Director's Notes – Episode 113

(NOTE: As always, Director's Notes contain spoilers)

Dessa wrote this episode, and I'd love to talk to you here about what an incredible writer she is, but you can experience that for yourself - not only in this episode but in her music.

I want to talk to you about Dessa as a performer. I've long been told you can teach acting but not stage presence. Dessa has toured a couple of times with the Welcome to Night Vale live show. Those of us in Night Vale cast & crew often watch the weather performers from side stage. It's such a privilege to work night after night with such amazing musicians. 

One night - I think we were in Atlanta - Cecil Baldwin and I were standing in the wings watching Dessa's opening set, and we were in such awe, not just of her voice or her music, but the control she had over the crowd. There are no big lights or sounds during her entrance. No smoke or pyrotechnics. She calmly walks out on stage, taking her time, sets her mic, and introduces herself, and every step and mundane gesture had the audience's full attention. It's such a rare talent or quality. 

Cecil said to me: "Look at how she stands. It's amazing." And coming from another performer in Cecil, who can also hold an audience in rapt fascination, I heeded his words. I watched Dessa's feet, squarely planted, firm in the ground, no pacing, no nervous energy, as she spoke. Truly statuesque. And with no wasted motion, no distraction from her honest connection to the audience in the room, all eyes were focused, all ears were open. And when she began to sing, to move about the stage, to enter the audience space, even, it was a truly electric experience, not like lightning, but like a generator storing and churning power. 

I say this to you, partially to praise one of my favorite artists. I say it partially as a #humblebrag to remind you that I am particularly cool for knowing Dessa. But really, I wanted to impart what I've learned as a performer watching someone so good at their job. 

Stage presence probably can be taught. There are a lot of elements - good voice, a distinct personality, actual talent, a good song/story etc. - but it all starts with the body. Some people can pace and skip and flail arms, and that can work, but grounding yourself is the first rule of stage presence. In the Neo-Futurists, we often used the phrase "park and bark." Basically, hold still, let everyone see you, and make sure you take the time to see them. It's harder than it sounds. The vulnerability is raw and frightening. But in it is great power and respect. 

Maybe you're not an actor, but maybe you have to talk in meetings, or give lectures, or teach. When you do, think about Dessa walking calmly on stage, setting her mic, and planting her feet. Hold still and take it all in.

- Jeffrey Cranor
September 1, 2017