What are some good ways to help lessen stage fright?

Question:I agree with the importance of preparation of lines, blocking and characterisation. Also learn some relaxation techniques so that you can release the physical tension you feel. Take some deep breaths, and walk onstage fosussed and ready to live the next few moments as the character you are playing. Keep your attention focussed on stage, and as far as you are able, forget about the audience.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I agree with the importance of preparation of lines, blocking and characterisation. Also learn some relaxation techniques so that you can release the physical tension you feel. Take some deep breaths, and walk onstage fosussed and ready to live the next few moments as the character you are playing. Keep your attention focussed on stage, and as far as you are able, forget about the audience.

someone told me when i was little

to just immagine that the audience are in their underwear...

hahaha..i'm serious.

don't imagine them in their underwear, please.

Get in the character's mindset and be confident in that character. No matter who you are offstage, you are that character for the next few moments. So, breathe deep in and out and focus on your character, nothing else.

Stage fright is nothing more than a very specialized kind of fear of the unknown. The best way to overcome it is to be 100% prepared on lines, blocking and characterization. Picturing the audience in their underwear will only make you giggle at the worst possible time. And even if you "get into the character" there will be times when you look into the audience and see a friend or family member trying to wave at you. Ignore the audience. Put up the fourth wall and stay "on stage" as much as possible. The more plays you do, the less unknown this atmosphere will be and you will have just enough stage fright to keep you sharp on opening night.

My motto is that
you want to show them what you can do.
and the audiences are there for you
anyways so dont worry