AUDTION/PRE-PERFORMANCE JITTERS (Part 3) - Five Combat Tips.

Last week and in a previous blog, we discussed several ways to combat audition & pre-performance jitters (breathing, meditation, prayer, mantras/positive talk, letting go of what you cannot control, self-confidence, resilience, creating flexible goals, visual imagery).

In this blog, we will throw out some less serious ways to combat the jitters.   Here are some fun ways my friends combat their nerves:

1.   LAUGH:   Laughter triggers a release of endorphins.  Endorphins are "feel good chemicals,"  promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily reduce pain.  Laughter can also decrease stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.

2.  CHOOSE A ""PUMP ME UP" SONG:  My friend, Laura L.,  likes to pump herself up by singing the chorus to "THIS IS IT" THIS IS IT. MAKE NO MISTAKE WHERE YOU ARE. THIS IS IT... (1:06-33)    Many people think this is a love song, but Kenny Loggins actually wrote it to inspire his dad who was sick at the time.   She also likes to jam out to NIRVANA.  Scientists have found that emotions patients experience while listening to music can have a healthy effect on blood vessel function, make people feel happier, reduce stress, and it can help people perform better in high stress situations.  One study found that basketball players threw more accurate free-throw shots if they first listened to upbeat and catchy tunes.

3.  HAVE GREAT TIME AUDITIONING:  Don't we all love to perform?  Use the audition as an actual opportunity to perform.   Anna, one of my actor/singing friends says,  "Go in to the audition feeling as though you've already booked the role and act like you are performing on stage or on camera. Enjoy it.  Own it, and remember they want you to succeed and be the perfect one so they can go home."  Remember, you are the perfect you.  You are unique, so show them who you are and how you own the role.

4.  GIVE YOURSELF A MASSAGE:  One of my friends keeps a scalp massager in her car and uses it before entering an audition building.   Massaging any part of your body increases blood flow, boosts your mood, can help with fatigue, and decrease stress. 

5.  PLAN A REWARD FOR YOURSELF EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR AUDITION: To get their mind off their nerves, some people may want to go to lunch with a friend, get their nails done, watch a movie etc. before an audition.  Personally, I like to be alone and ideally have nothing on my plate before the audition and reward myself afterward.   A fellow actor  says she rewards herself for an audition well-done and those that tank as well.  No matter how professional or prepared we are or aim to be,  we wouldn't be human if we didn't have those imperfect auditions, so don't deny yourself a reward if things don't go as planned.  

Want to reference parts one and two?   Here they are: 

https://atxrandom.blogspot.com/2016/01/audition-jitters-seven-combat-tips.html

https://atxrandom.blogspot.com/2016/10/auditionpre-perfomance-jitters-part-2.html

Thank you to Laura, Anna, Taylor, Jane, Christine, Jaclyn, and Quetta for their input.

A couple of friends suggested propranolol (check with your doctor to find out if it is right for you) and the book, The Upside of Stress.