Getting Nervous

[broadwaywriter]

Posted: 5/11/08 at 2:47pm

Any of you guys have tricks for getting nervous? I have a show coming up and though I have been doing pretty well with nerves during past performances, I was just wondering if you had any other advice you could give me and the other posters.


Thanks!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/11/08 at 2:53pm

Nerves are a good thing. They're natural there isn't much you can do, other than breathing exercises and meditation to help calm them. Of course, a nice stiff drink before show time never hurt anyone...

[Elphaba]

Posted: 5/11/08 at 3:22pm

er, this is confusing......do you mean for NOT getting nervous, or FOR getting nervous, as it's kinda not clear from the post.

For NOT getting nervous, just imagine the audience naked.
For getting nervous, just imagine the show is a flop

Updated On: 5/11/08 at 03:22 PM

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 5/11/08 at 3:37pm

There is not huge things you can do. Just stay calm. Usually before I go on (like 5 min) I just go to a quiet place and try and settle, it usually works and helps me focus.

[Lavieboheme2]

Posted: 5/11/08 at 4:02pm

go over your lines over and over. it keeps you busy and focused.

[Harper3]

Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:27am

I actually don't agree with the previous comment. If it comes to the day of the performance just remind yourself that you've worked hard, performed well during rehearsals, and know your lines.

Going over memorized items under stress only increases the chances that your memory will forget them.

[Robos89]

Posted: 5/12/08 at 12:38am

Practice some Linklater. Do some breathing exercises!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 5/12/08 at 3:26am

I don't really get nervous anymore. I mean, I do, but more nervous excited not nervous scared. Just breath. Concentrate and remember that the audience is (mostly) always on your side. No one came to watch you fail. (Unless Michael Riedel is there.) They're rooting for you. Give them what they want.

[thatgirl712]

Posted: 5/12/08 at 6:59pm

I was confused about that as well.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 5/12/08 at 7:10pm

Exactly. Just keep breathing. Visit the bathroom beforehand. I'm always very nervous when waiting to go onstage. I hate waiting. Deep breaths always help, and maybe stretch a bit.

[elphabelle07]

Posted: 5/12/08 at 8:24pm

i get nervous every time i have to perform. may it be a show, or singing at a solo at a recital or even in front of a bunch of freshman kids at a high school i didn't even go to. i even get nervous signing for my voice teacher...and it gets the best of me. i get so nervous, my voice starts shaking, and my throat gets really tight. and i get bad stomach aches. i hate nerves.

[gertiecummings]

Posted: 5/26/08 at 10:50pm

Find something that you feel calms your nerves and do it backstage, whether it be breathing exercises or tap-dancing (like Celeste Holm used to do).

But overall, if you just commit, commit, commit when you're onstage, then you will keep your nerves in check. And also keep in mind what Ethel Merman said: "If the audience could do it better, than they would be up on that stage instead of you."