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A curtain call (often known as a walkdown or a final bow) occurs at the end of a performance when one or more performers return to the stage to be recognized by the audience for the performance. [1][2] In musical theatre, the performers typically recognize the orchestra and its conductor at the end of the curtain call.
- Do: Rehearse The Curtain Call
- Don't: Take Too Long
- Do: Connect with The Audience
- Don't: Stay in Character
- Do: Acknowledge The Crew / Orchestra
- Don't: Deliver Speeches After The Curtain Call
- Do: Give The Audience A Chance to Meet The Cast Members
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Even if the director does not seem to care about it. Practice a few times so that the curtain call is a smooth process and everyone knows their entrances. A sloppy curtain call with confused actors bumping into one another is not how you want to conclude your opening night.
Nothing sullies a good show like an excessively long curtain call. If the show consists of six or fewer actors, it's fine for everyone to take an individual bow. But for medium to large casts, send out groups of actors based on the size of their role. The actors don't need to run, but they do need to be quick. They should bow, acknowledge the audie...
Normally, when an actor is performing they avoid "breaking the fourth wall." Even when they look off stage, they do not look directly at the audience. Yet, during the curtain call, the actor is free to be him/herself. Make eye contact. Show your genuine feelings. Be yourself.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Some actors feel more comfortable remaining in character while on stage. When I perform in a comedy, I often walk to center stage in character. But once I reach the center stage and take my bow, I shed my character and become myself. Generally, audiences appreciate getting a glimpse of the artist behind...
After the cast bows as a group, they should then gesture towards the orchestra pit (for musicals) or the lighting/sound operators at the back of the house (for stage plays). Some professional theaters forgo offering applause to the technical crew (perhaps because a steady paycheck is their reward). However, I highly recommend that non-profit theate...
Producers and directors might be tempted to thank the audience and discuss the creative process. Theater owners might seek a chance to plug season tickets. Don't give into that temptation. One: it spoils the theatrical experience. And two: Most of the audience wants to use the restroom and perhaps buy a souvenir. Let them.
Depending on the venue, it can be thrilling for audience members to meet the actors after the performance. During the original run of Into the Woods, audience members could enter a side-curtain and shake hands with their favorite performers. I fondly remember meeting the cast of the Los Angeles production of The Phantom of the Operaat the stage doo...
- Wade Bradford
Mar 5, 2012 · They'll keep clapping just out of politeness, as long as actors are coming out, but you can give them something more — say, one last laugh at a comedy.
- Bob Mondello
Oct 21, 2024 · With insightful anecdotes and a touch of humour, he explores what makes a curtain call truly memorable. In this engaging blog, Theatretrain Artistic Director Kevin Dowsett shares his reflections on the often-overlooked importance of the curtain call.
Understanding these three elements is essential to creating an effective curtain call. So are these five rules of thumb: keep it brief, keep it moving, keep it building to a climax, keep it interesting, then clear the stage. Here's how you can put these rules into action.
Curtain calls are the moment of transition between character and actor. The audience play a large role in this transition as they applaud. The percussive gesture seemingly extrudes the layers of the character one slap of the hands at a time.
Mar 1, 2023 · And now a curtain call. You're at the theater. The last scene finishes. The cast comes out for applause in reverse order of importance. It's all pretty standard today.
