How to Prepare For a Stage Performance

Learn your lines. Practice makes perfect, so think of learning your lines as studying for a test that if you fail everyone knows and you can not take it again. Use a highlighter to make your lines jump off the page. When studying, say the words out loud. Have a friend run your lines with you when you're not in rehearsal. Try to visualize your lines so they're easier to remember.

Learn your song. Singing memorization is just as important as dialogue. Lyrics can be tricky. Study and go over them as much as possible. Sing in the mirror so you can see what you look like while singing, this helps correct any mistakes you may or may not have made. Learn your notes and harmonies as well. Even if you know your lyrics, it won't sound as good unless you get the notes right.

Practice any dancing. You must have the patience and time' to work at it everyday. Take your time and learn the steps the right way first so you do not have to go back and slow everyone else down.

Decide how you want to affect the person you are talking to (or singing to) with your lines. Do you want to charm them, offend them, destroy them, etc.? This is called an objective and may change as you go through the rehearsal process and discover new things about the piece.

Always make a strong choice about your character. In other words, I "kind of" love the other person is a weak choice. I'm crazy about the other person is a strong choice. Ambiguity does not work on stage. Remember to exaggerate all character choices so that the story and your character come across clearly.

Next is blocking. This means learning where you are and where you have to go during a scene. In any play you've got to know what's going on around you so you can hear your cue to give a line or move in the scene.

Drink a lot of fluids and (most importantly) have fun! Acting is work, but you can let loose, and have fun.

On the night of the performance everyone is always nervous - it's a sign of sanity! Besides, being too relaxed and over-confident can hurt your performance.

It is best to get into character at least 10 minutes before the first scene, even if you aren't in it.