When Performing how does one stop from shaking?I have been performing for over 9 years but still cant shake it

Answer 1

Here's a secret.

I'm not going to bother telling you to relax, or to focus on breathing, or to think positive thoughts or any of that. While these things can help, it's not stopping the physical ailments when it comes to performing. That's not something you can stop or control either. And I'm guessing that since you've been performing for over 9 years, that you've most likely heard all this stuff before, and tried it.

Some people say eat a banana beforehand. This does work, to some extent.

The secret; inderal. Also called propranolol. This is what I rely on at this point in my life. It's a drug that's used for people who suffer from heart attacks; it stops the rush of adrenaline. This adrenaline is what causes you to be all shaky.

There are no mental side effects at all. You feel NO different, except, you know, you're not physically held back from performing well. I use it for solo performances and important auditions, and I've done really well each time with it. Beforehand, I was physically unable to perform. *cue the cheese* This drug changed my life.

You need to get a prescription to get it, but all you really need to do is visit your doctor and tell them what's up. They might take your blood pressure, but otherwise it's not a problem to get.

E-mail me at [e-mail] if you have any questions or even if you want to talk about performing. It's scary business!

Answer 2

Well done for working for 9 years as a performer. It's tough in the business.

I know actors who've been working for 40 years and still get nervous.

The question is why do you get nervous? What is there to be nervous about? Presumably you practice before you do your performance and when you do you don't shake? No doubt also, when you practice your performance is good? So why should someone listening or watching you make a difference, just do what you know you can do well again and ignore anyone watching you.

At least this is how I think and it helps me.

If you suffer from nerves for a long period of time it can have a detrimental effect on your health. If you want to stick with performing as a job, maybe some sort of drug assistance? I notice someone suggested something above, but there are herbal remedies too, try homeopathy or hypnotism.

At any rate, I hope all goes well for you.

Answer 3

Well, I have been performing since I was 5. I absoloutly LOVE to perform. I get butterflies to. I also shake when I am nervous. Also at auditions, that more than anything. What I do is just, don't think about it to much. Just pretend its an empty theater or your in your house preacticing, or doing for that special someone. Congrats on performing for such a long time. I have also been performing for a while, but I'm still young, so I have a long look ahead of me. For me there are no secrets to not shaking. But at some point when you are performing, those butterflies turn into energy. Which is a good thing! Well, i hope this helped you! happy holidays!

Answer 4

I'm sure exactly what kind of performing you're talking about, so this may not apply. But when I was in high school, I participated in solo and emsemble contests. The way it worked was that since there were so many other singers, each participant had to sing their piece in a classroom in front of a judge sitting at the back of the room. Well singing for a faceless audience is one thing; singing for a judge who's 20 feet away, dissecting every aspect of your performance, and staring right at you is another! I was worried about where I should look because I was worried that if I looked at the judge I'd get too nervous and screw up, but keeping your head up makes you look more confident. My choir teacher told me to focus my gaze on a spot on the wall behind the judge, right above the judge's head, so it would APPEAR that I was looking at them. I hope that helps you.

Answer 5

If you've been performing for 9 yrs. and you still shake, stop worrying about it,you must be good if your working. Maybe try some yoga breathing excercizes,or meditate before you go on stage or shoot a scene

Answer 6

It's natural. The best thing to do is act as if your not nervous. If you cover it up no one can tell. Focus on your character from his point of view and the nervousness will eventually go away. Though I've been acting for 4 years, just have fun with it and go with the flow is the best thing for any problem in the theater.

Answer 7

Elvis Presley got so nervous on stage, that his legs would shake. He used it into his advantage on stage and just started moving to the beat of the music. The best showmen on stage, use that twitch to propel them into action. Don't stand still! Nobody wants to watch you just stand there.

Answer 8

You know, you should just take a deep breathe, and clear your mind, playsome soft music in your head, imagine a soft breeze, block out all the sounds around you. That should work. It works for me.

Answer 9

Here's the thing...you get nervous, you can't stop it. It's part of who you are. Accept it, love that part of you. Know that it's just a defense mechanism. Your body's way of trying to protect you from being rejected. Once you can fully accept this part of yourself, it won't matter anymore.

Answer 10

My friend said that the trick that works for her is to listen to slow music, breathe deeply (slowly) and imagine a successful performance.

Hope that helps!