL AS A BRILLIANT ACTOR AND DIRECTOR, AND HERE, HE SHARES HIS STORY OF WHAT HE LEARNT WHICH ENABLED HIM TO COME THIS FAR.

Five years ago, when I had courageously announced my intention to venture into the nebulous region of theatre and drama, I had the most ‘encouraging’ responses from friends and family alike. “A tree could act more expressively than you, Shawn” was one of the kinder comments. Yet through these five years, I’ve been passionately pursuing theatre and drama and have certainly come a long way.

I grew up as the most quiet, reserved boy in class that you can think of. No one would have guessed that I would ever step onto a stage, much less act. It was the one thing I never imagined myself doing. Like most people, I was terrified of being on stage, whether it is being the focus of a classroom of friends, or a whole auditorium of strangers. The very thought would paralyze me like a deer immobilized by the headlights.

It’s all about confidence, they say. That is true. My first public performance glided past in the most surreal fashion. There was a point when I was supposed to be frozen in a tableau, holding up a brick. At that moment I became aware of the audience, and my convulsive shivering became apparent. Alright, not convulsive but it did feel that way.

Surprisingly, when you get so focused and immersed into the performance, whether it is acting, or dancing, or playing a musical instrument, you can almost drown out that reality around you. All that there is before you, is this performance and putting your all in it, taking the audience out of the equation and placing your primary focus and emphasis on putting on a good show.

Very importantly, runs and good rehearsals factor in hugely too. It is important to take each rehearsal seriously and to perform them as if it was the real performance night. That way, you know exactly what your weaknesses are and so that by the time The Night comes along, you would have been absolutely prepared and it would virtually be just like one of your regular rehearsals!

Gradually, you’ll find your confidence building up and your adverse fear for the stage diminishing into the periphery. With more performances you’ll find your voice quivering less and find more control over your body without being arrested by the stage lights. Hopefully, you’d be able to let yourself enjoy the memorable and fabulous process of theatre-making, which I feel is the best part of theatre.

I’m sure that there are many books out there that give you more professional advise on acting or public speaking. However, what I hope to do through this article is to let you know that I, too, have perhaps been through similar fears and apprehension you might be getting but the first hurdle is always about self-confidence and not letting others beat you down before you give yourself a chance. All the best for all the amazing performances that you shall embark on!