Combating Stage Fright!

By: STO Gentry Phillips, Springtown Highschool, Troupe 1494
 
Spooky season is officially in full swing! Break out the Jack O’ Lanterns and costumes, it’s time to get festive! Regardless if you’re up for spooky shenanigans or not, every theatre kid can share this one fear: stage fright!!!
Stage fright, the monster under the bed for everyone that has ever stepped foot on stage. This can be a big challenge to get over, the anxiety of it all can be overwhelming in itself. So, how do we combat this and bewitch this ghoul back into its proper place? Here are some of the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect potion to stop being afraid of taking the stage. 
Ingredient one: a bottle of preparedness. Being prepared not only helps you know your stuff when performing, but also gives you confidence! Being fully aware of things like lines, cues, and blocking makes you ready to go at any time. Knowing your stuff and being prepared is the best thing you can do for yourself and for your company as a whole. 
Ingredient two: a bushel of healthy eating. Make sure before any performance you are giving your body good things to digest! Avoid caffeinated drinks and eat a sensible meal before your show. It's the worst when you perform on an empty stomach! Take care of yourself, the show is not the only priority. 
Ingredient three: a pinch of positive focus. Instead of focusing on yourself or what could go wrong, put the focus on your character, the people around you, or having fun! Hyperfocusing on the bad will just make you even more scared to show your stuff. You know you’re great, so be confident and have fun!
With these tools you should be more than prepared enough to face whatever is hiding in the shadows. With this newfound confidence, you’ll be able to hex stage fright right out of your life (hopefully) forever! If the results don’t work the first time, just keep working at it! Trust me, there are no negative side effects to this brew. 

Stay spooky, 
Your 2021 Texas State Thespian Officers