Ren Faire: Acting: Stage Presence

Conduct Yourself On Stage

ome suggestions about stage presence.

Speak to the audience: Although you may be addressing someone else on the stage and its natural to face the person you're addressing, or you're watching and listening to the other players, lines need be directed outwards. Think of it as if you were directing testimony in court -- its the jury that needs to hear your statements. Turn your head after you've delivered your lines if you feel attention needs be directed to another actor.
Bigger is better: Especially on stages near streets where things are happening and noise comes in you need to become large and animated and keep attention.
Nervous? Its totally normal.: While only about 1 out of 10 people suffer from debilitating anxiety, about 7 or 8 suffer mild bouts of nervousness or panic (the things you hear on NPR). That its normal or natural doesn't make it better, but knowing that everyone deals with it should make it slightly less scary. Take a few deep breaths, drink some water, and remember that if everything goes to hell: well its gone to hell and it can't help but be better the next time.

See also: the mindbending Impro from the Master of Improv, Keith Johnstone. RPFN/S Madmen 'Sound N Fury' swear by Gary Izzo's The Art of Play.