Tips to Manage Stage Fright

When you are waiting in the wings for your cue to enter the spotlight, are you breaking into a sweat? Do your knees tremble and shake? Don’t worry! That’s completely normal. Even professional actors who have been performing for years still get butterflies in their stomachs before the curtain goes up. There’s nothing wrong with having some nerves because it means that you really care! It means that you want to do a good job and make an impression on people. That’s commendable. But there are ways to keep your nerves at bay if you find this anxiety debilitating as opposed to exhilarating. 

Prepare and Rehearse

It’s no coincidence that the phrase “practice makes perfect” exists; it’s because there’s a lot of truth to it. The more your practice and rehearse, the better prepared you are to excel. Whatever you are doing gets ingrained in your body, becomes a part of your muscle memory, and starts to become second-nature. When you can relax and trust yourself to perform because it comes easily, the less nervous you’ll be.

Be healthy

Healthy habits physically prepare your body for success. Nothing irritates the butterflies in your stomach like too much junk food, and it’s harder to battle negative thoughts when you’re tired. That’s why it’s essential to eat healthily, sleep well, and exercise regularly, especially prior to a performance or presentation. Also, try to eliminate caffeine and sugar as these can negatively affect your nervous system. Remember, the better your physical body feels, the better you’ll perform. 

Visualize

Close your eyes and see yourself upon the stage, going through the motions of your performance with ease and confidence. Do this regularly, because the more you “see” it, the more you’ll believe it! If you can see in your mind's eye a successful performance, you are more likely to achieve it.

Breathe

When you are relaxed, your body breathes deeply and steadily. When you force your body to go through these same motions, you are sending a signal to your brain that says, “I’m relaxed,” and your brain will begin putting your body into that relaxed state. Not to mention your body thrives on oxygen, so when anxiety creeps in, force it out with what your body really craves! Practice some breathing exercises to take in oxygen, push out carbon dioxide, and calm your heart rate. 

Self-massage

The stress of stage fright can cause your muscles to tense up and make you feel on-edge and ill-prepared. Not only can massage help reduce muscle tension, but it can also reduce stress hormones, heighten mental alertness, and improve blood circulation (needed to carry the oxygen from your breathing exercises earlier). Start by gently rubbing your temples, and work your way down your neck, shoulders, arms...all the way to your feet if you care to!

Shy? Why not try an acting class at Star?