Do you get nervous before performing a scene?

 Good! That means your body is engaged and excited to perform. But letting those nerves run wild can destroy you. I want to dive into techniques on controlling and using your nerves to your advantage!

Breathe! 

When nerves kick in, our breath tends to go shallow and muscles tense up. But guess what? Oxygen is your brain and muscle's bestie! So, find a quiet spot on set, face a wall if you must, and take some deep, intentional breaths. Don't be shy – this is YOUR process. 

Your breath is a powerful ally in the battle against nerves. It's like a reset button for your mind and body. Plus, focusing on your breath distracts from those pesky nerves, letting you focus on what matters – delivering an authentic performance. So, breathe in, breathe out, and own that stage! 

As actors, we're all about being human, right? And humans breathe. A LOT. So, no need to rush through lines or gasp for air. Embrace those natural pauses, let your breath guide you, and watch your performance flow effortlessly. It's amazing what a little oxygen can do! 

Ever forgotten a line mid-scene? It happens to the best of us. But here's the secret weapon: KEEP BREATHING. Stay present, stay focused, let your breath anchor you, and trust that your memory will catch up. Who knows? That spontaneous moment might just be your shining moment. 

Bottom line: Your breath is your superpower. It's the key to unlocking control over those nerves and unleashing your best performance yet. So, next time those butterflies start fluttering, remember to pause, breathe deeply, and show 'em who's boss!

Get the excess energy out of your body!

If you could see me before I perform a scene in class or on set, you might catch me doing push ups in the corner by myself. I find that my nerves settle in my muscles. My hands will shake, my face might twitch, I’ll have trouble even turning my head smoothly side to side.

So I’ve learned over the years that I have too much enthusiasm sometimes, too much adrenaline! I gotta get some of it out!

I’ll find a floor space for myself and do 10 push ups, or 10 squats if there’s no room. Or I’ll jog in place for a bit. Anything that helps me get rid of the energy in my body.

 If my hands are trembling, I’ve got too much adrenaline coursing through my body. And trembling hands are visible on camera. Only do enough to feel your muscles relax, but not so much that you’re out of breath.

And when there’s no time for push ups or squats, I’ll just sit or stand where I am and tense different muscle groups in my body for a few seconds, working the stiffest muscles first.

Then, I shake it all out, and it’s time to perform. It makes a tremendous difference for me. Give it a try.

Focus On Your Scene Partner!

What if I mess up? Do I look okay?

Sound familiar? Shift that focus to your scene partner. Think about it: performing with someone else is easier than flying solo, right? So why not let them be your anchor? Instead of worrying about yourself, listen to their words, feel their energy, and react authentically. 

After all, acting is about connection – and what better way to connect than by truly engaging with your partner? When you're focused on them, not only does it ease your nerves, but it also makes for a more dynamic performance.

Remember, it's not about you – it's about the scene, the story, the moment you're creating together. 

So next time those butterflies start fluttering, turn your attention outward. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Throw it away! Play!

Throw away your performance. It’s on film... actually, it’s on a digital memory card that is reusable unlike the film days. You get another take. This is why we call it: Take 1, Take 2, Take 3. There’s always another take. 

If this is acting class, you’re there to learn, not to be perfect. If you’re perfect, you don’t need class. And there is no perfection in art, so don’t try to be perfect.

The best performances are when we say, “let’s just play and see what we get.” 

Gosh, I really hope cameras are rolling on that one because it’s gonna be good. You should always be “just playing.” That’s what we do!

Watch kids play act. They’re amazing! They are the best improvisers. They come up with their story and their words as they play. One kid might choose to be a dinosaur and the other Barbie. They’ll make it work. And they never, ever ask themselves, am I doing this right? They just play.

So take the pressure off yourself. We’re playing. And if you’re not playing, it’s gonna get too difficult for you to enjoy it for the long term. I hope you’re in acting for a long time! The only way to commit to that is to enjoy it. It’s only enjoyable when it’s fun.

Make your character nervous.

When I can't shake the shakes, or calm myself down enough before "ACTION," I give my nerves to my character. She's the one with the clammy, jittery hands. 

I don't change the scene or my character's personality, but I do play the scene as if she's feeling what I'm feeling. Most times, in doing this invisible shift, I calm down. It's enough of a mental play that I'm no longer worried about being nervous and can now focus on how my character is feeling...which is where my mind should be in the first place.

Realize that life, in general, is about how we perceive the world. Find ways to trick your brain into cooperating with what you need to get done.

In time, your experience in performing will give you the confidence you need to overcome your nerves.

Don't be nervous about being nervous. Embrace your nerves, welcome them in, allow yourself to feel them and decide if this is a scene to burn energy before "ACTION," or to hold onto those nerves and use them to empower your scene.

Most actors, even the A-listers, get nervous. You're in good company. Just know that it's normal and even useful. You're excited and anticipating the scene. You're ready!

Break a leg!