How can I calm myself before I go onstage tomorrow night?

Question

I'm doing a school production of a musical, and have quite a main role, but I'll be really nervous. How can I keep my nerves under control?

Answer 1

Bdfore you go out, relax. Make sure to practice -- alot, so that you won't forget your lines and moves. Practice to such a point that you no longer have t think about them and they are almost second nature to say and do.

Breathe deep and know that you are going to do well. And, if you do mess up, just keep going. The audience won't know the exact lines of the play, so just try to play it off.

Also, when I was in Drama, sometimes we would do Yoga or do relaxation techniques like laying in a dimly lit room and imagining different scenes or relaxing our muscles.

Answer 2

try a guided fantasy imagin yurself on a beach and breath in through your nose out through yur mouth 10 times im an actress and this allways helps me before i go on stage hope it works for yu and gud luck wiv it! x*x

Answer 3

Try to keep yourself doing stuff before the show and don't sit alone in the corner thinking about all the possible things that might get wrong. Chat with other people and have fun before the show. I have performed quite a lot as a circus artist and these days I no longer get nervous except in very special occasions.

By the way. I can't really recommend smoking a joint. A few days ago I saw a circus performer on stage after smoking a joint. It was quite terrible to watch it, he did everything wrong. A day after I saw the same number again and he was brilliant

Answer 4

what I do, is just before the performance, I lay down, and relax.  Maybe I'll have a cup of soothing tea, or just tell myself that I'm going to do a great job. If you are still nervous, talking to other performers can always help! even a hug!! :) hope this helped.

Answer 5

For a solid hour leading up to the show, "Stay in Character Backstage". If someone asks you where a prop is, tell them in character! If someone wants to talk to you about non related topics, stay in character! Think of what you're character's motivation is in the first scene. Keep dwelling on that motivation, "In Character!" By the time you are finally given you're cue you will EXPLODE on to the stage!!! The longer you're out there, the more thrilling it will be! You will actually begin to start making subconscious acting choices as the character! JUST REMEMBER , When that scene is over, keep things in character back stage! DO NOT get caught up in other people's conversations. Stay within the character's motivations and intentions. At the end of the show, you will receive rave reviews, I promise you! Just let you're cast know in advance that you are not trying to be rude. You are just in the process of "becoming" another entity! You will earn the respect of both your audience, AND your fellow cast! You are going to do GREAT!

Answer 6

Hi Helen

First and foremost, people are coming to see you and not the other way around. That means that you have something to offer and just remember that 3/4 of them can't sing.

So, with that in mind, you have a head start. Do your thing. if you know it well, go for it and forget the rest.

You are the star, not them. I did enough tours to know that the performer is the one that performs, the others are the listeners, the audience.

Answer 7

Deep breathing

If your really that nervous don't forget to take a change of undies, just in case.

Answer 8

Do what I do...

1. Breath Deeply

2. SMILE!! (nerves just mean you care)

3. Think, I've rehersed this at least 20 times, so I know I can't kill my self.

Don't listen to whoever told you to smoke something, that will make you sick that night, and it will seriously damage your vocal cords.

Answer 9

Take some deep breathes before you go on and try to meditate a little. Get there plenty early so you don't feel rushed. Being a little nervous is a good thing, it will improve your focus and performance. Just remember people are there to see you and have fun they are not judging you. Everyone in the crowd is the same as you...so there is no need to be rediculously nervous. Also try to lay off the caffene.

Answer 10

Smoke a cigarette, smoke some of a joint, listen to a tranquility/ocean cd, meditate, be in the character all day like method acting and then you won't have the pressure of 'switching' to that character in such a hurry particularly when you're so nervous as yourself

Answer 11

Just enter into the performance with a positive mind. It is a well known fact that over 70% of mistakes picked up by a performer are lost in a concert hall situation.

Deep breathing and confidence are the key to success. Play with emotion and visualisation of a safe controlled enviroment (such as a practice room where you have hit those top notes everytime) will ensure a top notch performance.Whenever I have problems I just remember this. It is also good to read about music psyhchology (there are lots of books available in waterstones, or if you're not sure maybe just try one and check it out in your local library). They can be a bit far fetched and scientific at first but if you put them into your everyday practice and performance then I found they can really help

Best of luck,

Pete

Answer 12

Go to the chemist and buy a bottle of Bach's Rescue remedy totally herbal, does work and helps relax just have to place few drops on your tongue. Comes in a yellow box. about a fiver worth every penny.