Never say "MacBeth" under the roof of a theatre; it is an old theatrical superstition.
Acting on stage can be a tricky business. Knowing take care of your voice, knowing stage directions and blocking, and also remaining open to the audience are all skills needed to be a successful actor or address.
Maintaining Your Voice
An actor or actress's voice is a valuable asset. To maintain it, only drink warm water, or water that is room temperature, as cold water will constrict vocal chords. To keep your vocal chords loose, sip hot water with lemon in between scenes or before rehearsals. Support your voice using your diaphragm instead of your throat; this will help you control your breathing.
Stage Directions
Stage directions tell an actors where to orient themselves on the stage. These stages will be dictated to them in the script by a two- or three-letter block that accompanies the lines. SL refers to stage left, which is the actors' left while facing the audience. SR refers to stage right, which is the actor's right while facing the audience. DSL is downstage left, and refers to moving toward the audience on the left. DSR is downstage right, which refers to moving toward the audience on the right. USL stands for upstage left, which means moving away from the audience to the left. USR is upstage right, which means moving away from the audience and to the right.
Blocking
Blocking is a term used to describe where and how an actor moves on the stage. Blocking directions are located in scripts. This information will tell you know where you should be standing at the start of a scene and where you should move as the scene continues. Blocking directions will also include instructions for prop use during scenes. In musical theatre, blocking is imperative because of the choreography involved.
Being Open to the Audience
Opening yourself to the audience involves how you you stand in relation to the audience on stage. If you position your body on a slight diagonal so that the side facing the audience is blocking the rest of your body, you are closing them out. Instead, open yourself to the audience. Always angle your body out toward the audience or face them directly. If you have to make a turn on stage, turn in a downstage direction. Also avoid crossing behind furniture, cross in front instead.
