TaikOn Stage: presence through acting techniques (£30)

What makes a performer stand out on stage? Why does the audience focus on one artist? What captures our attention? Is it just what they call stage presence, or is there something more? What do you want to convey or tell on stage? Do you truly achieve it? Are all songs the same? What is the atmosphere of each piece? What if each taiko drumming piece were treated as a different character within a whole story?

The fusion of acting techniques can elevate stage presence, enhance connection with the audience, and increase your ability to tell stories through music. This workshop is not just about theory but includes practical lessons where participants can directly apply what they learn. My approach allows each musician to customise their performance according to their style and musical genre. Many musicians have noted that consciously using their body, facial expression, and gestures has enriched their stage performance.

Just like a good actor who knows how to study a play well, we are going to study how to sequence different rhythms. We'll examine the intricacies, tackle the more challenging parts, analyse movement, and more. Once we're done studying, we'll rehearse together. Finally, either in groups or individually, we will create our own arrangement—deciding on the message we wish to convey and how. We'll incorporate the skills we've learned (expression, focus, intention, voice, status, movements, etc.) and present it to the audience. We'll observe if we are truly expressing what we intended and gauge the audience's reaction. While they may forget specifics of what and how you played it, they will never forget how you made them feel.