Conquering the Stage: How to Deal with Stage Fright

Performance anxiety, or better known as stage fright, is a very common phobia in acting. Many people find it hard to talk or to appear before an audience or crowd. Here are a few ways to get over your fear of the stage:

Be prepared Being ill prepared for a speech or performance can cause you to feel anxious about making mistakes. When you’re fully prepared and you practiced as much as you can, you don’t need to be afraid to mess up or make blunders. This will make you feel more confident about your performance.

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Breathe One way to relieve your body from stress and anxiety is by doing breathing exercises. Repetitive breathing helps calm you down and relaxes you.

Think happy thoughts If you’re thinking about the countless ways you can make blunders on stage, stop. The more you think about the negatives, the more likely it is that you will make mistakes. Thinking positively will put your mind at ease.

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Make eye contact Making eye contact can help you think that you’re talking to one person instead of a big crowd. Focusing on one person can make you forget about the others who are also watching you.

Hello! I’m Joshua B. Eaves and I love the theater, especially the Blue Man Group. Subscribe to my blog to learn more about acting and performing on stage.

From Hollywood to Broadway: Stories I Enjoyed Onscreen and Onstage

Just like my love for theatre, I have also fostered a fondness for movies. With their similar way of storytelling, it’s not difficult to be a fan of both. Here are some of the musicals I enjoyed onscreen and onstage.

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Legally Blonde

“Oh my god, you guys!” This high-pitched entrance will always belong to the great Elle Woods, the sorority girl who entered law school to win back her ex-boyfriend. As the story unfolds, Elle finds great friends, faces challenges, and realizes her true calling. Don’t fret, rom-com lovers— the dorky Emmett is a darling.

The Producers

Did you know that this record-breaking Tony awardee was originally a movie? The story is about two producers who plan a get-rich-quick scheme by overselling interests in Broadway that backfires. The hilarious turn on Leo, Max and Ulla as they organize Broadway’s biggest flop is surely fun to watch whichever the form.

The Lion King

This Disney classic is just as magical onstage. With songs crafted by Elton John, Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer, it is undoubtedly one of the best bets to transition from screen to the stage. The wonderful animation turned into colorful costumes that will bring audiences to the Pride Land. “Circle of Life” live is always a breathtaking performance.

Do you have other suggestions on movies that transitioned to theatre? Tell me your suggestions so I could check them out.

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Hi! Joshua B. Eaves (my friends call me Josh) here, a technical operations specialist for local theatrical productions and an aficionado of the performing arts and experimental music. I’m true-blue Chicagoan. To know more about me, follow this page.