How to Overcome Debilitating Stage Fright

Even the most accomplished of actors and actresses can experience debilitating stage fright that can lead to uncontrolled nervousness and even shaking. If you've seen local programming on Direct TV Local Channels, you may have seen examples of stage fright. Overcoming stage fright can be an enormous challenge but there are ways to alleviate the stress and actually enjoy each and every performance.

Just as with any other activity, practice makes perfect. Seeking out as many opportunities to speak in public as possible will help any actor to not only improve in his craft but also become more comfortable with each performance. Before each show, it is crucial to practice lines over and over preferably in front of family and friends so that one becomes used to portraying a character in front of others. One of the most common causes for stage fright is being unsure of the lines and/or forgetting when the lines should be spoken. However, an actor who is familiar with the lines that are spoken before and has practiced all lines countless times will doubtless be more confident.

Another trick to overcoming stage fright is to visualize success. Instead of the cliche recommendation of imagining the audience naked, actors should imagine standing ovations and top notch reviews. Worrying about failure will do nothing but make the performer even more likely to slip up. On the other hand, imagining a successful performance will boost an actor's confidence and improve the odds of a great show.

Another time-honored idea for improving performances and, consequently, confidence is for an actor to watch his performance and determine areas that can be improved. Many times, actors are afraid of the unknown so being able to see themselves acting and portraying a character can go a long way to relieving stage fright. Whether looking in a mirror or taping themselves, seeing the way the performance will look from the point of view of the audience can be enormously helpful and an excellent confidence booster.

Every actor at some point in time will experience discomfort on stage, whether due to lack of experience or fear. Whichever one of these is the case, these tips are sure to both alleviate stage fright as well as improve overall performance.

Ticket Prices: What They Cover, What They Don’t

When you think about purchasing tickets to see a play that is going to be in your area soon, you might not put too much thought into what these tickets include. You might just be ready to purchase them so that you can go and see your favorite show or a new play that is hitting the stage at your favorite theater. However, it is important for you to determine what is included with your tickets and what isn't so that you can be prepared when you attend the play and so that you don't get faced with an unexpected surprises.

For instance, you should find out if parking is included in your ticket price. At many theaters and other venues it is, but sometimes it isn't. Finding out if you need to bring along extra cash for parking is important.

You might also want to bring along extra cash for food and drinks while you are there. Unless you are attending a dinner show in which your meal will be included, you probably won't get anything to eat or drink unless you bring along extra cash. It's also a good idea to see if different seats are offered for different prices so that you can ensure that you get the best seat for your money.

Help! I Know I’m Going To Cough!

Have you ever been somewhere where having a coughing fit would be distracting and rude, such as in a theater or at church? Perhaps you have a cold, or maybe seasonal allergies. Have you ever tried not to cough only to fail miserably at it?

Well, you've come to the right place.

To begin with, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as tea, water, and even coffee. Coffee, while it does have a diuretic effect, will soothe an itchy throat just as well as tea and water.The full explanation can be found at http://www.20somethingallergies.com/diy-herbal-cough-drops-sore-throat-remedy/ Keep a bottle of water near you for those situations when you don't want to be a distraction for any reason.

Another way to help yourself from coughing is to keep throat lozenges with you. Grabbing one and popping it into your mouth will help you in a pinch. They don't have to be cough drops, necessarily, just something that will soothe your throat and keep you from coughing.

Also, if you smoke cigarettes, you may want to consider quitting. If that isn't an option, then your best bet is to double up on the suggestions listed here, because nothing ruins a beautiful play or musical like someone having a coughing fit.

Boring Or Inappropriate: When To Walk Out

When auditioning for new parts in plays and performances, you are probably excited to have the opportunity to show off your talents. However, you shouldn't spring on every role that comes around. You have to do work that makes you happy and that makes you feel good about yourself, and sometimes the roles that are available won't do that. Therefore, it is important for you to know what to do in these types of situations.

If a part just seems too boring, you might want to consider sticking it out at first. It does sometimes take time for a play to become interesting, and the parts might have to become more developed before they can really shine. Once you determine that a play -- and a role -- are going to be too boring for you, however, you really shouldn't stick around. Find a way to get out politely and professionally, however, so that you don't make yourself look bad.

At times, you might be asked to do things in a role that make you feel uncomfortable. Whether you are asked to kiss someone, use words that you don't feel comfortable using or doing something else that makes you uncomfortable, it is completely acceptable to say goodbye to the role. In the long run, you will be proud of yourself for doing the right thing.

Goin’ To The Classics: West Side Story

When it comes to classic theatre in the United States, there are a few important truths. A theatre that is short on money will always field a production of Our Town, someone will always get sick on opening night, and you can always pull in a crowd with West Side Story. At first glance, West Side Story seems fairly simple, but when you take it apart, you'll find that there is something there for everyone.

In the first place, there is no getting around the fact that West Side Story is essentially an updated version of Romeo and Juliet. As any writer or director can tell you, doomed and tragic love always sells, and it is hard to stay aloof when Tony dies.

On top of that, West Side Story tells a story that almost anyone can relate to. Both the Jets and the Sharks feel alienated from the world that they live in, and as teenagers, they are even alienated from their own families. Most of our teenage angst does not end in so much death, but the lessons are the same.

West Side Story is one of those plays that is popular with audiences all over the country, so consider it for your stage!

Community Theatre: Should I Get Involved?

Though you might have dreams of seeing your name in lights on Broadway, you might find that what you have in front of you right now is community theatre! Community theatre is something that many people think about with a wince, but there are many reasons to get involved.

In the first place, it will give you theatre experience. While it will certainly not be as intense or as driven an experience as professional theatre, it is still an acting credit that can teach you a lot.The full explanation can be found at http://lyteatthepalace.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/the-value-of-community-theatre/ It can tell you if you are interested in this type of career, and it can also give you tighter bonds with your community.

Another thing to keep in mind is that community theatre is casual. If you are not in a spot where you can donate every living moment to a play, you should consider how community theatre can help you. This type of theatre is meant to fit around people's lives, so consider how it might fit into yours.

Take a moment to consider what place community theatre has for you. It is not ideal for many people, but when you are just starting out, it can teach you a great deal!

The Joys Of Taking Children To The Theatre

When it comes to the theatre, many people simply assume that they will leave their children at home. However, assuming that your children can behave during a live performance, there is no reason that they cannot enjoy the performance as much as you do! While of course you must choose a performance that is appropriate to their understanding, there are many reasons to take children to the theatre.

In the first place, the theatre is a place that is run off of imagination. Young children begin by being very imaginative, but over time, this instinct becomes blunted. Theatre performances help them engage that part of themselves again, something that can help them find more joy and color in their lives.

Another reason to take your children to the theatre is to expose them to new stories and new ideas. After you finish up at the theatre, you will find that they have a lot to talk about. Ask them how they felt about the experience and ask them questions about what they saw. This is a good way to engage with your child, rather than simply taking care of them.

Take a moment to consider the next theatre performance coming up and how your child might like it!Keep looking, there’s more: How To Choose The Best Drama Lessons For Your Kids