Treat the audience right

You must admit, there's nothing more important to a stage performance than the audience.  As the old joke goes, "thanks for coming folks - it wouldn't be much fun without you!"  Better yet, "it's great to be here everyone!  I just hope we get finished before you do!"

The first thing to accept about the audience is that they didn't have to come and see you.  They had other choices - they could have gone to a different show, or gone bowling, or just stayed at home and read a book.  And by coming to the show, if you're an amateur they are paying for your hobby - if you're a professional, they are paying your rent!  So first and foremost, they deserve your gratitude.  They have given up their money and their precious time, as well as their attention and energy.  Thank them from the bottom of your heart, every way you can.

Besides thanking them, you owe it to them to put on the best show you can manage.  So show up well prepared, and pour your heart and soul into it.  Don't hold back to protect your ego - if you do that, you've failed before you even started.  Nobody on either side of the deal gains anything from a half-hearted effort.

Remember that generally speaking, they don't care if you make a mistake.  If you forget some lyrics or hit a few wrong notes, forgive yourself instantly and get your attention back on the audience.  If it was a big enough mistake that they noticed, let them know you're forgiving yourself - let them in on the joke with a wink.  It's an opportunity to let them know you are human, and that you're a big enough person not to beat yourself up.  Allowing yourself to be fallible also makes you more likable.  So don't sweat it.

During the performance, remember that what the audience wants more than anything else is to be let into your world, and to be lavished with your attention for a little while.  They want a sense of connection with you.  They want you to take them to a safe place where they can crack the hard shell off their heart for a while and really feel something - the thrill of excitement, the glow of finding love, and the anguish of losing it.

After the performance, thank them again.  Bask in their applause, and accept it with humility.  Smile at people.  Shake hands.  Sign autographs.

That's the important stuff.  Fame and fortune and all that is good in the world of performance flow from that simple truth.