How to Defeat Stage Fright in 3 Easy Steps
Review and photos by: Patrick Axovius, Writer @Triqueofficial
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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So, you've probably daydreamed about rocking a great stage in front of a massive crowd, right? But let's be real - sometimes that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare when you're hit with a case of the jitters, AKA, stage fright.
The term ‘stage fright’ is really just an alternative way of saying "I'm freaking out about performing in front of people."
Don't worry, you're not alone - even the biggest stars get a little sweaty-palmed from time to time.
Stage fright is just the party pooper that ruins our chance to shine on stage. But fear not my friend, you can totally tackle that bad boy and show it who's boss! After all, why let a little anxiety hold you back from your moment in the spotlight?
Let me give you a real-life example to help you understand what I mean. When I was a teenager, I once spent weeks rehearsing a dance routine with my dance partner, with hopes of wowing the audience during our performance. But when the day finally came and I stepped onto the stage for the first time, I was met with hundreds of eyes staring back at me.
I became so nervous that I completely forgot all the choreography we had worked so hard on. In the end, I had to improvise and freestyle just to fill the time we were given, but it wasn't nearly as good as what we had planned. I felt really disappointed afterward because I knew I could have done better, but my stage fright had gotten the best of me.
If you've ever had to perform on stage or give a speech to a group of people, you probably know firsthand how stage fright can mess with your game and impact the quality of your performance or message. If you're still struggling to overcome stage fright, don't worry - we’ve got your back! The next section is full of some quick tips and tricks that can help you navigate those nerve-wracking moments like a pro.
Step 1: Be the ‘Bigger’ Person
Why do we get stage fright? 'Cause we think the crowd's out to tear us apart when really they might not give a hoot. We give them way too much power, and it freaks us out. But guess what? You're the star of the show, even if you're not yet famous.
You're the one with the killer pipes, ready to drop some musical magic on everyone.
Most of the time, stage fright comes from feeling like a total loser, but once you boost your confidence and start feeling like a rockstar, you're one step closer to owning that stage like a boss. So, before you get on stage convince yourself that you’re the elephant in the room, a gift from nature to the world, remember your best skills as a musician and carve it into your mind. The last thing you’d be needing when you’re about to get on stage is a low level of self-esteem.
So, big yourself up and act like you’re about to bless the crowd with your grace whenever you’re about to perform. This will shift the power dynamic in your head and make you realize how much power you truly wield as the one who gets to stand and seize the attention of countless people while performing.
Step 2: Leverage the Individuality of Your Audience
Picture this: you're standing on stage, staring out at a sea of expectant faces, all waiting for you to deliver the goods. But before you let the collective weight of their gazes crush you like a grape, remember this: humans are individualistic creatures. So instead of seeing them as a faceless mob, focus on the lady in the red hat, or the guy in the white tee next to her. When you approach performances this way, you’d become less tense and begin to see each person as a concert-goer/fan simply expecting a great experience individually.
As you become accustomed to their individuality, move around the stage and perform for different individuals or groups, giving each one your undivided attention for a few seconds or split seconds, depending on how large the stage and crowd are.
It's like entertaining a bunch of mini-audiences, rather than one giant one. And if you really want to knock their socks off, stare deep into their eyes and belt out those tunes like your life depends on it. Who knows, you might just make a fan for life - or at least for the next 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
Step 3: Practice with a Smaller Audience
Ah, the age-old adage: “practice makes perfect” can never be wrong. If you're serious about kicking stage fright to the curbs and nailing all your stage performances, you'll need to practice with a smaller crowd.
But let's be real - your cat isn't gonna give you the feedback you need, so it's time to round up the troops. Call in the favors, get your family and friends over for a private show, and bribe them with pizza if you have to.
And if you're feeling bold (or desperate), ask them to bring their friends along too - just don't invite the entire neighborhood or you might end up performing for your Aunt Mabel's knitting group or that annoying neighbor that always tells you to turn down the volume.
This approach is also a great way to practice performing for multiple groups, which is important for bigger shows where you'll be playing to a larger audience. By performing for a small group, you can get used to gauging their reactions and adjusting your performance accordingly. You can also get feedback from your audience and work on improving your stage presence, vocals, and overall performance skills.
Use this opportunity to hone your skills, read their body language, and adjust your performance accordingly. And who knows, with enough practice, you might just make it big enough to buy pizza for everyone - the dream!
Bonus Tips:
Okay, I know I promised to teach you three easy ways. But, I really want you to get rid of that anxiety. So, here are a few more helpful tips you can do to make sure you don't crash and burn like a runaway meteor on your next performance.
Try meditation and breathing exercises. Take a few deep breaths and let that tension melt away like a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. And if you're feeling fancy, go ahead and light some candles and burn some incense - just make sure you don't set off the fire alarm and ruin the show for everyone.
Get to know your venue. Don't be that awkward performer who stumbles around like a lost puppy on stage. Take a few laps around the place, check out the acoustics, and make sure you're not gonna trip over any stray wires or stray band members. And if you're lucky enough to have a fancy lighting setup, give it a whirl and see if you can make yourself look like a magical unicorn on stage.
Last but not least is visualization. Now, we're not talking about daydreaming about your favorite snack (although that can be helpful too). Close your eyes and imagine yourself performing like a boss. You're nailing those high notes, strumming that guitar like a pro, and the crowd is going wild. Keep that image in your mind and watch as your confidence soars higher than a bald eagle with a jetpack. You got this!
Patrick Axovius is a seasoned music executive based in Minnesota with over eight years of experience managing artists, branding social media sensations, and working as an A&R/Producer for talented artists. About a decade ago, Patrick toured venues around Illinois and neighboring locations with his fusion pop band 'Cheddar Base,' headlining his first show and selling about 1000 tickets, all before turning 19. Patrick has gained extensive knowledge and expertise in the music industry from his experience working with Jton Music, a Houston-based management firm that supports globally renowned Afrobeats artists such as Yemi Alade and Paul (one half of the Psquare Duo). He currently develops young talents and plans to establish his own label in the future to revolutionize the music business.
