How do I not become tight and nervous on stage when I'm in a play?

Question:I'm in drama and as soon as I got on stage I tightened and stiffened and basically just froze and said my lines for the whole play with no movement. How can I loosen up and move around without being embarrassed or nervous? Basically how do I become more comfortable especially in front of a lot of people? Please help! Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm in drama and as soon as I got on stage I tightened and stiffened and basically just froze and said my lines for the whole play with no movement. How can I loosen up and move around without being embarrassed or nervous? Basically how do I become more comfortable especially in front of a lot of people? Please help! Thanks!

by acting instead of thinking about yourself, you have to be the character in order to be effective on stage and you do that by responding to the stimuli of the scene as the character would respond. you are just thinking of yourself/ well, you go sit in the audience *figuratively* and let the character do his stuff.

The more plays you do the more comfortable you will get... also the smaller crowds makes a more comfortable setting. As for what you think while you're acting... try just enjoying yourself. I know getting in front of a bunch of people is nerve racking but the more you are out there the easier it will get

Start practicing in front of people you feel comfortable with. If you have a dog or cat, perform for them. Take deep breaths and realize that you are not perfect and never will be and that it is OKAY!!! Love your own performance and applaud for yourself. Keep doing it and one day the fear will be gone.

This always works for me: two beers. Ideally two 12 ounce (or half-pint UK) bottles of regular beer. No more, no less. This loosens you up just enough for "Dutch courage" but you're not drunk and unlikely to mess up.
Be warned though, you might be tempted to drink more. Don't, because the results could be disastrous. Be strict with yourself.
Of course if you are in the States and under 21, tough luck, you won't be trusted anywhere near alcohol.
Before we go on stage we always get a case of beer in just for this purpose and the prectice is quite common in British amateur dramatics. The remaining beer is for after the show.