Overcoming Stage Fright: my take on it!

Happy December everyone! I am so glad my favorite month is already here. Shame to say good-bye to 2011 already, though.

So for the past few weeks me and my jazz band mates have been working really hard for the December concert and another gig at Hard Rock Cafe. Needless to say, we were all nervous and excited at the same time! But I'm sure we all know that feeling (not only for playing an instrument, but for singing, acting, giving speeches, etc.) when we walk onto stage, the stage lights nearly blind you, and you can distinctly hear the murmurs of the anticipating audience travel around the room. And then those paranoid thoughts enter your head... "what if I forget my lines/music?", "what if I trip on stage?" "what if I completely mess up the whole thing?!".

I am no master of stage confidence, but over the years of performing on stage I've managed to accumulate a few tips on overcoming it. Not to say I still don't have those moments where I feel like the whole audience can hear me breathing, but I do hope these help you out!

Before the performance

1. Be prepared: A day or two before the big performance, make a list of everything you need to take or have ready so that you don't end up running around, trying to find something ten minutes before show time.
2. Sleep and food: This one's quite obvious. Get some sleep and make sure to have a nice, full breakfast. No use trying to rock it on stage when you are sleep/food deprived.
3. Dress properly: By that, I mean wear something you're comfortable wearing and that you know looks good on you. It doesn't help if you're constantly feeling self-conscious, wondering if people think you look stupid in that new shirt your friend bought for you. 
4.  Rehearse and practice! Work out the kinks, fix some last-minute things, make sure it sounds/looks good. Obviously, it doesn't have to be flawless, but try and practice until you know it's up to a standard you think is good.

During the performance

1. People are cheering for you: The audience is not on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for you to forget your lines and stumble. They all want you to do well and even if you do make a mistake, they will still root for you! Don't forget that!
2. If you make a mistake, don't show it! Nobody will notice that you made a mistake if you don't make a big deal out of it. No flinching or face cringing; just move on and don't choke up because of that one moment. 
3. Smile and stand/sit up straight (unless it's a play/musical and it's not part of your character): This shows a lot of confidence and that can go a long way. Besides, better posture makes you sing/play an instrument much better. 
4. Don't be intimidated by the spotlight: If it helps, just pretend you're in one of your normal rehearsals and the "wall" that faces the audience is just a solid wall and that you're performing by yourself or only to a small group of friends. 
5. Know why you're on stage: By that, I mean that you are where you are because you are good at a certain thing (playing an instrument, singing, etc.). Know that you have what it takes and that ultimately, you are awesome at whatever you are doing. Remind yourself that you'll do a great job, because that's what all those rehearsals and auditions were for! 
6. Keep happy thoughts in your head! Whether they're of your band members, your parents or a loved one, they will keep you positive and give you something/someone to perform for. 

 It's also incredibly important to know that it's all about you (I do not mean it in a conceited manner) and it's your moment, not the audience's. Keep these tips to heart when you perform next time; hopefully these were helpful! Good luck to everyone!