How do I help my students cope with stage fright?

Question

I just started teaching music / theatre at a private school grades K-11, and private voice lessons a year ago. When it comes to stage fright, I have no idea how to help my students overcome it. I never had stage fright, I love getting in front of an audience, so I can't relate to it in any way. I've tried words of encouragement, but that doesn't help. Any ideas?

Thanks for all your ideas! I appreciate the help! :)

Answer 1

Some small exercises to gear people up can help - like deep breathing, to help relax and having people give positive messages to themselves. Allow students to close their eyes if that is helpful. Another trick might be allowing them to hold something in their hand - a piece of jewelry, or favorite toy (for young kids) and this way they decide what gives them confidence. You can also let them know that stage fright - or anxiety is a very normal thing and so even little steps they take can be great. Overall, try to instill in them that you care and you want them to try. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Tell them to practice. Practice in front of teddy bears, practice in front of friends, a small audience.
I get stage fright but then I think about how much fun I'm having on stage, than it goes away. Also what helps is that the actors know their lines, and choreography, and stage movements. They need to be embedded in their brains. Stage fright also comes from not being prepared.

Answer 3

Reverse engineer and desensitize. Teach from the seats with the kids on the stage, slowing bringing more of the kids into the seats. Have each kid take a turn walking on the stage and sitting literally on the floor in the spot light. Line the kids up in seats or sitting on the stage. Then run them thru introducing themselves. Then have them add some info about something they think is silly. Or, try giving each one part of a sentence to say from a Dr Suess-like book standing, Run the exercise kind of like a wave. Then get them to do it faster, then real slow.

Depends on your physical location, but maybe try somethings like above and let them get silly about it. Good luck.

Answer 4

Have them do fun stuff in front of a small group,such as this game my drama teacher made up it's called Yahoo! Here's how you play it..have two people sit in an armchair facing each other, then pick one person to go up there and try and mess them up. The two poeple can't talk to the person who's bothering them,or laugh or there turns up! The person who tries to mess the people up can't touch them,and the two people can't touch that person either. Conclusion:They get to be stupid,and talk about things that are appropriate for the school. Have Fun!!!!!!

Answer 5

I have taught acting before, and the only thing that helps is confidence. They have to know their purpose on stage. I find that improv games (even ones that aren't meant to be funny, like on "Whose Line...") help people get used to speaking in front of others. Have an early exercise be: each student should tell the rest of the class about something they are familiar with. Keep that going.

Here is my now-famous, one sentence acting school:

"Say it like you mean it."

That's all acting is.

Answer 6

I'm right there with you, never had it. But one thing that my drama teacher used to tell the newbies before shows was that most of the people in the audience have never been on stage before, and they wouldn't have the balls to do it if they had the chance.

Answer 7

When you get nervous, and stage fright gives vibration with constant rhythm on a chest, it is relieved.
For example, a massage device for vibrator small, carrying. In Japan, a vibration pendant is sold.
http://www.omamorism.com/ The inquiry, email address: [e-mail]
I am one of the users. Because it was effective, I want to inform it.

Answer 8

If it's just a question of not wanting to stand up in front of people, I'm not sure why it's a necessity to make them. Forcing me to eat broccoli didn't make me like broccoli. Being introverted should be just as acceptable as being extroverted.

However, if they want to get up there but can't - Get their minds off of themselves and onto something they care about. If they can talk about that, the next step is to relate that subject matter to something outside themselves. The trick is to shift the focus off of "Me" and onto "them" or "it".

Answer 9

Hi!
Some people will just have to get use to it. For others, it may just not be their thing. Also, a few factors which may make them more comfortable are breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. In addition, the better they have their lines/parts memorized, the better. Let me know how it goes.

www.johnevers.net

Answer 10

Have you tried simple activities like show and tell? That's pretty basic, they usually talk about something that they would like to talk about, and it's with their peers, so it's a friendly environment at first. Also try games where they have to get up by themselves, like win lose or draw or charades. Good luck!