working with audition nerves

As audition season transitions into recall stages we often find that we become even more nervous when going into an audition room or zoom meeting.

It might seem a bit strange seeing as how you’ve made it this far (so clearly you’re doing something right) that nerves increase but there is a school of thought on that. Let me give you a scenario.

Probably not the most delicate example but here goes - imagine you’ve been out of the house for a while and on your way back you begin to need the toilet. The closer you get to home the more the need intensifies. Totally natural, predictable and understandable in terms of the bodily waterworks at play but the interesting thing is what happens next. As you’re rummaging in your bag for your keys right outside your front door, the need suddenly shoots through the roof! As if your body instinctively knows that you are so so close to getting what you want.

I think about auditions and certainly recalls in this way. The closer you get, the more pressure you feel.

With this in mind, here are a few tips to take into consideration in the run up to and directly before an audition.

In The Run up

What can you control?

Take stock of all of the things that are within your control for this audition. What can you actually take accountability for and work with in order to give you the best chance?

Examples include your preparation, the time you dedicate to preparation and prioritising self care.

What you cannot control however are things like the panel’s opinion of you, the talent and capability of the other applicants who will be auditioning before and after you, how the audition day will be run and the overall outcome of the audition

So, why would you spend your precious time in the run up to an audition thinking and stressing over the things that are fundamentally out of your control. Concentrate on what you actually have the power to do in the moment. Take some time after that to tell yourself that you are doing what is in your control to do the best you can and then leave it alone.

Balance Your Time

Make sure you are creating balance by not focusing solely on the audition or solely on other things (therefore ignoring the upcoming audition). Deliberately and knowingly give yourself time in the days leading up to work on your speeches and pair that with downtime where you prioritise yourself as a person.

Directly Before the Audition

Nerves are Excitement - Mental Reframe

The things that happen in your body when you are nervous (shaking, sweating, blushing, racing thoughts, heavy breathing) are the same as when you’re excited. The only difference is your mindset.

Luckily we have the capability to shift this mindset if we choose to.

I often use the sentence ‘they’re really excited to meet me and I’m really excited to meet them’ before going into auditions. Like, actually saying it outloud just before going into the audition room. Sure, this won’t kick in the instant you begin saying it for the first time. Mental reframe practise takes time so start doing this early in the audition season.

Breathe

I know it sounds very basic but don’t knock it. Breath is a powerful tool and in the heat of the moment can often get overlooked and ignored to your detriment.

The breath is what we use for grounding and to centre ourselves - this is true for anything mindfulness related (yoga, meditation etc), for pain management and physical activities. Breath is, quite literally, life.

Taking a few calming breaths, prolonging the inhale and exhale beyond what would be your usual breathing can really help to focus the mind and calm the body.

Try counting in sets (one set being 1 inhale and exhale). Once you’ve done 10 sets, go back to 1 and repeat. Focus on the count and filling up/emptying out your body. It can seriously work wonders.

Physical Release

Nerves come from the mind but manifest in the body. When we are nervous our bodies tense up which restricts what we are able to do in an audition room.

We want to learn to loosen up, create space and encourage our minds and bodies to work together when we’re in an audition.

Just before going in the room try stretching, doing a full body shake for at least 10 seconds, isolated muscle clench and release (start with the face and work your way down the body) or light jogging on the spot.

These exercises can help release the stiffness from the nerves, take your mind temporarily off the situation and realign your body and mind to co-operating with each other again.

Remember to be light with these exercises - don’t force or rush any of it. Listen to your body and encourage it to work for you instead of punishing it.

Positive Self Talk

As well as the mindset shift from nervous to excited, we have the capability of controlling what we say to ourselves.

Even simple things like ‘I’ve prepared well. I am ready’, ‘I get the chance to do what I love in front of a brand new audience’ or ‘regardless of the outcome, I am worthy’ can really help.

Again, this can take a bit of practise to say and then actually believe it so get cracking now. Also, this applies to every corner of your life and not just auditioning. We should all be talking to ourselves with kindness and forgiveness.

I’m going to sign off from this blog post with a little p.s about nerves…

Know The Difference

Nerves are actually a pretty good barometer for your passions. Nerves mean you care. They mean you want it. They mean you have something precious to lose.

Dread, however is a different emotion. Dread is very much in the ‘I don’t want to do it because I hate it and I don’t want to be an actor anyway. I hate it when loads of people look at me.’ Know the difference! Adjust your language. If you’re nervous, name it. If it’s dread, name it and then get curious about why you are putting yourself into situations (like auditions) that make you feel this way. Perhaps this isn’t the healthiest avenue for you to be going down.

Nerves are healthy feedback from your mind, your body, your spirit. They’re actually a really good indication that you’re heading in the right direction for you. It means you care about something that you’re willing to risk it all.

Nerves = passion = you’re on the right path, keep going!