Confidence shaken - big problem - help!? Pt. 2?

Question:Pt 1.
Recently I lost my confidence and when I go to my performing arts class, I can't perform. I just feel scared and I know I am good - ish. What can I do because I don't want this to happen?

Pt. 2
Thanks so much to all who answered. Big help! It's not only drama but dance and singing too. I don't know what scares me. It's mad. I really don't know? More and different answers...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Pt 1.
Recently I lost my confidence and when I go to my performing arts class, I can't perform. I just feel scared and I know I am good - ish. What can I do because I don't want this to happen?

Pt. 2
Thanks so much to all who answered. Big help! It's not only drama but dance and singing too. I don't know what scares me. It's mad. I really don't know? More and different answers...

Everyone has a different approach to performing. When I work backstage crew, I've seen several approaches to preparing oneself just prior to going on stage.

Some people:

recite their lines quietly or go through some of the dance steps.

stand outside the backstage door and crack jokes.

stretch or stand and bounce up and down on their toes to rev themselves up.

stand quietly backstage with their eyes closed (or not) and have asked to be left alone until it's time for them to be cued for their entrance.

doze (yes, I've actually worked with a few performers who do this) until they are cued for their entrance.

In addition to working back stage I've also sung in choirs (church, high school and college) and sung solos for many years. I'm not sure what technique will work for you, but here are a couple of suggestions:

(1) Center yourself. If you can have a moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath or two, and say to yourself, "This is what I do because I love doing it and I'm going to do this performance full out and have fun no matter what!"

(2) Imagine that you're performing for someone you love and who has always loved and supported you in what ever you do.

So there's my two cents' worth. Above all,

“Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead.” -- Scottish Proverb ;)

You may be worrying too much about the result. Focus on the process. Concentrate on each step with the goal of performing that step the best you can until the whole performance is solid.

You just need to believe in yourself and push through it. I've been dealing with confidence issues since I was a little girl. But now that I've been performing with my rock band, I feel better. The first few performances might be hard, but as your perform more and more it will be easier. : )

I have been performing and dancing most of my life. Most of the fear is because you are shy and or not to confident in yourself yet. It takes time. The more you get in front of people and the more you perform you will get over your fear. If you love what you do, and it makes you fee good, then keep doing it. When I perform and am on stage, that is my home...I am still a bit shy when not in my element. But, Nothing like I used to be. I can now talk to anyone and perform anywhere. I would also try to learn some mime and take a few public speaking and improvisational classes which really helped me.

Add A Little Magic To Your Day!
Best of luck,
Jack Julius
www.jackjulius.com

i know the feeling, i moved schools and took drama at GCSE, i felt very apprehensive about my drama lessons and because i didn't know anyone in my class i found it very hard to let go and get on with what i had to do. I'm now finally at a stage where I'm working at a A/ A* standard. I achieved this by not worry about what people thought of me, and what ever i did take any constructive criticism that was given.

Also this year i took part in a production where i had one of the main roles, i like you was so nervous i couldn't perform in-front of the director never mind an audience, however i rehearsed the scenes over and over in my room on my own, when the night came to perform i just imagined i was back at home in my room on my own or in a place where i could relax.

Also i chose something to look at when i was nervous or scared, a stained glass window in this case which has always supported me while i attended that school, this helped me again relax and enjoy the performance

all the best for the future
Sara