How to overcome the fear of performance?

The fear of performing occupies a leading position in the list of the most powerful fears. But if most people do not have to appear in front of the public so often, then for an actor it can turn into a professional failure. Is there a way out?

First of all, it is useful for novice actors to remember: even the most experienced professionals admit to being very excited before going on stage or working on camera. It is natural to worry before the performance, the main thing is that it does not interfere with the creative process.

So, tips from experienced stars:

1.     The more you practice this or that scene, the more confident you feel. If improvisation is not your forte, be sure of a thorough knowledge of the role.

2.     And yet: learn to improvise. If a remark is accidentally forgotten, try to remember it at least approximately or come up with a suitable meaning. The main thing is not to delay the pause.

3.     While rehearsing, do not forget about working with the body. It is very useful to learn relaxation techniques and stress relief, for example, breathing practices. Slowing down and holding your breath helps to relax, and speeding up your breathing, on the contrary, mobilizes. Yoga classes and auto-training practices help some people a lot.

4.     It is noticed that those who lead an active lifestyle, do physical education and sports, tolerate stress more easily and are able to cope with panic.

5.     Jim Carrey's advice: before the performance, make sure you are left alone and laugh heartily. A few minutes of laughter and fears will fade into the background.

6.     You're on stage. Look into the auditorium and tell yourself mentally: my friends are sitting here. They came to support me and I will do everything to make them like it.

7.    Are you afraid to look at the camera? Then make it an element of your daily life. Take selfies, communicate via video. For several days in a row, shoot literally everything you live with. Then browse and get used to yourself on the screen.

8.     Admit that you are afraid. Oddly enough, this gives an excellent effect. Do you remember the old movie “Carnival Night"? “Entertainer" Grisha Belov felt awkward on stage until he honestly spoke about his fear. By the way, this method helped not only a fictional character, but also the world-famous presenter Larry King. King, out of excitement, remained silent for almost the entire first radio broadcast, endlessly put on musical compositions, and then confessed to listeners that he was simply afraid to speak. After that, things got better.