Performance Magic: The Power of Almost Losing Control
Ready To Create Magic?
Performance is, or should be, an experience for your audience so powerful they lose themselves in it. If you add a little magic to your performance, you can really take the audience for a ride. I call it the 'illusion of almost losing control'.
Notice I say 'ALMOST' losing control. Think about it, we don't go to the circus to actually see someone fall to their death or get trampled by an elephant. We want to see the beauty of the impossible physical feat completed without a scrape. We don't really want to see NASCAR carnage - we want the driver to walk out of the car miraculously unscathed. But the real or perceived danger of the performance is definitely a draw.
For a singer, this edge of control/lost control should be COMPLETELY under the singer's control. What does it take?
1. Energy ... Vocal, mental and emotional stamina warmed up and ready to the nth degree. Always be able to do more than you will have to vocally accomplish.
2. Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal. Full voice, full band, practicing as close to performance situation as possible.
3. Confidence from experience, experience and more experience performing before an audience.
There is no shortcut around the above to this illusion of standing on the edge of space. When you pull it off, you can give your audience a gift good enough to spirit them away for the duration of your performance. And it is SOOOOO much fun!!!
What do you think? What performer do you performs this demanding, rehearsed, confident illusion best?
Labels: Judy Rodman, performance, performance power, rehearsal
posted by Judy Rodman
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9:33 PM
2 Comments :
At September 25, 2012 at 8:22 AM ,
Diane Hurst said...
I noticed this in watching a friend do a local show recently. Have also seen it many times in other performers; there are some that you just get lost in the great music, and also sometimes you hold your breath wondering if they'll be able to do what seems would be difficult-- but they do it!
This is not me as a performer (yet!)-- but is a good goal, and that is some helpful advice about how to get there. The times I have been warmed up, and have practiced A LOT have been some of the best of my efforts. Also, what helps me sometimes is to just think about/visualize and try to emulate how other, more confident singers perform.
At September 25, 2012 at 1:39 PM ,
Judy Rodman said...
Too cool to have you confirm that you have witnessed this in others, Diane. You know, the first step to changing or learning something new is to become aware. I have no doubt you will be doing this, too and soon!
Keep in touch and let me know how things go.
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