How can I lose self consciousness on stage?

Question:I'm 16 years old and have been acting/singing in musicals for 5 years. I am better at singing than acting, but I love musicals. I love performing and being onstage but I find it difficult to act as someone else. How can I get into the character without feeling self conscious?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm 16 years old and have been acting/singing in musicals for 5 years. I am better at singing than acting, but I love musicals. I love performing and being onstage but I find it difficult to act as someone else. How can I get into the character without feeling self conscious?

The trick is to concentrate on being convincing to the person you're acting opposite, instead of trying to be convincing to a great big audience full of people.

I used to be self conscious while presenting. What I discovered helped was practicing constantly prior to a presentation. This includes practing to friends and to myself.

I would suggest practing "being" this character outside of the stage. Pretend to act like the character around friends - of course letting them know what you are doing. With much practice around friends, I'm sure being someone else on stage will become second nature.

Good luck!