Bracing myself

I've often touted acting as a mental skill. Sure it's a mental skill, you have a LOT to remember if you're on stage. Depending on the length of the show, you may have 1 or 100+ lines. You have to know your blocking. But acting on stage is just as much physical as it is mental. Body language is everything. And because of this, a stage actor needs to make sure to take the proper steps to protect themselves while performing.

There is one role in particular that stands out as being extremely physical - The Grinch. In 2008 I had the chance to experiment with the role, and the hardest thing was to jump on to a 2.5 foot high box from a standing position behind it. After you've mastered that, you're well on your way.

In 2009 when I played The Grinch once again, I added every possible physical move I could. From a spring board over the box, to jumping onto it 5 times each show (once while spinning in mid-air), I made it the most physically-demanding role I could. And I couldn't have done it without the help of one thing (no, not the prosthetic that was glued to my face with the most potent spirit gum one could find).

A knee brace. It has helped me through shows for the past five years now. Wearing it whenever I can (costume permitting), it has saved me from twisting my knee out of joint during a show. I've dislocated my knee before; I know what it feels like. I'd probably stop on stage and whine like a baby. Actually that's not true - because the one time my knee DID dislocate during a show, I painfully kept going.

It was in 2005's Lend Me A Tenor, from Dauphin's Theatre Amisk up in the Parkland region of Manitoba. As many can recall, I had to fall to my knees each show, and I'd be so wrapped up in-character, that I'd just let them fall hard to the ground each time -- not realizing when I got up, one of them would go out of place. Luckily for me, it was right before intermission. I had to smile my way through 'bowing' and 'waving' to the audience in the scene. I collapsed backstage, but felt my knee slip back in to place. This show is pretty physical too, expecially at the end - performing the ENTIRE show in 85 seconds.

Since then, I bought a knee brace (which is now showing some wear) and it has helped me through shows such as Brothers In Arms, Hey Abbott!, Max & The Grinch and many others.

This morning (the day of dress rehearsal for The Snake In The Bag), I woke up with my knee feeling funny. Taking no chances, I'm going to get a brand new brace to wear under my costume for the show.

Its amazing how one little brace will help carry you through the show. With, of course, the help of your fellow actors, too!