{"id":2515,"date":"2017-02-15T02:30:13","date_gmt":"2017-02-15T02:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=2515"},"modified":"2017-09-25T00:47:48","modified_gmt":"2017-09-25T00:47:48","slug":"5-activities-for-easing-stage-fright","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/5-activities-for-easing-stage-fright\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Activities for Easing Stage Fright"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 Activities for Easing Stage Fright<\/h3>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Ashleigh Gardner<\/p>\n

February 14, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Every actor has been there: sweaty palms, nervous pacing, stomach aches, line flubs, the shakes. STAGE FRIGHT. It’s a thing, but it’s not a thing that can’t be overcome. After receiving a lot of requests about how to handle this age-old actor’s problem, we decided to do a three-part series on what stage fright is and how to manage it. To start, here are 5 immediate ways to banish stage fright from your performance routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Avoid caffeine.<\/h4>\n
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This means all day! Instead of waking up and having a cup of coffee (or ordering that double shot cappuccino to get you through the night\u2019s performance), brew some decaf chamomile or lavender herbal tea with honey and lemon. This will calm your nerves and soothe your throat at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Exercise.<\/h4>\n
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Whatever your favorite method of getting active is, do it! Yoga, running, walking, lifting weights, or shooting some hoops will ease tension in your muscles and release endorphins. Exercise for at least 30 minutes the day of your show, and your body and mind will be more prepared to work later on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0Meditate.<\/h4>\n
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On the day of your performance, take 15-20 minutes and devote your time to meditation. Meditation helps relax your body and clear your mind of nagging thoughts — including the ones that plague actors like, \u201cWhat if I forget my line?\u201d or \u201cWhat side do I enter from?\u201d Whether your meditation includes sitting in silence while focusing on breathing or enjoying a guided meditation,\u00a0<\/span>find <\/span>your <\/span><\/i>personal style of meditation and use it to get yourself centered. (There are some great meditations on\u00a0Spotify<\/b><\/a><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0YouTube<\/a><\/b>.<\/span>)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0Get there early.<\/h4>\n
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Sometimes, the frustration from thinking we won\u2019t have enough time to prepare or arriving late will cause feelings of stage fright. To combat this, get to the theatre 30 or 45 minutes early. This gives you time to meditate, drink some tea, or listen to music. Giving yourself more time for <\/span>you <\/span><\/i>is always a good idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Set a time to turn \u201coff\u201d your anxiety.<\/h4>\n
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Because stage fright is a mental obstacle, use your mental faculties to counteract your stage fright. Set a time during the day when your anxiety will no longer be allowed to rule your brain. Anytime after 2PM, 4PM, or 6PM, whichever suits you best, tell your feelings of stage fright to \u201cget lost\u201d; they must wait until you\u2019re offstage for the night. Doing this will allow you to get all the jitters out before the specified time, and it\u2019ll let you focus on getting ready for the show without the cumbersome fears of stage fright.<\/span><\/p>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n