How do you cure stage fright?

Question

I do stand up comedy at open mics, but even if I've memorized my material, I get up there and my knees start shaking and my heart rate goes up. It really affects my set negatively. I was thinking about wearing sunglasses during. If I did, would people think that I'm "too cool" for them?

Answer 1

Maybe you could make the sunglasses a part of your act and take them off about 1/2 way, when you are starting to feel comfortable and explain that they help you with stage fright and if people don't laugh, you will put them back on so you can hide.

Answer 2

Why not try wearing one if that's the only way to remove your stage fright.

Good luck and GOD BLESS THE CHILD :)

Answer 3

dance. =]

or go naked. =]

LOVE BEJIING.

(Join the olympics today)

Answer 4

I'm a singer, as well as horse rider, so this always works for me:

i always think ''I can either get nervous and make a fool of myself, or forget about being nervous and bring the house down!''   Well which one would you choose?

Answer 5

Stage fright is just extra energy. Instead of looking at stage fright in a negative way think about it as a positive thing, that extra bit of energy for you to perform well. Start your set moving, walking, dancing or jogging and get the audience involved, this transfers some of the attention away from you and you will begin to feel more comfortable. Nerves are good for performance.

Answer 6

Dont wear the glasses....stagefright is almost a habit......when you go to the dentist you get nervous and your palms get sweaty....yet the dentist could be just performing a routine check....its because you remember a memory when you were younger and you had teeth removed, braces tightened....that sort of thing.....stage fright is the same.....because you were nervous the previous time, you remember that and associate it with the next time....this turns into a vicious cycle.....until one time you get up there and do the best you have ever done and make so many people lath...my advice would be to perform on a stage and venue you havnt been to before....break the cycle, so your not remembering any bad memorys on that stage as its a new canvass and yours for the taking. The great thing about stand up comdey is that unlike acting, you dont have to remember word for word.....so dont remember your jokes as a script....as long as you remember the key parts your made.

Try and have a more relaxed week.....if you are tense from school or work and then go on stage, it could come out on your performance.....have fun, go swimming, cinema and ask the person out that you have wanted to for ages.

Goodluck....and dont worry. xx

Answer 7

I am a singer and have done a lot of musical theater.  I have absolutely no fear when I'm acting but get really nervous when I'm singing as "me."  I was perplexed by that for a time, but I realized that in a musical, I'm singing as someone else.  Now, when I have to sing as "me" I just pretend I'm someone else...like an alter ego.  It works for me.

Answer 8

Since you are a stand up comic, you should start to enjoy what you do more...I mean, you are there to make everyone else laugh, so why can't you have some fun too? Like the other person said, you need to use the nerves beneficially...I think the sunglasses are actually a good idea--not just if it helps you destress, but it isn't "too cool"!

You should remember why you are up there. I assume you enjoy being a comic so just go up there and do what you love to do! Don't doubt your abilities or anything...just pretend like you're talking to one person--a friend or relative where you can just be yourself.

Not to mention, practicing is a great way to improve...after I had many competitions and recitals in a row, I had no problem getting up there and just playing like there was no one there. Practice in front of a mirror if you don't do that already.

Good luck with everything! I'm sure you'll be just great!! =)