CAE (Advanced Exam) Listening Test 5

Part 4
21 C  22 D  23 F  24 H  25 A

26 A 27 H  28 C  29 E  30 F

Look at task 1. For questions 21–25, choose from the list A–H what each speaker usually does
before a performance. Now look at task 2. For questions 26–30, choose from the list A–H what
each speaker says went wrong on a recent production.
While you listen you must complete both tasks. In the exam, you have 45 seconds to look at Part 4.

Speaker one
Before actors go on stage, they tend to walk around rehearsing their lines, doing voice exercises or
go on before the audience arrives to do general warm-ups. I always spend time in my dressing
room, looking at two drawings that were given to me as gifts. They keep me grounded 'cos they
remind me of a holiday I had. There's an even greater buzz on opening night, of course. On my last
one I came down with a sore throat and I was worried whether I'd have enough voice. So I
concentrated on resting during the day. Apparently the audience could hear me OK, but it was
touch and go.

Speaker two
I guess everyone has their own way of preparing. I always ask the more experienced actors if I can
warm up with them, and they've taught me loads of stretches and things ... really makes you more
supple and able to cope. However, last week, my attention must've wandered for a split second
during the performance and I missed my cue; so I came out with a line I was supposed to say later.
I was mortified, and the director was a bit annoyed. But I'm not sure if the audience even noticed,
which was kind of disappointing. Luckily, though, there weren't too many people there that night.

Speaker three
The cast are always very supportive, which is wonderful; you feel part of a team. Loads of fresh
flowers start arriving from the audience before the performance and I'll usually pop into dressing
rooms putting little notes or candy on people's tables. It helps us all to bond, I think. The worst
night, of course, is when the press come. Everyone's on edge then and, for this production, what
they wrote initially wasn't that complimentary. It really affected my performance one night. I should
never have read the stuff. Anyway, at least the audience still seemed to be loving it. They've clearly
got taste!

Speaker four
In my first scene, I actually go down from the stage to walk amongst the audience and talk to them.
It's a great way to start feeling comfortable. One night, though, I must've been looking at them and
not where I was going. I missed a step and stumbled on the way down. It really spoilt my grand
entrance! Luckily, it's meant to be a comedy! But some of the laughs we get rely entirely on the
props on stage so, although the stage manager is brilliant at all that, I still find myself walking up to
have a look prior to curtain up. Silly really; I'm making work for myself!

Speaker five
Although the play I'm in is a comedy, you can't guarantee that people will laugh. But then they'll
laugh at the weirdest things. I’m always worried the noise will hold up the play! Yesterday it was
during a really sad bit, but then the actor looked around and saw a pigeon standing right behind
him! It's an open-air theatre so they constantly come in. I notice, though, as we move from
rehearsals to press night, when reviews are imminent, that my preparations take longer. But there's
a particular place I go in the courtyard where I can just catch the breeze – really clears my head.
After that, I'm ready for anything!