Monroe Crossing and Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike are just two of the groups featured in a new movie by Craig Smith, designed to help performing musicians with better stage presence and engaging the audience into their show. The movie, which is just over fifteen minutes in length, contains comments and insights from mostly Minnesota MBOTMA bluegrass bands discussing the importance (and personalization) of their entertainment techniques, philosophies and Stage Presence.
"...a lot of people perform but don't really entertain" - Question asked of Valerie Smith Watch the movie to hear Valerie's answer.
"If you're not having fun, they're (audience) are not having fun" - Art Blackburn (Monroe Crossing) talks about how he picked up tips from watching Bill Monroe.
Some of the tips shared in this program:
THIS AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE.
Audiences WANT performers to succeed! They're already on your side. Show them something about you they can connect or relate to and love... and love them for their presence and participation. Show them the good time YOU like to have. Send them home with a smile. Remember, the best part about being an entertainer is, EVERBODY WINS!
WATCH YOURSELF.Videotape yourself/your band playing alone AND in front of others. What do you do that you like? What would you like to change? Make it so! Know thyself.
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU, IT'S ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE.
They're honoring you with their presence. Be flattered. Be respectful. Reach out to them. Love them. Stage fright is about YOU (not them). So lose it!
FIND YOUR STRENGTH.
What are you best at doing? Are you fun? Funny? Can you tell interesting stories? Are you into topical events? Are you happy? Energetic? Warm? Crotchety? Does your personality show in your play? How do you relate to your fellow band mates? Your strength is something people can relate to. Find it and use it to connect to your audience.
STUDY OTHERS FOR IDEAS.
Who are your favorite performer? Why (how are they relating to you)? What do they do that you can do to relate to YOUR audience? Chances are, you can do what it is they do that you like. Try it out.
BE YOURSELF. BRING THE BEST OF YOU TO THE PARTY.
Everyone likes to be entertained. It's fun! Entertaining is fun, too! So YOU HAVE FUN! Laugh at yourself. Live in the moment. Focus-in on someone in the crowd having fun and feel that happy energy. You give to them, they give back to you. You're having a good time...share it with them. Eye contact increases your ability to relate. LOOK AT PEOPLE AND SMILE... it's easy if they're already smiling and tapping their toes.
GET FAMILIAR WITH MARS.
Try playing without your music or watching your hands. Look up, look around the room. Try looking at someone and smiling. Put yourself out there! Take advantage of open mics in front of folks you don't know. The more familiar you get with the environment, the more comfort you will feel.
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