Interacting with each other: When performing in a group, it’s so important for each performer to address that the other person not only exists - but that they are sharing the stage and song with them. The way that we do this is by:
making sure when someone is singing - that you look at them
when singing anything together, you at least glance at each other (not only for performance quality and aesthetics but for timing as well)
that you both are in charge of different parts of the stage, making a semi-circle with your focus (or making sure that the entire audience is engaged with at least one of you).
You split the stage by always crossing your focus - interacting with the audience on your side when you’re facing out from each other, and with the audience on the opposite side of you when facing towards each other.
Throwing the focus: When moving between the parts that you are singing and the parts the other performer(s) are singing - looking in the direction of your group/ partner by using a sharp head movement - help the audience shift their focus between you, mapping out where they’re supposed to look. It also gives you something to do and puts a “button” or stopping point to each line or part you finish! You can also help throw the focus with arm movement in the direction of your partner or group. This also helps in the “addressing they’re alive and on the stage with you” thing too!
You are still performing: The most important thing for you to remember when performing in a group is that when you are not singing - YOU ARE STILL ON STAGE! The most common mistake performers make in a group is that whether they are waiting for their part, or just finished a line - they drop shoulders forward and lose their stage posture, fidget with their clothes, get squirmy legs, look at the ground, and completely disengage with the other performer(s) and the audience because they feel awkward just standing there. To make sure this doesn’t happen, we work on resetting into our base performance stance (shoulders back, legs shoulder width apart, feet facing forward, hands down to our side) every time we finish a line. We will continue to work on performing when we’re NOT singing and what to do when the focus is on someone else.
By the end of our lesson today - both Walker and Erin felt SO much more ready to perform together! And it was fun for them to work with another talented performer!! Yay for group numbers!!