All of us have had nightmares about forgetting text or musical phrases as we get close to performing new arias or a new role. It’s not uncommon! Often, we feel it is a benchmark for ourselves and others to know if we have truly done the work and are now ready to perform with a […]
Often, when one is getting ready to become part of a new or even already familiar Summer Program, it’s easy to let the anxiety and fear of failure run rampant. It’s also easy to forget that being successful almost always requires putting yourself into these new situations that will give you the opportunity to work […]
How often do you get stuck in that place in your mind that takes you deeper and deeper into chaos, confusion, gridlock, deep anxiety and panic? It feels like there is no way out. And if you manage to get out, you feel lost, stupid, therefore not worthy, and very frustrated. I think we’ve all […]
No matter what you are doing or participating in this summer, are you still feeling stressed and anxious? Are there projects or expectations placed on you of your own volition; things that are next to impossible to accomplish in the real world? Are you worrying about making the right impression on those that are in […]
It’s that time of year again. Hurrah! It’s auditioning season. Are you ready? Well are you! Or is this just going to be the same old, same old yet once again even though this past year was so much more successful in so many ways. If thinking about putting all your good work in front […]
Audition and performance anxiety is an evolutionary throwback — one that can be directly tied to our more primal neurological heritage; it’s called fight or flight. This fear that is elicited by stage fright ignites the body's fight-or-flight response, which is what brings about its various physical and physiological manifestations. Essentially, it's the perceived sense […]
Has there ever been a time when toward the end of an especially challenging day, you felt compelled to sit, close your eyes and try to calm your body and quiet your mind because you had an important audition or performance two hours from now? Are you having trouble with this? Is your anxiety level […]
How many of you have experienced dry mouth when auditioning, performing or just in general? We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. It also helps prevent infections by controlling bacteria and fungi in your mouth. When you don’t make enough saliva, your mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. This condition […]
I wish I had a nickel for every time I was asked the question, “What do I say, how do I behave when someone asks me what it is I do for a living? I’m still working on my voice and doing a bit of performing, but I can’t in all good conscious call myself […]