Getting on and off the Stage

Te Ao Hou, September 1963, Page 12

Getting on and off the Stage If there is a curtain the problem is simplified for everyone can be arranged on the stage beforehand. When the curtain is open the performers must stand still. When it is fully opened there should be a slight pause to allow the audience to “drink in” what is on the stage. Avoid over-use of the curtain, however, for constant opening and reopening makes the whole thing very scrappy. If there is no curtain some sort of musical entrance must be used. All concert parties should know some of these. Nothing gives a worse first impression than a group which shambles on to the stage and then proceeds to talk and wave to friends in the audience. The exit from the stage must be just as carefully rehearsed and performers must not be permitted to disintegrate into a mob, all making for the side line. As a general rule the curtain should not close or the players turn to leave, until the applause has almost subsided. If a curtain is used, the performers should stand still as it closes and not move until they are completely hidden from view.