Performing in front of an audience can trigger stage fright.
Most performers experience stage fright at some time in their career. Even veteran actors can suffer from crippling stage fright. Stage fright can result from a lack of confidence in your abilities and the fear of the unknown. Children are particularly susceptible to stage fright because they have not had the experience to learn deal with it.
Instructions
1. Get the child to practice the song, lines or music until he can do his piece in his sleep. The trick is to know the routine well enough to do it automatically, almost without thinking.
2. Teach the child creative visualization techniques. The child should imagine she is on stage doing her performance and that it is going well and the audience loves her. The trick is to imagine the scene vividly with colors and precise images. The child should do this every day to boost confidence.
3. Encourage deep breathing, as this can be calming. Show the child breathe in and then hold her breath before exhaling. The child should practice deep breathing for several minutes for maximum effect.
4. Ask the drama teacher, director or show organizer if parents and others can attend the rehearsals leading up to the performance. If the child gets familiar with an audience, the real performance will not be so terrifying.
5. Tell the child to focus on one person in the audience when performing. By effectively blocking out the rest of the room this approach can help reduce nerves.
