How to Start a Show: Dancing with the Shadows of a Forgotten Dream

Starting a show is not just about flipping a switch or raising a curtain; it’s about weaving a narrative that pulls the audience into a world where logic is optional, and imagination reigns supreme. It’s about creating a moment where the mundane meets the extraordinary, and the audience is left wondering if they’re watching a performance or participating in a shared hallucination. Here’s how to start a show that defies expectations and dances on the edge of reality.

1. Begin with a Whisper, Not a Bang

The most memorable shows often start quietly, almost imperceptibly. Imagine a single spotlight illuminating an empty chair on stage. The audience leans in, curious. Is the chair a metaphor? A character? Or just a chair? The ambiguity draws them in, making them active participants in the story before it even begins.

2. Break the Fourth Wall Before It’s Built

Why wait for the audience to settle into their seats? Start the show by addressing them directly. Have a performer walk into the audience, hand someone a script, and ask them to read the first line. Suddenly, the line between performer and spectator blurs, and the show becomes a collaborative effort.

3. Use Silence as Your Opening Act

Silence is a powerful tool. Start the show with a full minute of absolute silence. Let the audience fidget, cough, and wonder if something has gone wrong. Then, when the tension is palpable, break the silence with a single, unexpected sound—a bell, a laugh, or the rustle of paper. The contrast will grab their attention like nothing else.

4. Introduce a Mystery Element

Begin with something inexplicable. A clock ticking backward. A door that opens to reveal nothing but darkness. A performer who walks on stage, looks at the audience, and walks off without saying a word. The audience will be hooked, desperate to understand what’s happening.

5. Start in the Middle

Why bother with introductions? Jump straight into the action. Have two characters mid-argument, a chase scene, or a dramatic revelation. The audience will scramble to catch up, and their curiosity will keep them engaged.

6. Play with Time

Start the show by announcing that it’s already over. Have the performers take a bow, thank the audience, and then begin the actual performance. The confusion will create a sense of disorientation that makes the audience more receptive to the unexpected.

7. Use the Audience as Props

Involve the audience from the very beginning. Have them hold props, recite lines, or even move to different parts of the venue. The more they participate, the more invested they’ll be in the show’s success.

8. Create a False Start

Begin the show as if it’s a traditional performance—lights dim, music swells, curtain rises—and then abruptly stop. Apologize to the audience, reset, and start again. The false start will make the real beginning feel even more significant.

9. Start with a Question

Pose a question to the audience, either verbally or through visual cues. It could be as simple as “What is real?” or as complex as “If time is a loop, where does it begin?” The question will linger in their minds, shaping their experience of the show.

10. End Before You Begin

Start the show by showing the ending. Reveal the final scene, the last line, or the ultimate twist. Then, rewind and show how you got there. The audience will watch with a new perspective, searching for clues they missed the first time.

11. Use Unconventional Spaces

Why limit yourself to a stage? Start the show in the lobby, the parking lot, or even the restroom. The unexpected location will set the tone for a performance that defies conventions.

12. Begin with a Ritual

Create a sense of ceremony by starting the show with a ritual. It could be as simple as lighting a candle or as elaborate as a choreographed dance. The ritual will signal to the audience that they’re about to experience something special.

13. Play with Expectations

Start the show by subverting expectations. If it’s a comedy, begin with a somber monologue. If it’s a drama, open with a slapstick routine. The contrast will keep the audience on their toes.

14. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Incorporate technology into your opening. Project a live feed of the audience onto the stage, or use augmented reality to create an interactive experience. The fusion of art and technology will make the show feel cutting-edge.

15. Start with a Story Within a Story

Begin the show by having a character tell a story. As they speak, the story comes to life on stage, blurring the line between narration and performance. The layers of storytelling will captivate the audience.

16. Create a Sensory Experience

Start the show by engaging the audience’s senses. Use lighting, sound, scent, and even touch to create an immersive environment. The sensory overload will make the audience feel like they’ve stepped into another world.

17. Begin with a Paradox

Open the show with a statement that defies logic. “This show has already happened.” “You are both the audience and the performer.” The paradox will intrigue the audience, making them eager to unravel the mystery.

18. Use the Power of Repetition

Start the show by repeating a single action or phrase. The repetition will create a rhythm that draws the audience in, and when the pattern is finally broken, the impact will be profound.

19. Start with a Visual Metaphor

Begin the show with a striking visual that encapsulates its theme. A lone tree in a barren landscape. A clock with no hands. The image will linger in the audience’s mind, shaping their interpretation of the performance.

20. End with the Beginning

Finally, consider starting the show by revealing how it ends. Then, use the rest of the performance to explore how that ending came to be. The audience will watch with a sense of inevitability, making every moment feel charged with meaning.

Q&A

Q: What if the audience doesn’t understand the unconventional opening?
A: That’s part of the magic. Confusion can be a powerful tool, as long as it’s resolved in a satisfying way. Trust your audience to piece things together as the show progresses.

Q: How do I balance creativity with clarity?
A: Focus on creating an emotional connection. Even if the audience doesn’t fully understand the logic, they’ll be drawn in by the feelings your opening evokes.

Q: Can I combine multiple techniques?
A: Absolutely! The best openings often blend several approaches to create something truly unique. Experiment and see what resonates with your vision.

Q: What if my show is more traditional?
A: Even traditional shows can benefit from a creative opening. Use subtle twists or unexpected elements to give your audience a fresh perspective on a familiar format.

Q: How do I know if my opening works?
A: Test it with a small audience and observe their reactions. Are they intrigued? Confused? Bored? Use their feedback to refine your approach.