Even Sound Guys Can Get Stage Fright. Why Am I So Scared? What Can I do? Beginners Advice

You are not alone if you suffer from what actors have come to  call, in hushed whispers,  stage fright.   It doesn’t hit everyone – but it does hit many.  Here’s some suggestions on how to deal with it.

I do not believe I can recall any experienced actor saying they are not nervous at all before a performance. Many are actually terrified and get physically sick prior to a public performance. The basis for this is in some ways a good motivator, we want to be good, we want to be accepted.

That is a good thing but being debilitated by stage fright is not.

There are some effective ways of dealing with this condition.

1. First – Accept it as real and completely normal.
2. Next -  one of the most effective way to manage the phenomenon of stage fright is constant performance. For some this may not be possible or you may just be starting out and you are struggling at the starting gate, so to speak.

If you are just starting out and cannot even imagine performing in front of people yet, find a friendly audience that will accept you no matter what, your family!

Perhaps you can pick a family function and “handle the sound”, maybe even playing “DJ”, but treat it and set it up just like a regular performance ; a certain time etc. It may sound silly, but you will be nervous even though you know they will accept you no matter what you do.

When you perform for them try not to talk to them as they were your family, but make it a little “impersonal” if you will. Pretend they are an audience of strangers. If you make a mistake, keep going .This is very good practice. You will always make mistakes in your life as a sound technician so get used to it. In fact you need to learn to “roll with it” or even sometimes make something out of it. This can lead also to improvisational opportunities, but we will discuss that some other time.

Once this little “concert” is over you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Even if you made a mistake or two, you will feel good about what you have done. I guarantee it!

Now you need to continue to build on these performances. Do them more often, invite others but do not get too comfortable either. you must continue to stretch yourself. If you have a teacher or an experienced tutor that has taken you under their wing, the chances are good that they will give you the chance to actively participate in rehearsal before you start taking the reigns – and yes – sound engineers in theatre should participate in real theatre rehearsals and treat them as the “real thing.”  It’s good for the actors, the backstage crew, lighting, roadies and YOU.

Once you are past the first stage of performing and are on to performing for larger groups of strangers, there are some other ways of dealing with stage fright .

Practice, practice, practice.

You must know your piece or pieces of sound cues backwards and forwards if you are to be truly prepared. Even if you do not have to memorize the cues you must know them very well. Suffice it to say you must constantly practice to overcome any technical limitations on your performance, then you can more easily deal with stage fright as a separate issue.

You may have a very real reason to be afraid if you do not know your performance!

On  the day of the performance I think it is best not to practice very much at all. You can wear yourself out and “peak” too early. Like actors you can over practice and sound perfect two hours prior to performance but be worn out by the time the curtain goes up.

Just rest a lot and go over the cues in your mind. Warm up, to be sure, but only that.  Sound checks are integral – and leave time for solders, blown amp’s and other gremlins.
If you know your script you should be fine. Some like to take a nap before performance so they can be rested. If you cannot actually sleep, then just laying down for 30 minutes or so may help.

Save the booze for after the curtain goes down – and if mobile – after equipment is safely stowed.

Damage to hire gear is usually done when the performance is over as few enjoy physical labour after hitting the post production plonk.

Now when you take the stage, remember all of the work you have done, tell yourself, ” I am prepared, I can do this! You will be amazed at what you can do if you believe in yourself. Be not afraid!