Performance anxiety — also known as stage fright — is an extremely common problem for actors and other kinds of performers. If performers don’t handle this anxiety when it starts to happen, it can spiral and become a much bigger problem. We have good news, though! There are things you can do as an actor to ease performance anxiety. Read more to find out how to tackle stage fright!
UNDERSTAND THAT PERFORMANCE ANXIETY IS COMMON
First and foremost, you should remember that performance anxiety happens to pretty much everyone at some point in their acting career. You won’t get rid of it by knowing this, but acknowledging it will allow you to start working with it in a more positive way and coming up with strategies to minimize it. If certain parts of the performance process trigger anxiety in you, it’s important to identify what those are so you can anticipate them and handle them as they come.
CHOOSE AND PRACTICE TECHNIQUES FOR RELAXATION
Finding ways to relax more is a crucial part of handling performance anxiety. Visualization — whether it’s thinking of a peaceful place that helps you feel calmer or even imagining yourself succeeding — is a great way to tackle anxiety. You can also practice deep breathing exercises. Even going for a walk can help you stay calmer in times of stress.
PREPARE YOURSELF THOROUGHLY FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE
If you are able to go into a performance well prepared, you will have more confidence in your ability to succeed. Knowing your lines will enable you to feel less anxious about making a mistake and help you feel more sure of yourself. If it helps, you can spend some time with supportive friends or family practicing your lines.
DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN
If you spend too much time worrying about making a mistake, you are more likely to forget a line. Focus is important when you’re performing, so don’t let your mind wander too much, as this is a perfect recipe for letting anxiety getting out of hand.
SCHEDULE SOME TIME WITH SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Let’s face it — having a network of friends and family to cheer you on can go a long way in conquering anxiety! Even just being able to talk about how you’re feeling can help. By surrounding yourself with people who think you’re great and who are willing to listen and comfort you, you are far more likely to be able to quiet the voice of anxiety.
REMEMBER — IT’S OK TO MAKE MISTAKES!
No one is perfect. And no one expects YOU to be perfect. Making mistakes as an actor is totally normal, and it’s going to happen sooner or later. Reminding yourself of this can take off some of the pressure that leads to performance anxiety, so have a talk with yourself before a performance and show yourself a little extra love.
Performance anxiety is a super normal aspect of being an actor, and everyone has dealt with it at one time or another. If you acknowledge this and get control over your performance anxieties, you’ll soon find yourself more comfortable with it and able to perform despite it.
