How do I get over stage fright???

Question

I have to sing in front of about 4 crowds in the next two weekends. I perform all the time at this church and i've done the nursing home a few times, but i'm still not over stage fright. Even thinking about it gets me shaking a little. I tell myself before that I sound good and i try to be confident, and people constantly tell me I sound good, but when I actually go up there to play I shake really really bad, and I get really nervous, even though I know I have no need to be. What can I do to get over the stage fright and the shaking that comes with it? it ruins my voice, and makes it shake, which can't happen if i'm belting out a song.

Answer 1

Breathe first, honey. Just breathe. Now, here are a few tips for working over your stage fright.

#1.) I know you don't have time, but building up your "audience tolerance" is a good start. I wouldn't suggest, unless anyone is UBER confident, starting out with crowds by the thousands. Work your way up. Practice by yourself, then in front of family & friends, on to small venues, and then up to the bigger spaces where people tend to get stage fright the worst. By accustoming yourself to the idea of larger audiences, it becomes easier each time.

#2.) NEVER look the audience in the eye. It's always better to look directly over their heads. It's similiar to the whole "ostrich head in the sand" theory. If you can't see them, they can't see you.

#3.) Be as prepared as possible. If you know the material to the best of your ability, then there's no reason to doubt yourself. And that will be one less problem off your mind.

#4.) Perform something you enjoy. I always find it enjoyable to share something I really love or care about with others. By thinking of your performance as sharing something you love with others, it makes it seem a little less disheartening.

#5.) Remember to just do the best you can! That's all anybody can ask for...

BEST WISHES!!!

Answer 2

I know how you feel. I just had to sing in front of 400 people for chorus a short little solo. Talk about scary!! Well, what I did was I focused really hard on following the tempo and the notes I was trying to hit. What you can also try is acting. Since I've been act for 4 years I know this might not be easy but if your feel you have those nasty butterflies in your gut. Go with the flow. ACT as if your just singing in the shower. It'll go by so fast you'll regret not having a longer time to sing!!Trust me!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I don't know if you are of age yet...and I totally Don't condone alcohol abuse or underage drinking...but before you go on, I have found that a sips of whiskey calms the nerves and loosens the throat. That will take part of the physical. As for the psychological, I usually just pretend I am performing to the guys in the lighting booth. The bright lights usually knock out all but the first few rows of people. Also a little bit of movement or slight gesticulation never hurt anyone. Use that adrenaline to wear out a little of physical energy. I'm sure you will do fine.

Answer 4

It comes in time, everyone gets nervous, sometimes veteran performers get stage fright. I would say just go and do the best job you can. I've played many, many times in front of people.........and I was very nervous at first, but got over in time. Don't be afraid to make a mistake, your only human. But if you do make a mistake, just keep on, act like it never happened, and chances are that the crowd will never even notice it. Best of luck to you on your performances......knock 'em dead.....

Answer 5

YOu are doing it becuase you love to do it. Stop trying to worry about what they think of you., Enjoy you fort being you. The focus is always on doing the task. Concentrate constantly on what doing the task means, from before you are called up, the walking up front, the holding the mic,k the singing and all aspects of acting the part, and the conclusion. Look in a mirror, and act as if a thousand people are watching you in the mirror.

Chances are you are preoccupied about what they think of you. Do the task. Be with you. Entertain yourslef and no one else.

Great performers realize you must do it for you first and foremost.

Answer 6

The only way to get over stage fright is by practicing. I am a new teacher, and I used to feel nervous even speaking in front of my peers. But with a little practice, you get used to it and you stop shaking. Remember to take deep breaths.

Answer 7

Remember stage fright is a good thing! It can bring out the best in you. I don't sing well but when I had to do presentations I would pick a spot on a far wall above the people and see my best relative that I can tell anything to, I see her face and speak to that image I see of her, not just people in a room. I keep it personal with her and I. People don't care how well you do, they want to see the real you; just try and not to judge yourself to much. Learn to laugh at yourself. I hope this helps but we all have our ways of dealing with being in the public eye! Go getum! :)

Answer 8

When you perform for church and nursing homes you feel that everyone wants to hear you sing and they won't judge you if you mess up, right? Well, just think of it the same way. These people want to hear you sing and won't feel bad about you if you mess up. Just think of the crowd as all caring people who want the best for you, and if you have a friend or family member there (try to get one to come with you) find them in the crowd and look at them and smile and think "this is for you." Good luck. :)

Answer 9

try singing in front of a mirror or a group of friends. im in theatre and i always get a little shaky before a performance, half of that is just ur nerves because ur excited. when u sing in the mirror just look at what u look like so u feel more comfortable with what u might look like and sing in front of family or friends to get their personal opinion and so you can start to warm urself up to get in front of a crowd.

Answer 10

Im in an improv group at my college. What I do is just forget everything. I completely clear my mind and forget that there are people watching. Just dont forget your song. Just pretend your at home practicing or in the shower and you'll sound great as always.