4 answers
maddie
Student
Asheville, North Carolina
7
Questions
Asked
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How could I even be an actress or a singer?
I know I either wanna be a fashion designer/singer/or actor, but I have stage freight. Is there any way I can get over it. I practice in front of my brother but I still get a bit nervous. I HAVE to get past it if I wanna be an actress or singer, right?
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4 answers
Sallie Young
payroll specialist
28
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Sallie’s Answer
Hi Jennifer, stage fright can certainly seem overwhelming when your passion lies in performing for others. However, you should first consider where this desire stems from. Is this passion budding for the right reasons? I know that social media's impact on our society makes becoming famous sound appealing, but we must remember that fame comes at a price. People often find themselves working multiple part time jobs, struggling to make ends meet just to pursue this lifestyle. Will your passion outweigh your struggle to make it in an oversaturated market? It takes a lot of passion, drive, and thick skin to pursue this lifestyle.
Now, after examining the above... if this is still something you truly wish to pursue, I would start with practice. As conflicting as this may sound, the best way to get over the fear of performing is to get more comfortable performing which only comes from the act of doing. Have you looked to see if there are any independent theatre companies near you? Have you tried signing up in the drama department at your school? Perhaps even tried a public speaking or debate class? While practicing in front of family is great, you need to build up your audience size. The more you practice the more natural it will begin to feel. Additionally, by joining an independent theatre company, drama class, etc, you will be gaining access to mentors who could help coach you through this struggle. I, myself, acted and performed in various theatre, music theatre, and drama companies for over 10 years throughout my youth. I too began with a fear of performing. Overtime, the more i worked with my coaches and mentors, started performing for larger and larger audiences, the more that fear began to slip away and I started to feel more natural on stage.
As for the part in regards to fashion design, taking art classes will certainly help. Some schools even offer design course. I would look to see what electives your school offers and evaluate which ones best fit your career goals.
Best of luck!
Now, after examining the above... if this is still something you truly wish to pursue, I would start with practice. As conflicting as this may sound, the best way to get over the fear of performing is to get more comfortable performing which only comes from the act of doing. Have you looked to see if there are any independent theatre companies near you? Have you tried signing up in the drama department at your school? Perhaps even tried a public speaking or debate class? While practicing in front of family is great, you need to build up your audience size. The more you practice the more natural it will begin to feel. Additionally, by joining an independent theatre company, drama class, etc, you will be gaining access to mentors who could help coach you through this struggle. I, myself, acted and performed in various theatre, music theatre, and drama companies for over 10 years throughout my youth. I too began with a fear of performing. Overtime, the more i worked with my coaches and mentors, started performing for larger and larger audiences, the more that fear began to slip away and I started to feel more natural on stage.
As for the part in regards to fashion design, taking art classes will certainly help. Some schools even offer design course. I would look to see what electives your school offers and evaluate which ones best fit your career goals.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much!
maddie
Katie Leszczynski, MBA
Training
6
Answers
Southampton, New York
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Maddie!
Being in front of an audience can certainly cause some nerves, however, its imperative to prepare, prepare, prepare! Do not allow nerves get in the way of something you truly feel passionate about. As time moves on nerves will come less and less. When working with my teammates I record them (on my iPhone) when they present and then ask them to watch it back a few times. The first time it's muted/without audio (this allows them to review their movements) then watch again with audio (this allows them to focus on the words they are using). From there, we discuss what is working, what might need improvement and what totally needs to change. When you see yourself on video you are quick to pick up where you'd like to shift or improve. Couple that with feedback from someone else and you will be on your way.
As mentioned in a previous post, breathing exercises help, prayer and support from family and friends is huge! Good luck - I hope to see you on stage some day!
Katie
Being in front of an audience can certainly cause some nerves, however, its imperative to prepare, prepare, prepare! Do not allow nerves get in the way of something you truly feel passionate about. As time moves on nerves will come less and less. When working with my teammates I record them (on my iPhone) when they present and then ask them to watch it back a few times. The first time it's muted/without audio (this allows them to review their movements) then watch again with audio (this allows them to focus on the words they are using). From there, we discuss what is working, what might need improvement and what totally needs to change. When you see yourself on video you are quick to pick up where you'd like to shift or improve. Couple that with feedback from someone else and you will be on your way.
As mentioned in a previous post, breathing exercises help, prayer and support from family and friends is huge! Good luck - I hope to see you on stage some day!
Katie
I appreciate your support, Katie
maddie
Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
227
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Maddie, thank you for your question. Only you can choose which career path you want to. I believe both of these paths there will be some very hard work involved, so you will need to have some form of backup plan. Why don't you concentrate going to college on-line that way you can still go to casting calls and auditions. And as far as you are being stage fright some of the best entertainers in the world had it, just keep practicing in front of other people and you'll be fine. Best of luck.
Loved reading this, thanks!
maddie
Jennifer Michael
Director, Program Management
5
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Maddie,
Getting stage fright is common. In my experience it isn't something that ever fully goes away and having some fear generally means you are passionate about what you are doing and that you are pushing yourself to build your skills. In my role I often have to present to senior people and it can be very scary, even though I have been doing this for over 10 years. Here's some things you can try:
- Make time to practice (which it sounds like you are already doing)
- Just before your performance do some breathing exercises (there are videos online which you can follow)
- Find a quiet place and stand like a superhero with your hands on your hips like your cape is flowing behind you
That last one sounds silly but give it a try!
I hope that helps,
Jennifer
Getting stage fright is common. In my experience it isn't something that ever fully goes away and having some fear generally means you are passionate about what you are doing and that you are pushing yourself to build your skills. In my role I often have to present to senior people and it can be very scary, even though I have been doing this for over 10 years. Here's some things you can try:
- Make time to practice (which it sounds like you are already doing)
- Just before your performance do some breathing exercises (there are videos online which you can follow)
- Find a quiet place and stand like a superhero with your hands on your hips like your cape is flowing behind you
That last one sounds silly but give it a try!
I hope that helps,
Jennifer
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
maddie
You are very welcome - Jennifer
Jennifer Michael