It is certainly appalling to know how many good singers have bad stage manners.
A man must never put either one or both hands in his trouser pockets, nor stand with his feet spread far apart while singing. Both of these faults denote improper training.
If you are ever so warm, use your handkerchief only before or after you leave the stage.
Correct dress is essential.
For a man, for informal entertainments, black suit, black shoes, white shirt, collar and cuffs, with either a black or white tie. For concert, only evening dress is appropriate.
For girls, the nicest thing to wear is a gown; if you do not wear one, try to have your waist and skirt correspond in shade. The so-called shirtwaist effect, which is produced by waist and skirt of different colors, is not effective on the stage.
Wear hose and slippers of the same color if possible.
Amateurs when on the stage frequently rearrange a tie or smooth back a stray curl, etc.; this is but a form of nervousness and looks bad. Finish your toilet at home.
For ease and grace take dancing lessons.
The graduate from dancing and dramatic schools never appear ill at ease before company.