How to build self confidence for the stage

Stage fright is something that can afflict us all, whether we’re learning our trade as a performer for the first time, or whether you’ve been singing, acting or dancing for a few years. If you’re looking for ways to conquer your stage demons and be the best you can be, here are a few top tips on how to build self confidence for the stage.

Learn To Relax

The mind and body are interrelated. If your body is tense, your mind will be tense, and vice versa.

For this reason, it’s super important that you are able to relax your body before you get out on stage. You could start by eating a banana before you have to take to the stage. Bananas are a great and easy way of reducing pangs of nausea and shakiness.

You could also chew gum, which is a great way to work your facial muscles, thereby reducing tension.

You could also try stretching your legs, arms, shoulders, back and neck. This will reduce muscle tension, enhance muscular coordination, help circulate blood all over the body, intensify movement in your joints, and surge energy levels.

Meditation Is Magic

As mentioned above, the mind and body are connected. Just like a tense body can make your mind tense, a tense mind can make your body seize up.

A great way to free your mind of tension is to empty it of wandering, negative thoughts, and the best way to do this is meditating.

On the morning of your performance, you could try and put aside a few minutes (fifteen minutes will do) to meditate. Find yourself a quiet place, before closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. Become aware of your breathing and zone in on it.

Thoughts will flow through your mind, but don’t try to fight them; just acknowledge them, be aware of them, and let them pass. Enjoy this quiet time!

Avoid Caffeine

There are productive ways to give yourself a boost of energy before a performance and unproductive ways, and caffeine is always an unproductive way.

Caffeine can make you feel jittery and anxious, especially if you’re already feeling the early signs of stage fright creeping up on you.

Instead, eat fruit on an empty stomach. Fruit on an empty stomach gives you instant energy without the nasty crashes associated with caffeine.

Think Positive Thoughts

Success starts with belief. If you tell yourself you can’t do something, you won’t do it.

Likewise, if you picture yourself collapsing during your performance because stage fright has weakened your knees and ankles, you are more likely to have a bad night.

Spend the day of your performance visualising success. Picture yourself having a great night on stage, taking the applause and executing every single line / move with perfection.

Tell yourself in the morning that you can do this. Look at yourself in the mirror and repeat the maxim, “I can do this” over and over.

Plan Your Day

If you don’t plan your day properly, you might end up arriving to the theatre late. This will leave you frustrated, flustered – and even a little anxious.

If you plan your day properly, you have a much better chance of turning up on time. This will ensure that you feel in control, which is vital for confidence.

Take your time to get acquainted with the theatre and the stage. Have a walk around, chat to other people and go through your lines or dance moves.

Ikin Dance Australia is one of Queensland’s leading Dance studios based on the Gold Coast. With world-class facilities and teaching staff who are leading industry professionals, there is no better place to enrol. Not only will you make new friends, but you will also gain confidence as you learn new exciting skills, technique, discipline, co-ordination and balance, all in a fun safe environment.

We have classes that cater to all age groups and abilities. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional wanting to keep up your training we have something for everyone. Call 5522 1863 now!