Proper Warm-Up Routines

Actors on stage in a scene

 Every performer has their own personal routine when warming up before rehearsal or for a show. Some directors like when the performers warm up together, and think it can be helpful for creating a cast bond. Though warm ups may differ depending on whether you have rehearsal or a production that day. Check out these ideas for warm ups.

Stretching your Muscles

When warming up for rehearsal you should still be putting your all into warm ups. It’s the time when you feel out your body and get comfortable with your character, so putting your all into warm ups is very important. It exercises your body and stretches you out just like muscles before working out. You wouldn’t think, but there’s actually a muscle that actors workout called your diaphragm that you stretch like any other muscle to perform your best.

Microphone held by hand with dark background

Individual or Group?

Try individual warm ups and group warm ups. Anything goes for rehearsals as long as they’re really working you out. Stick with your individual routine, and allow yourself to warm up as you will to get to know your character the best you can.

Routines

When it comes closer to the opening night of the production, work through some group warm up activities that you’ve practiced. Make a routine of doing group warm ups as opening night slowly approaches. These group activities help boost morale, and increase chemistry and bonds between cast members.

Actor looking off into distance

Experience Helps Warm-Ups

As you gain experience with different types of productions, warming up becomes easier. It will make more sense as to which warm up routine should be done with which type of productions/characters.

Next time you’re planning your set, consider Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart. Call us at (978) 682-5757 or visit our website at https://charleshstewart.com/