Don’t Walk Onstage

You’re backstage. Your cue is coming. In just a few seconds, you’ll step through the wings and into the spotlight. The audience will see you for the first time.

So, what do you do?

Well, for one thing, please don’t simply walk onstage.

Feel the moment.

Is it bold? Romantic? Majestic? Intimate? Is your character entering with confidence, uncertainty, joy, fear or purpose?

Let the moment determine how you make your entrance.

Before you sing a note, dance a step or say a word, you’ve already begun communicating. The way you enter tells us who you are, where you’ve come from and what this moment means to you.

Feel the moment. Own the moment.

Make an entrance.

And while we’re at it, please don’t simply walk offstage, either.

Is it a graceful goodbye? A mad dash? A reluctant departure? A humble but proud exit? Whatever the story requires, remain inside that moment until the audience can no longer see you.

Your entrance is the first line.

Your exit is the final one.

So, no—don’t walk onstage, and don’t walk offstage.

Make an entrance. Make an exit.