Bonus #3 - Managing Nerves
Captivating Solo Performances
“Actors should not feel scared, about the fact that they’re scared. I think it’s a good sign.”
Naomie Harris
Managing nerves and overcoming performance anxiety is crucial for actors to deliver their best performances.
When we first start out acting, it is a new skill and experience that naturally creates anxiety in most beginning actors.
When we get into the midst of the scene, there are a ton of things going through through our head. Like…
“What is the other person’s last line before mine? Oh, what is my line? I hope I do this the way it is supposed to be done. What is the right way? I hope the director likes me. Is my shirt untucked? Do I have bad breath? I wonder when lunch is. Did they just cast me because they couldn’t find anyone else to fit the wardrobe? What am I supposed to be feeling right now? The character or me? Oh, what’s the difference, they are going to cut this scene anyway. What’s my line again?”
Performance Anxiety happens to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! Rookies to veteran actors alike still have anxiety. But there are ways to reduce it significantly. Here are some tips to help you manage nerves and perform with confidence:
Preparation is Key: This is the number one most important way to reduce performance anxiety. Coming to set unprepared is a recipe for disaster. The writers have written, wardrobe has dressed you, gaffers have lit the set, camera is ready, and the director has called ACTION. Now it is your time to do your job! Thoroughly prepare your lines, scenes, and character work. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Start rehearsing when you first get your script and then practice regularly. Know your material inside out. Rehearse with a focus on building a strong foundation, which will give you a sense of security during performances. The more you act after being properly prepared, the more your nerves will subside and your confidence will grow.
Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. Practice diaphragmatic breathing by inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Combine this with progressive muscle relaxation techniques, where you systematically tense and release each muscle group to promote overall relaxation.
Visualization and Positive Affirmations: Visualize successful performances and positive outcomes. Close your eyes and imagine yourself confidently delivering your lines, engaging with other actors, and receiving applause. Additionally, repeat positive affirmations to yourself such as, “I am prepared, talented, and capable of giving a great performance.” This will help boost your self-confidence and reduce anxiety. Don’t let negative thoughts “Rent Space” in your head! Individuals who lack confidence or come from a critical upbringing have a hard time here. Start healthy mental habits of thinking about the great things that WILL happen, instead of the bad things that MIGHT happen.
Physical Warm-Up: Engage in a physical warm-up routine about 15 minutes before you arrive to wardrobe, hair and make-up to release tension and get your body in a relaxed state. Don’t overdo it that you start sweating. Stretch, do some very light cardio exercises, and incorporate activities like yoga or Pilates to improve body awareness and control. Physical warm-up not only prepares your body but also helps center your mind. Refer to Section 15 Acting Exercises and Warm-Ups.
Channel Nervous Energy: Instead of fighting your nervous energy, find ways to channel it into your performance. Nervous energy can be transformed into intensity and passion, adding depth to your character portrayal. Embrace the energy and let it fuel your performance rather than hinder it. If you are super nervous, skip the morning coffee or other energy drinks so that you aren’t chemically jacked up.
Focus on the Story and Characters: Shift your focus from your personal anxiety to the story you’re telling and the characters you’re embodying. By immersing yourself in the narrative, you can redirect your energy towards serving the scene, rather than worrying about your own performance. In other words, focus on your job, do your preparation, and stop thinking about negative thoughts that are dragging you down.
Perform in Front of Others: Seek opportunities to perform in front of small audiences, such as in acting classes, workshops, or informal gatherings. Many actors start by performing in front of their acting coach. A safe audience of one. Gradually expose yourself to performing in front of others, which will help desensitize you to performance anxiety and build confidence over time.
“Acting is really about having the courage to fail in front of people.”
Adam Driver
Embrace Mistakes and Learn from Them: Remember that making mistakes is a part of the learning and growing process as an actor. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and improvement. If you stumble or forget a line during a performance, stay present, STAY IN CHARACTER, improvise if necessary, and keep going. Don’t stop a take because of a mistake or forgotten line. It’s the director’s job to call for CUT. The audience usually doesn’t even notice mistakes unless we point them out.
What is the worst thing that can happen?: If you are auditioning for a role in a film and you stink up the audition, the worst thing that can happen is that you don’t get a job that you already don’t have. You lose NOTHING! You actually GAINED some experience and wisdom as to how you can do it better next time. Cut yourself some slack! We are our own worst critics.
When my clients are struggling with anxiety, I show them my bat. Actually, it is a demigorgan killer! Steve’s bat from the popular series Stranger Things. I remind them that I have never gotten that bat down off the shelf to disciple one of my actors for missing a line or giving a bad performance. So what is there to fear? NOTHING! Mistakes are part of the process and a big part of being human.Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your performance anxiety persists and significantly interferes with your ability to act, consider seeking support from a mental health professional or an acting coach who specializes in performance anxiety. They can provide you with tailored strategies and techniques to manage your nerves effectively. Seeking “Professional Help” is not just a nice way of saying that “You are broken, deficient, or dumb”.
