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| KATIE OSBORN as Jo Van Meegeren in FORGER |
We all know that during this pandemic, a lot of us are sheltering
in place and are practicing social distancing, so being able to act on the
stage with other actors is prohibited.
But like so many actors and people in theatre believe – the show must go
on!
Zoom has been a happy medium that many of us have learned to tackle and explore how we can use it so we can continue to engage our audiences while doing the thing we love, which is to act, perform and touch people’s souls.
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| STEVE SHERMAN as Han Van Meegeren in FORGER |
I’m the founder and artistic director of the Riant Theatre, producer of the Strawberry One-Act Festival and the JOCUNDA MUSIC, FILM & THEATRE FESTIVAL. Here are 8 tips I use when directing or coaching actors on Zoom:
1. Have an opinion about everything that is being said to you. Know how you feel about it and be able to listen to what is being said and be able to communicate your unspoken feelings about what you’ve just heard;
2. Know what your character wants in a scene and be able to communicate it with conviction and honesty;
3. Decide whether you are going to look directly into the camera and speak to the other person as if they are directly opposite you or whether they are slightly to the left or right of the camera;
4. Choose a background that is not a distraction from what you are doing in a scene. If you are on Zoom from home choose a background that is a blank wall or one that is not too busy. If you would like, you can always use a Virtual Background that you think is appropriate for the scene;
5. Do not set up in front of a window when using a Virtual Background, because it will cause your background or you to appear like a ghost. If you have access to a Green Screen even better. It will make your Virtual Background look sharp and real.
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| ABIGAIL ROWLAND as Anna Van Meegeren in FORGER |
6. If you
are auditioning on Zoom try to dress as your character and make sure you
standout and are not upstaged by anything that is in the background where you
are on camera;
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| CHRIS SCARSBOROUGH as Abraham Bredius in FORGER |
7. If you can use props or have an activity that compliments your intention in the scene, don’t be afraid to use them. Use your imagination. Don’t be afraid to go the extra step to make a lasting great impression that adds to your performance; and
8. Most of all, remember the 3 Ps. Be present, prompt and prepared.
The Riant Theatre’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment to develop new plays and outstanding artist, while providing an opportunity for them to network, meet producers and investors and collaborate on other projects. You can make a difference and help us keep theatre alive by making a donation by clicking here.
The next play in our Virtual Play Reading Series is AT ALL COST by Rashida Costa and Directed by Van Dirk Fisher on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 8PM EST on Zoom.
Set in the South in 1945 after WWII, Wray Edmond, a Black soldier returns home in pursuit of a better life for his family and purchases a Casino after being denied the benefits of the G.I. Bill.
The cast includes: RUDOLPH SHAW as Wray Edmond, RASHIDA COSTA as Juanita Edmond, AMIR ROYALE as Sunny Edmond, HENRY DAVIS as Edison Brown, HELEN SANDERS as Grandma May, ARTHUR BROWN as Mr. Hughes and SHARON HOPE as IDA.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_30AZQHC9SICXsAHlLiGC0A
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information
about joining the webinar.
There will be a TALK BACK afterwards with the Playwright and Cast after the reading. Van Dirk Fisher, Founder & Artistic Director of the Riant Theatre and producer of the JOCUNDA MUSIC, FILM & THEATRE FESTIVAL will be the moderator.
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