Expert: Kitty Kavey - 5/23/2007

Question
I am presently taking acting lessons but I cannot get over my fear of acting in front of the class when asked to play a character. How do i get remove  of or deal with stage fright?

What exercise do you recommend?

Answer
There are a lot of things you could try.  Hypnosis, phobia classes, exercises in self-confidence, or just simply practicing the thing that scares you until it becomes familiar.  If there's something in particular, such as a fear of public speaking or that you feel unworthy, you can address the specific condition itself.  Check with your doctor too to rule out a medically treatable condition such as social anxiety.  Much of the time when confronted with a situation that is unfamiliar and in public, we feel shy and even agitated.  Sometimes that goes away with time and practice, and sometimes you can learn to channel the fear into excitement, passion - another strong overpowering feeling, but one that might work well for you as an actor.
Good luck,
~Kitty