Stage Fright
Stage Fright. Performance Anxiety.
These are horrible things to experience, and I have to believe that every single performer has felt them, at least once. I certainly have.
Before I learned the arts of magic, I tried my hand at stand up comedy. I didn't do too badly, but it turns out, I wasn’t as funny as I thought I was. My biggest problem was stage fright. I had seven gigs as a comedian and before (and during) every single one, I was so nervous. The audience picked up on that and they would become nervous for me, and I would feel that, so it was a horrible cycle.
What I have learned since though, is that the audience, no matter who they are, want you to do well. They want to be entertained. Do you honestly think that people will spend their hard earned money to go and see a performer, purely to watch that performer give a terrible performance?
When I walk onto a stage now, or approach a table to share magic with people, I know that they want to enjoy themselves. It's true that people pick up on others energy, so I make sure I am upbeat, happy and professional. This lets the viewers know that they are in for a good show.
If I could give advice on how to combat these fears and worries, it would be…
Know Why You're Here! You've rehearsed (hopefully), you look the part and you know what you're doing. Go and do it!
Believe In Yourself! If you convey confidence, even if you don't really feel it, your audience will sit up and pay attention.
Don't Be Afraid To Go Off Script! If something happens when you're performing that you didn't expect, roll with it. Seriously, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself, and let the audience enjoy the moment. Don't milk it too much, but smile through it.
But Don't Point Out Your Mistakes! If you're doing magic and you drop a coin, or you are singing and your voice cracks for a split second, just carry on. Don't make a big deal of it, and the audience won't even remember it. It can be tough to judge when to laugh at something with the audience and when to just move on without comment, but you'll get to know that over time.
You Have Done This Before! Don't forget, this isn't your first time. And if it is, it's not. You've done it in the mirror, or in the shower or in your back yard. Go and do it again! (*Magicians - don't take your cards into the shower)
Let me know in the comments how you deal with any anxieties you face.
