Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: actors feelings re: curtain calls

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casey05
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Joined: 6/17/05
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Posts: 42

Posted: 9/29/05 at 5:47am

Yes, that's one thing that should be considered. Traditionally actors bowed at the end of a performance as a sign of honour for the audience, as the actors were doing the audience a service.

In general, meet and greets work sometimes. One instance where it works is with a children's show, so that children can meet their favourite characters after the show.

In most shows that I've been in, a bow has just considered either with a long line (or several lines) of actors, or small groups of characters. Usually we bow twice - once in character, and once out of character as an actor.

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Tallsor
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Joined: 2/24/04
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Posted: 9/29/05 at 8:24am

I was always taught by the teacher/director of my college theatre that curtain call is for the ACTORS. This is their time to get thanked for their hard work on the show. She has them come out to the lobby, but NOT in a reception line - they are required to mingle if they want to do that (as many of them want to come talk to their friends / family who came to the show).

Something she does, that I've 'stolen', is that once the actors bow, she usually has them take a pose in character while the others finish bowing. Then, the full list of actors take their bow, they give a sign to the tech booth to get them their applause (which, as a techie, is welcome as - as mentioned above - most people forget them, and it's at this time it's helpful to remind the audience how much work went into this to make it look - hopefully - easy). Then, they go back to their pose while the lights go out.

My two bits,

Angie

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sparf
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Joined: 9/30/04
Location: United States
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Posts: 23

Posted: 9/30/05 at 2:38am

Well, I am not leading man material, as a matter of physical type. So I like the curtain call as a chance to stroke my undernourished ego. :)

I've been in two shows, both at the same community theatre, where there was a receiving line after the final bow. Both shows were musicals. In the first one, I was a speaking member of the ensemble. I had two costume changes, but I did have an overall 'main' role that took up most of my stage time. as such, I enjoyed the receiving line because I got to hear feedback from people on my performance. (Feedback that wasn't all "Hi, great show, bye now", I should note).

The second show was another Musical. I was a non-speaking 'extra' type actor. I found the receiving line to be torturous.

I think, personally, that the meet and greet is a good thing, but best done out of costume. We've seen the characters, now let us see the actors who made them real for us.

Children's theatre is iffy. I've met children who were absolutely terrified of some of us during a run of Raggedy Ann and Andy (I played Prince Leonard the Looney Hearted), but others who loved seeing those silly grownups in the costumes.

who knows. :)

That is not dead which can eternal lie / and with strange aeons even Death may die.

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Shatcher
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Joined: 2/21/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 251

Posted: 9/30/05 at 4:08pm

I know I added my 2 cents on this already but as for childrens shows... My young daughter loves to see theatre and she loves to meet the actors afterwards. Because my husband is an actor she understands that actors are prentending, not all kids will. I think the meet and greet for kids shows is ok for the kids but not always for the cast. I saw a production of Beauty and the Beast where Belle was pucked on in the lobby after the show, she was still in her gold ball gown. I'll bet the costume crew was thrilled with that!!

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Guests
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Posted: 10/12/05 at 11:36pm

Curtain Call--yes. A show seems empty without one, and I have seen a few without a curtain call.

However, I don't block the curtain call until I feel my students have earned the privilege of one. Otherwise, they get an ensemble call--everyone lines up at the front of the stage and bow. (I've done this once in 12 years.)

When blocking a curtain call, group your minor actors into logical segments. When one group is bowing, the ones who are next should already be moving from the wings. If your curtain call lasts more than 60 seconds, you are straining the patience of the audience--some of whom are probably dying to use the restroom. If you are doing a musical, you can have them move to the finale and pick up the song after they've all had their chance to get applause. This releases the audience from having to clap the entire time, and it gives the curtain call a natural ending.

Receiving line--NO.

I watch plays at a local semi-professional theatre (a step above community but not Equity or Equity-waiver). They always do a receiving line in the lobby, which is cramped to begin with. I find that if the kids want to meet the actors, it's great, but leave space for the rest of the patrons to exit. If it's not a children's show, skip it. Hold special performances for children and have a question-and-answer time with a picture/autograph session immediately following the performance for interested parties. This actually promotes the childrens' interests in theatre and allows the actors to share basic information about acting, working in a theatre, etc.

