How to Conquer Stage Fright

Jessica Delos Reyes

So you want to be famous? Who doesn’t! You crave the lights, the glitz, the glamour...but there is a roadblock on your path to fame - unrelenting FEAR of humiliation. But just like with any other fear, it can be overcome with patience, prudence, and minimal bloodshed (just kidding) and you can be a star by following these simple steps.

1. Find an outlet for your star power.

Whether your dreams are to be an opera star, the hero or heroine in your favorite soap, or simply an extra in your school play, find that all important outlet - a class, an audition; get yourself noticed. It's going to take some effort, but you can do it. Fame isn’t going to come look for you until you get its attention.

2. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

There are college courses entirely devoted to preparation for that big audition. Remember, everyday that you’re not preparing and practicing, someone else is. Read through the audition pieces a few times, sing the songs once or twice. Most importantly, don’t go into this thing unprepared.

3. Show up early.

If you’re early, you’re on time. If you show up “on time,” you’re late. You will also have time to get a feel for the space if you do show up early. If not, then you'll not only be scared, but you'll be lost too.

4. Remember, first impressions are everything.

Act upbeat, friendly and interested; but don’t be a butt-kisser. Listen to everything the director says; make eye contact with him or her. If that is too intimidating, look at their forehead, they'll never knowthe difference. If you receive a cold reception, just remember that the other auditioners want this part just as much as you do...or they feel threatened by your immense talent. Most importantly- act like you know what you’re doing. Even if you are completely lost, act like you are in control of the situation and others will believe that you are.

5. Head up, chest high, and last but not least, BREATHE!

Relax, have fun; if you’ve done all of the proper preparation up until now, you’ll be fine...you have nothing to be afraid of. It’s out of your hands now and fate will take control of the rest, at least now you have the upper hand. This is the fun part of all of your hard work; enjoy it. Performing is playing; otherwise why should we do it? And don't dare try picturing everyone in their underwear because there is nothing more daunting than a room full of half-naked people. Still feeling a bit faint? I recite this mantra to mysef before every audition I go to; it’s a bit grim, but it puts it all in perspective:

“I can do this. There are much bigger problems in the world. People are dying of starvation, there are wars being waged throughout the world, so my little crisis means nothing in the grand scheme of things. I have air in my lungs and I will survive to see tomorrow.”

It works, doesn’t it? I bet you’re feeling better already; now just wait to repeat it to yourself before you read the cast list. With every audition you'll get better and better, and in no time at all, that fear will be gone. Now you are well on your way to being a confident performer.

There are many resources out there for new performers. Here are a few that I have found particularly useful:

actor4U.com
Includes lists of auditions, jobs, and helpful practice monologues

actorspost.com
An ecclectic site that includes everything from agency listings to casting notices, from photographers to notable quotes

Colin's Movie Monologue Page
A personal favorite that lists in alphabetical order hundreds of famous movie monologues

starvingactor.com
A useful site that lists where to take acting classes and head shots of other aspiring performers

Jessica Delos Reyes has auditioned and performed in everything from school plays to motion pictures for the past twelve years. She is currently a student at Bemidji State University where she is active in the University Theater Department.

Copyright ©Jessica Delos Reyes
Last modified September 2001