Stage Fright is completely normal and you can overcome it!
I've watched it happen on more than one occasion. The curtain has opened and a performer starts to look pale, the breathing gets quicker, the hands start to tremble and the tears start. I've also seen those same performers pull it together and delivery amazing performances. What can you do about your stage fright? How can you help your child overcome their fear of the stage? Here are a few good tips.
1. Be Prepared. Stress is a big factor in stage fright and the first thing you can do is to be is to be prepared. Rehearse enough that you are confident in your lines, confidence helps combat stress. Once you know your lines keep rehearsing. I can not stress that enough; don't stop rehearsing when you've learned your lines. Your less likely to freeze if your well prepared. While your rehearsing stay relaxed, don't stress out about your lines when your learning them.
2. Learn to Chill Out. Almost all performers say they get performance jitters and every one has a different way of getting over them. First take a deep breath! You've learned your lines, your prepared, you can do this! Play a game, say some tongue twisters, draw a picture, or crack some jokes. Remind yourself or your child they can always look at the director or assist director for help (one of us is always in the front row).
3. Take Care of Yourself. It's easy to let yourself go when you have a thousand things going on and your rehearsing like a mad man trying to learn your lines. Make sure you get enough sleep and eat well, you'll look and feel your best if you do. Exercise is also a great stress reliever! Do some jumping jacks, run around the block, or jump rope.
4. Smile. Your brain is a powerful thing. If you always look down on yourself, then that's how you'll feel. Overcome fear by smiling and pretending everything will be okay! Once you believe it then it will be!
5. Break a Leg! Not literally! 9 times out of 10 once you step on stage the stage fright will disappear. There are not any set rules for how to conquer your stage fright everyone is different; but I know this much; go OWN the stage! This is your times, your show and your stage! You've worked hard for this. Be comfortable, be natural and you will find the burden of fear will lift off your shoulders and the audience will be yours!
