Hello Performers! I am super excited to be writing to you all today as it is my first time featuring on this incredible blog! As we know, all of the tutors at The Performance Studio’s work incredibly hard to build and progress young performers. Not only within developing their technique and performance ability but their self belief and confidence too!
Why is self confidence so important in performing you ask? Self Confidence is a practice required and utilised by EVERYONE at all points in life. Learning and maintaining this skill from a young age is crucial to a performers development, it can help them with auditions, performances, pre show nerves, castings, the list is endless.
So here are some of Miss Amy’s tried and tested top tips for self confidence and nerve tackling!
1. Structured Breathing – This works wonders for those pre show nerves in particular! A technique I use for this is drawing or tracing a triangle shape onto either your hand, or a piece of paper if possible. What you’re going to do is give each line a job. You can follow one of the lines up a point on the triangle and take a big deep breath through your nose whilst doing so. Then, follow the triangle shape clockwise, to the second line, whilst tracing this you hold your breath (not for too long!). Then follow the final line by breathing out through your mouth. Repeat this as many times as you feel is necessary for a grounding, more present, controlled, confident feeling.
2. Affirmations – As we all know Miss Amy LOVES an affirmation! I usually do one at the end of each lesson to remind the students just how great they are! Affirmations are beneficial as they help you battle any negative or self doubt through thoughts of kindness and self love. Try saying something simple to yourself in the mirror everyday, whether that’s whilst brushing your teeth or before your head touches the pillow. Any time which works for you. Use phrases such as; ‘ I am super talented’, ‘I am proud of myself’, ‘ I can achieve whatever goals I have planned’ ,‘ I am loved’ you can say as many as you want and can even write your own little song if that helps! Affirmations are scientifically proven to not only boost your mood and confidence but also your physical and mental health too!
3. Power Pose – Have you ever wondered why Matilda’s most significant pose is always her with her hands on her hips? This is a power pose and it basically works like magic! Just take 5 minutes either before a show, lesson or audition etc. Stand with your hands either side of your hips, feet shoulder width apart, chin up and smile. (Wonder Woman Pose) Your body then sends a signal to your brain within minutes that tells it you’re confident and ready to tackle any challenge ahead (even if you were shaking with nerves!) When researchers studied the art of ‘Power Posing’ those who demonstrated a power pose before a show, actually performed better and with more confidence than those that did not. So give it a try!
4. Remember everyone is rooting for YOU – Whether you are about to head on stage, sing in front of your peers, enter an audition room. Everyone wants you to succeed! Whether it’s the panel, the audience, your classmates, tutors or friends. We only want you to do well at our school! So write it down and carry this key piece of knowledge with you at all times.
Use this as your guide to help you develop that self confidence we at The Performance Studios work so hard to encourage in you! Take this time (especially before our big summer show) to begin practising these top tips, get your friends, family, siblings and even pets involved! We can’t wait to see you shine!
It’s been a privilege to talk to you all, Thank you for reading! Make sure to keep up to date with us by checking out all our socials! See you on the next blog!
From all the TPS team x
Written by Amy Gaskell: Singing Tutor
