3 Tips And 2 Affirmations For Overcoming Audition Nerves ‒ Mental Health For Performing Artists
Written by: Melanie Padron Golding, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The anticipation of auditioning for a part can create an enormous build of multiple stressors that affect performance; fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. Audition nerves derive from the tension of an upcoming event that hasn't yet taken place. Therefore, nerves are a projection of unknown future events that tap into emotions of fear. The main thrust of the fear for performing artists is criticism and rejection.
Performing artists are a particularly vulnerable group and at risk of being affected by the scrutiny of the observer. They are susceptible to feedback which can be damaging to self-esteem and self-confidence. Many performing artists have given up their careers based on this trait or headed into a deep depression as the feedback was so harmful to process. At times, it has become unbearable and overpowered the beauty of the love for art. The answer to this nightmare is to pull on one's inner resources for strength and self-belief. Self-efficacy will see a performer through as they rely on their talents and capabilities for power and getting the task done. Other than the apparent recommendation of rehearsing until you can't get it wrong, I would list three tips and two affirmations to help reduce anxiety.
3 Tips
1. Remain in the present.
Aligning the psychic and physical self before engaging in performance takes practice. The art of being centered spiritually is a must for all performing artists. Being centered in yourself means you are fully present in space and time, aligning you to the universe on a soul level. Your surroundings should fade when you are centered. You can achieve this through a mini meditation. When anxiety enters your equation, consider what is happening and re-focus on the here and now. Physically become aware as you wiggle your toes or touch your arm to reaffirm where you are now,
in the present. Take in a deep breath, then slowly breathe out. Slow yourself down mentally and become in touch with your inner self. Know that you are safe and all is well. This exercise can be done on the day of your audition, but I recommend practicing the art of centering weeks before to avoid the build-up of anxieties.
2. Self-efficacy.
The performer knows best! There are times when you must bypass the observer in the audition. Your mindset is to not be in their frame of reference but your own. Your audition is the time when you are allowed to know best. Your confidence in your abilities will be drawn out precisely when your performance begins. You own the floor! The performer must develop a solid sense of capability to project a confident performance. Self-efficacy can take years to build on, but sometimes not. It is often an inner knowing. This inner knowing emanates and is seen by your viewers as solid confidence and trust. Experience and repetition are the factors that cement the belief of being capable and exceptional at what you do. Self-efficacy links directly to self-trust.
3. A Balanced Perspective.
Anticipating negative results can be a daunting experience and create a downward thinking spiral that feeds into your way of being. It is essential to stay positive and give your everything while you think about your audition and at the time of the audition. The worry of rejection is far more likely to outweigh the worry of acceptance. Being at the receiving end of rejection can trigger negative feelings and be a downward spiraling factor for mental health but not if approached with a balanced perspective. It is helpful to consider the audition an opportunity to excel, improve and practice. Internal conversations can include: What is the worst that can happen? There are always new opportunities emerging. Keeping things in perspective is an essential feature of keeping yourself balanced.
2 Affirmations
You have been doing this all your life; it was your God-given purpose; therefore, you are an expert in your field.
1. Know your worth.
Practice meditation and positive affirmations to instill the idea that you are worthy of good things in life. Sometimes people can have a deep sense of not feeling worthy, unrelated to performance or careers but will highly impact their work and performance. Knowing your worth will build on self-esteem and confidence, which means you will emphasise less what other people think.
Knowing your worth is vitally important and directly linked to confidence. Inner confidence is essential for your career in a world full of egos, competition, and power hierarchy. You HAVE to put yourself forward as a positive entity who is self-respecting. Self-respect will automatically command respect from others and is linked to confidence.
2. Believe in yourself
Look in the mirror and see how much you've learned and worked hard. Praise and validate that you are doing well and can see progress. Believe you have what it takes to get to that level of success you have always dreamed of. Self-belief is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself in show biz life. It shows self-respect and self-validation in one neat bundle. There may be times when you may have experienced rejection or negative comments about your act or your performance. This experience can manipulate your thoughts about yourself, and self-doubt may begin to creep in. There is an art to packing up those views and respecting your own. Belief is key to achieving.
And finally
What your judges seek is not necessarily based on your abilities (unless it is specifically a talent show!). You are judged based on whether you are a match for the part. It is essential not to take things personally and separate your abilities from presenting for a specific position. This way of thinking will take time and needs practice.
The laws of probability say that you will get your break someday by repetition and persistence. So keep going! Whether you fit the part this time round or not, you can always learn from the experience and apply new skills to the next. Schedule a consultation with me to discuss your performing arts career. I can help you move forward with your mindset.
Author of Facing My Own Music.
Melanie Padron Golding, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mel is expert in the field of performing arts. Her years as a performing artist make her the perfect coach for all artists struggling with the industry's demands. Mel became a licensed therapist offering her expertise in assisting with mental health due to the pressures involved. She helps artists retain a sense of authenticity alongside coping strategies and to acquire deeper content for creating art. Taking a humanistic approach, Mel is renowned for attuning to her clients with high empathy and is harmonious from the word go. Mel is the director of Meltopia Ltd, a company for performing artists providing mental health services and self-help products.
References:
Bandura, A. (1997b).Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: Freeman.
