Hi there!

OK here`s my way of dealing with stage fright. I always co-mingle with the audience before the show and get to know a few spectators. That way, when I begin with the show, I start performing only to them and after a minute or two I become confident enaugh to communicate with everybody.

I found early on that doing a "double act" with a partner was a lot easier to do without being nervous. Then after enough experience and confidence you can venture on stage alone.

You know what I really dislke?

The fact that so often the spotlight in your eyes is so bright you cannot see anyone in the audience.

That is one reason I quit doing a juggling act. I was working an audition that could have had me on the Ed Sullivan show... and after I had started to juggle, suddenly a spot light came on and BLINDED ME... I still, to this day, don't know where the balls disappeared to!



And I didn't make the show...

Working with a spotlight certainly can be a challenege. I always make it a point to do a tech rehearsal or at least talk with the tech people at any fair that I do. Talking wioth them before hand, and being friendly towards them, can often times save you a lot of problems during the performance. It will also let you be less nervous about it.

Stage fright? I always shake while I’m being brave. If you do too, perhaps it’s because you care!

We all have it bother us that others will be watching and judging our work. We put ourselves in that position. (Because we want their approval.) Getting their approval is a risky business. What if…

What if you take them your best? What if you know they are getting something of value? What if you are the best part of their day? What if they could see how hard you have worked at getting to this moment, just to please them? What if they knew how important they are to you? What if they came to see you and you weren’t there? Well they did come and you are there. What if tonight is your best show ever? Why shouldn’t be? What if you missed that opportunity?

Most of us are wound tighter than we’ll ever admit. Showtime is exciting for everyone, performer or audience. Use the excitement to your advantage. No one in the building is better prepared to do your act than you are. The others don’t really know what you are going to do or how. They will just have to wait and see. I hate waiting. In time, you will learn to see going out onto the stage as “finally” the waiting is over. Now I can do what I came here to do! Start the music!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Yeah, that spot light can be a pain. I was in a show a little while back. One performer was doing the thumb tie and hoop trick. He had spectators throw the hoops at him from the audience. Although he couldn't see through the spot light so they were just whizzing past his head. Pretty funny.

I think another major reason for stage fright and nerves is the lack or fear of not being prepared. If you take the time to get their early, set up with plenty of time and leave yourself time to double check your set up, then things will go much smoother for you.

It also allows you time to be by yourself before the performance so that you can focus your enegeries and warm up your mind.

Kyle

Some great advice here, I will add my 2 cents as well...

1. Be prepared - Get there on time, setup as early as possible, check out the facility - including fire escapes, toilets, stage and audience entrances, the type of seats, any special history about the location etc. I find that this helps me feel a bit more like 'a pro' even if some of the things I check make no sense. Its also good to know about the toilets, bar facilities etc if you are going to mingle with guests it is nice to know these little details in case you are asked.

2. Know your material. Know it like the back of your hand. I found this out doing local amateur theatre. I did a show where the director changed his mind a lot at rehearsals, and we went on stage not really knowing what we were doing! I was very, very nervous for that show....sweating, shaking, voice faltered, the whole nine yards. The show I ahve just finished, we were very well prepared, and I was not nervous at all. I new exactly what I was doing and what I had to do next.

3. Practise! It doesn't have to be magic that you do in front of people to get used to public speaking. If you belong to a Church, then there is often opportunity to speak to a group, even if it is the old folks home or a Sunday school! Also to get some practise try hospitals or charity organisations and see if they want a show for any of their events. Although the quality of your show should not vary for this audience, it can be 'easier' as you are doing it for free.

Best of Luck,

Chris

Chris:
This is some great advice. Thanks for sharing it with us.