10 Things I Learned About Performing for a Virtual Audience

Out of all of the play readings that I’ve been involved with, preparing and performing for a virtual zoom reading last year was truly unique. I learned a lot about myself both as a performer and individual trying to grapple with this new reality. Preparing and performing for a virtual audience was both challenging and exciting. Here are 10 things that I learned:

PREPARATION

1. Get to Know Your Cast Members in “Virtual Hangouts”

I believe getting to know and bond with your fellow actors is always important. However, those opportunities to casually spend time with your castmates is limited when you’re meeting them virtually. Chatting with them during rehearsal breaks or grabbing a cup of coffee after rehearsal is not currently an option. Thus, I’d recommend making your own virtual opportunities outside of the rehearsal space to form relationships with castmates. Perhaps, set up virtual zoom coffee dates (on the plus side, it’s cheaper than going out to a real cafe) or join each other for online trivia events (don’t brag too hard if you win).

2. Get to Know Your Computer

There are many “virtual stages” to perform on. If zoom or other virtual platforms haven’t become like a family member or pet to you by now, get comfortable with the functioning of these online platforms. Know how to change your virtual background if needed and how to change your volume settings (particularly if the scene involves music). It is also important to know where your camera is located on your computer, in order to identify where your eye line falls on screen and where to place your script so the audience can still see your face while you read your lines.

3. Be Your Own Prop Master, Lighting Technician and Overall Stage Manager

Have you been waiting to use that bonnet you got from grandma 10 years ago or been arguing with your partner about keeping that wig collection you started in ‘94? Have no fear: it’s time to break out your accessories and see what’s needed for the scene. Performing online allows you to expand your skill sets and allows you to be creative outside of acting. For my reading, I had to find just the right hat to fit the scene. You may also have to adjust your lighting to fit the mood of the scene and set up your computer with the right background. I got a good workout moving furniture around and figuring out how many lamps I could plug into an extension cord.

4. Practice Making The Best Use of Your Space

That little virtual box is now your stage. You’ll want to get comfortable learning how to use it effectively as your scenes are blocked by your director. This boxed space doesn’t have to be limiting. The fun of performing within this space is learning how to use it effectively: How much of your body do you show? Are you lying down or standing up? Are you just showing one part of your face? You get to play around with all of these details while preparing for your show.

5. Practice Timing Your Interactions With Other Characters

The scene that I read for involved all of the characters passing around a hat. This had to be timed correctly so it looked as if we were standing next to each other and sharing the hat. It almost felt like a band finding the rhythm to a song together or dancers moving to the same beat. This action took practice and patience but was well worth adding to the illusion that the characters in the scene were in the same space together. Just like telling a good joke, getting the timing down for these movements can be crucial.

PERFORMANCE

1. Be Ready to Improvise

Keep in mind that you may need to improvise in unexpected ways when you’re performing virtually: You and a castmate may have an unstable internet connection, an audience member may have access to unmute their microphone and make noise in the background, or your partying next-door neighbor may be heard yelling in the background. You may have to get used to ignoring these potential distractions and/or use these distractions if they can enhance your performance. For instance, being annoyed at your neighbor’s yelling may actually help you feel the anger that’s needed for your character to express in a particular scene (be sure to thank your neighbor during the curtain call).

2. You May Not Receive Audience Reactions

Audience members may be muted during the entire performance. I’d recommend getting used to the expectation of having silence both during and after your performance. That joke you tell won’t get the laugh you want to hear. That applause you’re looking for may be shown through emojis. It could actually be quite a relief not to have to worry about audience reactions and can allow you to focus solely on staying in the moment.

3. Stay Energized

It’s easy to get “zoom fatigue” and start to space out while being on the computer for such long amounts of time. I started to realize that I had to keep my energy up during rehearsals as well as before the actual performance. Without being on stage or in front of an audience, you may not receive that pre-show adrenaline rush. You may have to find new ways to capture that energy with new pre-show strategies such as keeping windows open for fresh air, taking a walk outside before the show begins and engaging in some pre-show exercise routines (or robot dancing).

4. It Helps You Practice Film Acting

The subtleties that can be captured during an online performance can parallel that of performing for TV or film. Thus, performing for virtual audiences can give you the benefit of learning how to act for the screen. You may emote your character’s thoughts and feelings through a look in your eyes or other small gestures. These opportunities can expand your acting skills and prepare you for virtual auditions as well as additional career opportunities in TV and film.

5. You Can Reach New Audiences

No longer limited to working in one physical location, performing virtually gives actors the opportunity to work with other performing artists from all different regions of the world. Additionally, you may get the chance to perform for audience members from far-reaching locations. Some of these audience members may never have gotten the opportunity to see you otherwise.

In summary, performing in a virtual play reading expanded my skills and taught me that there are many different methods that can be used to tell a story in a powerful way. No matter the pros or cons of performing virtually, be sure to celebrate your performance with your fellow castmates after the virtual theater curtain closes. I’d recommend celebrating with a “virtual cast party” afterwards or if possible, a Q & A with the audience. Either way, be sure to acknowledge that you and your fellow performing artists are still creating, thriving and keeping people connected through the pandemic.

Also by Jared Scheinberg: