Do a full rehearsal

By Michael Eakins

When rehearsing, vents often go over small chunks of material at a time. This helps the performer learn the material easier and focus on improving the bit. Instead of facing the task of conquering a whole new show, the smaller sections can make mastering the routine go not only quicker, but more intensive. Each chunk can be polished easier and more quickly instead of working on an entire dialogue at once.

However, it is still very important to rehearse a show from start to finish, with all stands, trunks, props, tables, microphones, and anything else that will be on the stage with you. The performer needs to know where everything is to be placed, how to get to it all, how the props are set for easy pick up, which way the trunks are facing and how to get in them, etc. It does not look professional for a vent to stumble around a mic cord or stand, fumble while picking up a prop, or not know which way to head when going to a trunk. Poor staging can break up the rhythm of the show. A full rehearsal might also reveal a break or duplication in material that the performer hadn't even thought about. So, even though it may seem like a lot of work, practicing with everything can really help the show run smoother and you look better.

Newsy Vents 11/05