How can actors effectively work with animals on stage?

1 Choose the right animal

The first step is to choose the right animal for your role and your production. Consider the size, temperament, and needs of the animal, as well as the availability, cost, and legality of obtaining and keeping it. Some animals are easier to train and handle than others, and some may have specific regulations or restrictions. For example, dogs and cats are common and adaptable, but they may need frequent breaks and attention. Birds and rodents are small and agile, but they may be noisy or unpredictable. Horses and elephants are large and impressive, but they need a lot of space and care. Exotic animals like lions and tigers are rare and dangerous, and they may require permits and special handlers.

2 Train the animal

The second step is to train the animal to perform the actions and cues that are required for your scene. This may involve hiring a professional trainer, working with an animal shelter or rescue, or doing it yourself if you have the skills and experience. Training should start as early as possible, preferably before rehearsals begin, and should be consistent, positive, and rewarding. Use treats, toys, and praise to reinforce the desired behavior, and avoid punishment, force, or stress. Make sure the animal is comfortable with the stage, the props, the lights, and the sounds, and introduce them gradually to the other actors and crew members.

3 Communicate with the animal

The third step is to communicate with the animal during the performance. This may involve using verbal commands, hand signals, eye contact, or body language to cue the animal to do what you want. You may also need to improvise or adapt if the animal does something unexpected or off-script. For example, if the animal is distracted, scared, or bored, you may need to calm them down, reassure them, or engage them with a toy or a treat. If the animal does something funny or cute, you may need to acknowledge it, play along, or break the fourth wall. The key is to stay in character, be flexible, and have fun.

5 Use alternatives to live animals

The fifth step is to consider using alternatives to live animals if you cannot or do not want to work with them. There are many options for creating realistic, expressive, and interactive animal characters without using real animals. For example, you can use puppets, which are controlled by actors or puppeteers, and can range from simple to complex, from hand to rod, from shadow to marionette. You can also use animatronics, which are mechanical or electronic devices that simulate animal movement and sound, and can be operated by remote control, sensors, or computers. You can also use costumes, masks, or makeup, which allow actors to transform themselves into animal characters, and use their voice, body, and facial expressions to convey emotion and personality.

6 Learn from other actors

The sixth step is to learn from other actors who have worked with animals on stage, and benefit from their advice, experience, and feedback. You can watch their performances, read their interviews, listen to their podcasts, or attend their workshops. You can also ask them questions, seek their guidance, or request their mentorship. You can learn from their successes, challenges, and mistakes, and discover how they prepared, trained, communicated, respected, and enjoyed working with animals on stage.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?