I teach high school theatre, and although we don't do a receiving line, I do allow the students to meet and greet the audience after the show because most of them are friends and family. Also, this year I allowed a select group out at pre-show, staying in character, asking the audience if they had seen other characters (it went with the plot of the play). I let another group out at intermission. I found this helped keep the backstage jitters down on my main characters at the beginning, and it kept the chorus from driving me nuts at intermission. I wouldn't do it in all situations--but it worked last year. Also, they got a chance to meet and greet the audience, so the audience felt a part of the show before we even started.

MIss C

P.S. Unless you have a true Broadway star in your cast, save the standing ovations for the professionals. Don't cheapen the importance of one.

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PatrickArmagh
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Joined: 10/05/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 33

Posted: 10/13/05 at 12:05am

Take the bow. It is the only true response you will ever get out of an audience in regards to your performance.(sometimes)

I once did a musical performance that had the four leads take a combined/staggered group bow at the end of curtain call, while several secondary principles each got a solo bow. It was slightly frustrating as an actor, but one of the secondary principals stood out as performer, and received the worthy applause. I on the other hand got lumped with a lack luster leading lady, and had to share applause with her, but still heard a noticeable pop from the audience when I took my bow within the group.

If you don't get the POP, then you can estimate a clear understanding of the audience reaction.

As for receiving line, I regret that they are sometimes necessary. I was taught that an actor never goes out in character, costume or makeup, but when a receiving line is required by the theater, you make exceptions.

Receiving lines are generally used to make the subscribers feel welcome. In community theater, a receiving line can add season ticket subscribers, and is a free marketing tool. The issue I stress is to keep it short and simple. If the audience compliments or thanks you for the wonderful job; thank them in return and express gratitude that they enjoyed themselves. Try not to linger with too many patrons, a keep yourself in an accessable locations that do not block the flow of traffic or appear needy.

Always remember!!! An applause is immediate, a face to face meeting in a receiving line will net a whole different set of comments, but at least you can get a read on their sincerity.

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casey05 Lead Joined: 6/17/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 42	Posted: 9/29/05 at 5:47am
	Yes, that's one thing that should be considered. Traditionally actors bowed at the end of a performance as a sign of honour for the audience, as the actors were doing the audience a service. In general, meet and greets work sometimes. One instance where it works is with a children's show, so that children can meet their favourite characters after the show. In most shows that I've been in, a bow has just considered either with a long line (or several lines) of actors, or small groups of characters. Usually we bow twice - once in character, and once out of character as an actor.
	IP Logged

Tallsor Star Joined: 2/24/04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 63	Posted: 9/29/05 at 8:24am
	I was always taught by the teacher/director of my college theatre that curtain call is for the ACTORS. This is their time to get thanked for their hard work on the show. She has them come out to the lobby, but NOT in a reception line - they are required to mingle if they want to do that (as many of them want to come talk to their friends / family who came to the show). Something she does, that I've 'stolen', is that once the actors bow, she usually has them take a pose in character while the others finish bowing. Then, the full list of actors take their bow, they give a sign to the tech booth to get them their applause (which, as a techie, is welcome as - as mentioned above - most people forget them, and it's at this time it's helpful to remind the audience how much work went into this to make it look - hopefully - easy). Then, they go back to their pose while the lights go out. My two bits, Angie
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sparf Player Joined: 9/30/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Posted: 9/30/05 at 2:38am
	Well, I am not leading man material, as a matter of physical type. So I like the curtain call as a chance to stroke my undernourished ego. :) I've been in two shows, both at the same community theatre, where there was a receiving line after the final bow. Both shows were musicals. In the first one, I was a speaking member of the ensemble. I had two costume changes, but I did have an overall 'main' role that took up most of my stage time. as such, I enjoyed the receiving line because I got to hear feedback from people on my performance. (Feedback that wasn't all "Hi, great show, bye now", I should note). The second show was another Musical. I was a non-speaking 'extra' type actor. I found the receiving line to be torturous. I think, personally, that the meet and greet is a good thing, but best done out of costume. We've seen the characters, now let us see the actors who made them real for us. Children's theatre is iffy. I've met children who were absolutely terrified of some of us during a run of Raggedy Ann and Andy (I played Prince Leonard the Looney Hearted), but others who loved seeing those silly grownups in the costumes. who knows. :)
	That is not dead which can eternal lie / and with strange aeons even Death may die.
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 9/30/05 at 4:08pm
	I know I added my 2 cents on this already but as for childrens shows... My young daughter loves to see theatre and she loves to meet the actors afterwards. Because my husband is an actor she understands that actors are prentending, not all kids will. I think the meet and greet for kids shows is ok for the kids but not always for the cast. I saw a production of Beauty and the Beast where Belle was pucked on in the lobby after the show, she was still in her gold ball gown. I'll bet the costume crew was thrilled with that!!
	IP Logged

