In your first few moments in the room of an audition or a casting can you:

• let go
• find your authentic self
• be in the Now
• give yourself permission to play

If you have done your preparation then a racing heart, racing thoughts, a dry mouth, stumbling on your lines or any of the other symptoms of performance anxiety are physiological.

Once you become aware of the symptoms your work as a performer is to notice – inhibit and direct (all processes of The Alexander Technique). You will be surprised how easily the nervous energy is converted into creative energy for your performance. Own it and use it!

The Alexander Technique teaches you how to keep the muscular-skeletal system long, wide and soft allowing the body and in particular the voice resonating centres and the respiratory system to remain relaxed and operating efficiently. You will feel ease, calmness and composure.

As a performer you have two things to focus on:

1. am I breathing?
2. am I taking hold of the ground with my feet?

When you don’t breathe efficiently, oxygen doesn’t get to the brain. It’s all about having the kinaesthetic awareness to be in your body and to remain as the conductor of your own instrument. When your whole body shows up to do the work, performance anxiety is not an issue.  It is about focusing your attention to release self criticism and self consciousness. Emotion is energy and the work of any performer is to channel that into your creativity.

The Alexander Technique allows you to:

• remain in command;
• remain grounded;
• be clear around your decisions;
• enjoy greater self confidence;
• enjoy a calmer and focused approach;
• release creativity;
• free the senses so that you can look and listen to your full capacity; and
• enjoy a balance of energy, sense of direction and inner strength.

The body and the voice will take care of themselves when you find composure, ease and freedom. Find that place of “non-doing.” It is stillness inside and out. Stay loose! Inhibit.

Repeat quietly to yourself, “I have time.”

Hear testimony from Belinda Wollaston (currently playing Judy Garland on West End) on how The Alexander Technique has influenced her work.

If you would like to feel more confident, calm and focused during
a performance:

Contact Barbara now