Stage acting: Understanding the basics of performing

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes the best West End plays so believable? A great script will only take a production so far; the actors’ craft is what truly makes a show stand out. Stage acting is one of the first styles any budding performer will study, but it’s also one of the trickiest to master. Here, we delve into the basics of live performance and why they’re so important in theatre. 

Preparation

For screen actors, learning lines is important, but they can retake the scene as many times as is necessary to get it right. On the stage, there’s no such grace. Actors have to get their lines right and timed perfectly during every performance in order for the production to work. It’s therefore vital for actors to not only learn their lines, but also get into the head of the character they’re playing. What is motivating them? What’s their body language and expression like? How do they move around the stage? All these factors contribute to making a character more credible to an audience. 

Speech

The ability to speak loudly and clearly is key for stage acting. Performers must be able to project their voices so that those in the back rows can hear every word. It’s also important that their speech is clear and comprehensible, so many actors practise diction exercises and projection. But even the loudest, clearest speaker needs to offer more to their audience than simply perfectly pronounced lines. Emotion must be conveyed, whether it’s anger, sadness or joy. 

Adaptability

Even in the most well-rehearsed plays sometimes things go slightly awry. Being able to improvise and adapt ensures actors can carry the story forward smoothly even if someone misses their cue or there’s an unexpected technical issue. Maintaining composure, staying in character and seamlessly continuing with the scene is part of the craft. Often if something does go wrong, the audience is none the wiser - and that’s due to the skill of the performers. 

Presence

One thing you’ll notice when you see performances - whether that’s the best West End musicals or Shakespeare productions at The Globe - is that each actor has stage presence. This is the performer’s ability to captivate and engage an audience. Presence doesn’t necessarily mean being larger than life or likeable - actors can play a shy or quiet character, or a mean, nasty one and still mesmerise their audience. Stage presence is more about moving and speaking with confidence and intent, connecting with the audience, exuding energy and understanding the character. It’s something performers have to work as hard on as learning their lines. 

See the best performers at work

There is so much talent to be appreciated on the London stage. If you are looking for the best West End theatre shows this season, browse the productions on our ‘What’s On’ page. With a host of shows, from musicals and comedies to dramas and mysteries, we offer tickets to a range of performances to suit all tastes. Book today with KX Tickets.