Guests Guest	Posted: 10/12/05 at 11:36pm
	Curtain Call--yes. A show seems empty without one, and I have seen a few without a curtain call. However, I don't block the curtain call until I feel my students have earned the privilege of one. Otherwise, they get an ensemble call--everyone lines up at the front of the stage and bow. (I've done this once in 12 years.) When blocking a curtain call, group your minor actors into logical segments. When one group is bowing, the ones who are next should already be moving from the wings. If your curtain call lasts more than 60 seconds, you are straining the patience of the audience--some of whom are probably dying to use the restroom. If you are doing a musical, you can have them move to the finale and pick up the song after they've all had their chance to get applause. This releases the audience from having to clap the entire time, and it gives the curtain call a natural ending. Receiving line--NO. I watch plays at a local semi-professional theatre (a step above community but not Equity or Equity-waiver). They always do a receiving line in the lobby, which is cramped to begin with. I find that if the kids want to meet the actors, it's great, but leave space for the rest of the patrons to exit. If it's not a children's show, skip it. Hold special performances for children and have a question-and-answer time with a picture/autograph session immediately following the performance for interested parties. This actually promotes the childrens' interests in theatre and allows the actors to share basic information about acting, working in a theatre, etc. I teach high school theatre, and although we don't do a receiving line, I do allow the students to meet and greet the audience after the show because most of them are friends and family. Also, this year I allowed a select group out at pre-show, staying in character, asking the audience if they had seen other characters (it went with the plot of the play). I let another group out at intermission. I found this helped keep the backstage jitters down on my main characters at the beginning, and it kept the chorus from driving me nuts at intermission. I wouldn't do it in all situations--but it worked last year. Also, they got a chance to meet and greet the audience, so the audience felt a part of the show before we even started. MIss C P.S. Unless you have a true Broadway star in your cast, save the standing ovations for the professionals. Don't cheapen the importance of one.
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PatrickArmagh Lead Joined: 10/05/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 33	Posted: 10/13/05 at 12:05am
	Take the bow. It is the only true response you will ever get out of an audience in regards to your performance.(sometimes) I once did a musical performance that had the four leads take a combined/staggered group bow at the end of curtain call, while several secondary principles each got a solo bow. It was slightly frustrating as an actor, but one of the secondary principals stood out as performer, and received the worthy applause. I on the other hand got lumped with a lack luster leading lady, and had to share applause with her, but still heard a noticeable pop from the audience when I took my bow within the group. If you don't get the POP, then you can estimate a clear understanding of the audience reaction. As for receiving line, I regret that they are sometimes necessary. I was taught that an actor never goes out in character, costume or makeup, but when a receiving line is required by the theater, you make exceptions. Receiving lines are generally used to make the subscribers feel welcome. In community theater, a receiving line can add season ticket subscribers, and is a free marketing tool. The issue I stress is to keep it short and simple. If the audience compliments or thanks you for the wonderful job; thank them in return and express gratitude that they enjoyed themselves. Try not to linger with too many patrons, a keep yourself in an accessable locations that do not block the flow of traffic or appear needy. Always remember!!! An applause is immediate, a face to face meeting in a receiving line will net a whole different set of comments, but at least you can get a read on their sincerity.
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