how do you get over writers block and stage fright?

Question

I have a story i am working on and I can't finish it because i have writers block. I also have a concert coming up and I have to sing! yikes! how do you get over them?

Answer 1

Whenever I have writers block, I find sometimes leaving the computer and taking a short walk helps. I may also lie down in bed because generally as soon as I do, I think of something. A suggestion to help as a writer would be to keep a dream journal or something where you write down your first thoughts.
In terms of stage fright, common thing people say is think of people in their underwear. Yet think about this. You have been practicing for weeks. You know the music inside out. You are ready and you will be fine. I get scared whenever I go on stage but as soon as I sing the first note, it all goes away and I'm carried by the music. You can also pick out a spot in theater and just look there. That way you don't worry about who's looking at you. Good luck with both.

Answer 2

Two very different animals. Writer's block can be overcome by just writing. If you can't focus on the main project in front of you, then write something else. What workes for me, if I am working on fiction, is to take a moment and tell a side story, something outside the existing story line, told by one of the secondary characters. It helps me flesh out the world of my story, and helps bring substance to characters that are often not so fully developed.

Stage fright? Now that's an interesting thing. Even the best performers get it. It isn't really a problem if you redirect the nervousness into energy. It actually can be a good thing, because it electrifies the performer. The worst performers are often those that are too relaxed, and too used to be on the stage. They've forgotten the thrill, perhaps because they're bored of the role.

Answer 3

I usually walk away from the piece I'm working on, I leave it for a few days and try to forget about it, but I never really do eventually with time I finish the piece. For everyone it's different, some people do hokey things or exercises to jumpstart their brain and other people just wait and try to forget about it.

Some people never get over stage fright, I've been performing for 10 years and I still get the jitters before a show no matter how large or small the audience.
It's a natural feeling.
Julie Andrews still gets stage fright and according to my wife one of the New Kids on the Block had to quit performing because of his panic attacks.

Answer 4

Writers block cure: People watching. And the news. Works for me every time. Go out some where, and watch people. At the mall, or at the store or at the coffee shop. The news is full of stuff too.

Either you get over stage fright or you dont. Either its in you to be on stage, or it isnt. You cant make it happen. So either get over it, or give it up.

Answer 5

Best way to get over writer's block is to have an editor breathing down your neck, and calling up every 15 minutes telling you to hurry up. As far as stage fright, enjoy and entertain. No everyone is asked to perform, so you must have something to offer to the audience. Do it for the crowd that should get you over stage fright.

Answer 6

You never got over them. You learn to deal with them. The best way to deal with writer's block is to buy a sexy swimsuit calendar. The best way to get over stage fright is to have one of the girls from the calendar get naked on stage and kiss you, in your very first scene. After that, it's all good. But, if you are a girl, well, then, tough....

Answer 7

For stage fright when i got and practice i get scared just practsing a=in from of a few people but when i preform in front of people i just focus on me and not everyone else so it's easier when you are just not thinking of anyone else but you and the work you are doing

Answer 8

for singing- i took a college course called "meditation for optimal performance" during the summer of 6th grade. close your eyes sitting in a chair, and feel each muscle, from your forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, down to your toes, relax slowly and feel heavy. take about 3-5 min. for this. then, when you're in a totally relaxed state, imagine yourself walking onto that stage, and singing your piece perfectly. if you're queasy about some sections, go over those places over and over in your head, getting it right each time. when you think you've done enough, slowly open your eyes. then practice, etc. if you do this every day, including the day of the performance, you'll be able to sing much better! good luck!

Answer 9

stage fright. Know that the only audiences in general are dumb and anything that you have planned will amaze them beyond belief.

Answer 10

For writer's block, tell the story (short version) aloud to someone. Sometimes, discussing the story verbally will unleash something from your unconscious. I find it works for me, telling the story to a friend aloud or dictating it into a recorder. Not word for word but the basic outline... or, if it is a particular piece of dialogue, I might do it word for word and rewind back and forth on the tape as I need to do corrections.

Stage fright, well, that's harder to do. In time, as you get older, the more that you perform the less your stage fright. Just don't forget to take at least one deep, very deep breath before you get out there.

It just comes with time, I guess. I was terrified of public speaking in grade school but did debate and forensics in high school so I got over my fear of speaking in public. Just do it as often as you can and, eventually, performing comes as second nature.