How do you cure stage fright?

Question

don't say practice because everyone i ask says that but it doesn't work too well

Answer 1

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For auditions: I tell myself I do not need this part, THEY need ME. No, I don't tell myself that...I convince myself of that. Also, that I am the hottest, best thing they will see the whole auditioning process and if they don't choose me, well, they must be crazy. I don't have to be right in this thought process, but it helps make you confident. It's a great tool. Afterward, I of course recognize I was probably not the best, and that can be torturous to think about it until you get the call you were cast, but all that matters is getting through it and while I'm auditioning, I'm auditioning with the thought in the back of my mind that I've got it in the bag.

For shows: Just relax before hand. I like to shake it out, then warm up my voice, and then finally end by isolating parts of my body and tensing them for a few seconds and then releasing them. Again, convince yourself that you're the best, because that will give you the confidence you need in the back of your mind. Just don't let it affect your acting. Let your subconcious that's still YOU be confident, but let the rest of you feel the emotions of your character, even if those emotions are fear and intimidation, be felt by you like the good little method actress I'm sure you are! :D

Also, and this is a biggie, ignore the audience. I'm sure you know by now now to look at any of them. If you have to deliver lines out at the audience, then pick a point above their heads that's low enough so that it doesn't make it look like you're looking up at the sky.

Answer 2

do the weirdest things in front of people on stage and see how not so bothered they seem, you just gotta get used to it, have a cool head as if your just walking around your kitchen or something.

Answer 3

Prepare everything really thouroghly - the more familiar everything is the less scared you will be. You will probably always be nervous - that can help to keep you focussed & can give you the energy you need to perform. Concentrate on what you have to do; try to ignore distractions. Explain how you feel to your director & fellow-actors. Performing a play is a group effort & everybody should help each other. You do whatever you feel will help you before going on stage. Remember the pleasure you are giving to your audiences. Good luck.

Answer 4

do stupid things infront of people... jump around and don't ever think of what other people are thinking.

I personally have never had stage fright, never really thought about it. It is after all, only some people watching you say some stuff... not a big deal really!!

Answer 5

Deep breathing or meditation exercises to calm down in advance; concentrate on one friendly-looking member of the audience for a while; don't worry about making mistakes, just enjoy yourself...

Answer 6

you cant cure stage fright, because its not an illness or anything bad at all. it gives you the energy you need to perform well. i have been acting on stage before a couple of times. usually you are not alone on stage, make sure the whole team supports each single member, even those that are in the background. when you know you all can count on each other, it helps a lot. of course every actor always is afraid, he could mess something up, but if you know you have the whole groups support, you feel a lot more relaxed. there is no stage performance without mistakes, but most times the audience doesnt even know. usually they dont know the piece or your particular version of it. plus, if you all work as a team, the others will catch you - even literally... and believe me - it works. i did some stupid things on stage before, and yes the saved my behind. on the other hand i saved some of theirs before, as well :) good luck for your next performances, and of course good preparation! by the way, the audience came to see and appreciate your work, not to denounce it

Source(s):

my own experience in performing on stage

Answer 7

Definitely don't use alcohol - this is a slippery slope to disaster, because as years go on you will need more and more alcohol every time, and no-one performs well drunk! Plus it will ruin your memory. The trouble with imagining the audience naked is that it will put you off your words,and might even make you laugh - I know, I've done it! Even if you know your stuff perfectly you will still get a bit nervous, this is natural. Don't worry about a faster heatbeat or a nervous stomach, these will not disturb your performance. Remember that no-one in the audience can perform the material better than you can (in the actual performance), because you have worked on the material right to the last moment and they haven't. Remember that audiences never want to see someone fail, they are always on the performer's side and want to see you be your best. Do your song or acting onstage just exactly the same as you have performed it at home by yourself when no-one was looking, that's all you have to think of. Finally, I cured my stage fright permanently by using NLP techniques (Neuro-linguistic programming) and I also find that relaxation tapes & self-hypnosis tapes used daily for a couple of weeks before a show really help. You can find info on NLP techniques on the internet, or if you can afford it, have a couple of therapy sessions with a registered NLP therapist. Good luck and remember even the biggest stars in the world get nerves.

Answer 8

First and easiest is "BE the character"

Also, and, but, too, realize you are the ONLY one in attendance.

In being the character, involve totally in stage presence, the attitudes, nuances, expressions of the part, and ACT!!!

In thinking you're acting to yourself, your immersion in the role can be a GODlike experience. You are in control, for moments at a time at least, and NO ONE need be your Judge and/or Jury.

Steven Wolf

Source(s):

40 plus years of theatrical involvement

Answer 9

Right before going on stage take five deep slow breaths counting slowly up to five on the intake, five on the outtake. Then imagine that you are going to step into a golden warm cloud of light as you walk (or run, or dance) out onto the stage.
This always helped me, hope it helps you too!

Answer 10

a swig of alcohol

Answer 11

I dont think you can. But isn't stage fright part of the reason we do it? Getting nervous gets the adrenaline flowing.

I love it!

Answer 12

Just think of them naked. Once you have done it, it should be easier. so try and resign your self to the fact that you might fluff it the first time round. Goodluck though.

Answer 13

Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and imagine that no one is around. Then imagine a soft breeze. This will calm you down. Then think about how much you love to be onstage, that should work.

Answer 14

I have never sucessfully conquered pre-performance jitters, and I am beginning to think they are necessary for a good performance ... over-confidence can be a curse.

However, once on stage, I believe the best approach is to completely submerge yourself in your character, and allow yourself to think and feel as that person would. I find that my ego and stage fright disappear into the role.

I think it would work for a speech, song, or presentation. You would still need to "assume a role" for the moments you are on stage.

Break a leg!

Answer 15

I read somewhere that this works: Before your performance/presentation of whatever it is, give yourself a big hug. This sounds weird, but it is supposed to work. I think the other advice you have been given should definitely be used to as well. Perhaps a combination of methods should work...

Answer 16

I don't think there is a cure..... But don't you just love the feeling when you get on there and perform? - there is no buzz like it....

Answer 17

Double vodka straight

Answer 18

i suffer badley from stage fright myself and as yet, i dont have a cure for getting up on stage on my own without wanting to feint/throw-up/freeze/run off screaming so i just try and get firends up on stage with me and then i feel more confident.

Answer 19

I think there is no cure for that . I have heard from a public speakers says that it is common to have stage fright before you go on stage to speak. You just need to warm up alittle than you will be fine.

Answer 20

All you have to do is think, "Screw them" it seriously doesn't matter what the hell they think because up there it is only you. You are GOD up there, so who gives a **** what the audience thinks cause you ROCK up there.

Answer 21

imagine the audience are all in the nude

Answer 22

Remember thatyou are only talking to one person. It just happens that there might be quite a few 'one persons'

Before the event, practice deep breathing. Butterflies in the stomach are caused when the muscles are starved of oxygen so deep breathing helps. (get them to fly in formation)

Another tip is: if at all possible try to meet members of the audience first. This might be possible if it is a business presentation.

Hope this helps and good luck

Answer 23

Check out this article on Dare2Auditions's web site http://www.dare2audition.com.au/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=8