As a performance artist, how do you keep your 'stage fright' under control?

Answer 1

I NEVER say or think the word "nervous" and I try to stay away from anyone who will say it. and other nervous performers (i bring something to distract myself from them, like an ipod or a book).
I am just excited to perform - its another opportunity to show other people how great i am (not trying to be pompous - just a de-nerving technique)
Also, the more you can get up in front of people and perform, the less nervous you will be when you do it. I forget when I havent been on stage in a while how nerve racking it can be, but when I am auditioning or performing all the time, I dont get nervous at all.
Plus, half (or more) wont know any thing about what you are doing, so they will assume you are amazing. And, everyone is rooting for you, no one wants to see you mess up.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Laurence Olivier, Carley Simon and a number of other celebrities have had to learn to control stage fright. So remember, you're in good company. It wouldn't suprise me if sports stars had to deal with pre-game jitters...

Now then, contrary to some people's ideas that liquor/drugs help your performance. They don't. You have to perform sober or not at all. And this is from a gal who came of age in the 1960's - so listen up. Perform sober. It's a better rush, too.

First, learn your lines, music, moves, etc. inside and out. You should be able to do these in your sleep.

Practice meditating too. That is a great way to relax for your performance.

Practice smiling.

Keep a really positive mental attitude. "this is going to be fun! I"m really excited (not nervous)!

Learn your lines, cues, movements, notes etc.

On stage, focus on the other performers - your accompanist, other players, or, if you're out there alone, focus on something in the back of the auditorium.

Smile.

Now then.What happens if I flub!?! Well, ok so what. Did lightning strike you? No. Did a big hairy red devil carrying a pitchfork come up and drag you into the depths of Hell? No. Did the Monty Python crew suddenly rush up, throw you in the comfy chair and poke you with pillows? No. You boobooed. AWWW. Just keep on going. Don't stop. Just keep on. Cough if you must (I forget lyrics all the time and everyone laughs at my Lalalala's). See, it's no big deal. If you make it a big deal then it's bad. But if you treat it as one of those hiccups in life's highway, well, the audience will too.

Now then, And THIS IS IMPORTANT - After the performance someone will always come up and gush all over you with compliment after compliment. Even if you didn't like your performance, the ONLY appropriate answer to that is "Why, Thank you so very, very much!" in as sincere a voice as you can muster. NEVER put your performance down - and Never, ever put someone else's performance down. Always say "Thank you." to someone who is complimenting you on your performance (which can be the hardest performance of all). Trust me.

Answer 3

Very difficult question!
I've been performing since I was 9 years old. At that age I wasn't nervous at all! (maybe i was too young to understand that). The first time i felt nervous and frightened was when i went to college, and after two weeks i I was asked to sing at the deans daughters wedding. Here's what I did: 1) I exercised for an hour to get the anxiety out of my body. 2) I drank a "little bit" of whiskey. 3) I said to myself: 90 percent of the audience aren't experts (maven) in the music and singing field, and they wouldn't realize something that I'll call a mistake or even (god forbid) a "flop". 4) The most important one!!! DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR FRIGHT AND/OR NERVOUSNESS!!! Don't think: "Am I nervous?" "Do I look frightened?" "Does my voice sound shaky?"
And don't worry you'll get used to be on stage and things will just get easier.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

Although my answer won't help you with your "stage fright" right away, I suggest you read the book "A Soprano on Her Head" by Eloise Ristad. The book "discusses the problems of nervousness and/or nervous energy with a physiological understanding of human behavior under stress" (Samuel Sanders, Concert pianist and professor at the Juilliard School of Music). The book doesn't focus on one type of performer and can be used by all performing artists, dancers, singers, actors, and so on. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Remember that all performers get nervous.

Some performers try to channel that nervous energy into a positive emotion like excitement or enthusiasm.

Avoid stimulants like coffee, spicy food and alcohol too.

Answer 6

Catch them being good Choice among activites (open centers) If the make a "mistake" you can talk about good choiches versus bad choices talk to them at their level/ look them in the eye If the kid wiggle at circle say "I like how Clara is sitting so nicely" they will all try to sit nicely like Clara Be firm from the beginning then less firm later They will test you at first Go over the class rules/routines OFTEN Routine is VERY important Reward w/ stickers Ring a bell/sing a song to get attention This also works if you can hear me clap your hands Keep the student engaged once they are bored they go crazy!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk to the students/get to know them We sing a little songs for clean up & line up time Kids that age love to please the teacher so have them "help" you Make transitions quick and fast and fun i.e. line up if you are wearing red or line up if you name begins with R........... Make sure the children know the consequences if the misbehave We have clean up & quiet contest among the tables to see which table is the quitest or the cleanest table

Answer 7

I get out there like there is no audience and sing my best. I have performed so much it is less nervous each time. Just concentrate on what you are doing and make yourself comfortable.

Answer 8

Eat an uneven amount of black olives and put your hands on your hips and wiggle your bottom....... then the planets will realign and you shall be Emperor "Empopo" of Charabakka Zone 3..... Good luck on your conquest my child, the winged Havagoo mice from the island of Azgath Nord will be on contact....remember....our lives are in your hands...

Answer 9

Just remeber that the people in the audience didn't come to make fun of anyone, they came to enjoy themselves, They are there to see you at your best, that always helps me.

Answer 10

pretend only to look out to a crowd, don't look into anyone's eyeballs or you will surely fail. meanwhile, imagine being alone.
p.s. don't imagine everyone naked, that's just stupid and will not work- it will only make you think, something you don't want to do too much of. Only think or don't think of what you are doing while you do it-nothing else.