Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 7/8/2009

Question
I absolutely LOVE acting and frequently perform in local theater productions. The problem is that even though I practice in front of the mirror and my friends for what seems like forever before an audition until I can get everything perfect, when I get in front of the directors, I get extremely nervous, forget everything, and my voice turns into a miniscule fragment of sound. Part of it has to do with the fact that I am naturally shy, but I know that I can act when not under pressure. I also know that it's not stage fright because I never get this nervous when I perform an instrument solo or when I perform a dance solo. When I am on the actual stage, I don't even get a hint of any nervousness at all; just bubbly excitement. So far, none of the relaxation tecniques I have tried have worked. Please tell me how to overcome this audition fright. Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Jasmine...And thanks for writing.

Have you written me before?  It seems that you had.  If you did, I am glad you are continuing to work on this.  That is great.  

What kinds of relaxation techniques have you used?  Let me know that and maybe I can help determine a better solution.

Obviously the best way to do this is to keep doing the local theatre productions.  Eventually, you will become stronger.  Keep doing more than one a year.  Do 2 at least so that you practice regularly.  

Another thing to keep in mind that this is not your enemy.  This can actually be your friend.  I know it seems like it is not helping right now.  But you can actually learn to use the energy you are feeling to your benefit - embrace it rather than fight it.  

That comes with practice and with a change of mind about what the feeling is you are having.  I would suggest trying to think of the privilege and the honor and excitement of performing.  A change of your state of mind may be the way that you can convince the rest of you to enjoy the time on the stage.

I would still like to hear about the techniques you use.  so write about those ok?

Does that help you?

Wanda