“Freeze Up” When Singing :: Stage Fright...

Question: ”I have been in over 25 stage productions, and past the point of high school, have had no real problem with stage fright. Sure I get the jitters, but I use that energy once out there in front of the audience.  My question is in regard to singing onstage.  I have been in 3 musicals, and each time my director has given me a decent part, character role, usually comic relief (my forte) but I consistently get the criticisms that I get “tharned” or completely freeze up when singing on my own. Honestly, it terrifies me and my diaphragm seizes up, rendering my ability to “sing out” completely useless.  I know I have a decent voice, when in small groups of friends I do fine and went for a good stint in karaoke in Texarkana where I am from, but nevertheless, I just can’t bring myself to do it on the real stage, in rehearsal or otherwise… Any suggestions?”   Thanks!  Lauren E. W.

Answer:  Congratulations on the number of shows you’ve been in.  I understand the fright possibilities, as I have experienced a version of it on my own.  We all want to do a good job.  We desire to give good performances. I discovered at some point that I frightened myself at rehearsals and performances.  To cure this,  I discovered that if I placed my attention on what propelled me emotionally instead of technical perfection.  I could have a great time and the performance went better.

When I got scared, or more accurately, frightened myself, my vocal technique went right out the window as well.  Look at stuttering.  Under high pressure, a sufferer of stuttering may begin to stutter terribly and have a miserable time. 

What causes this?  Perhaps, many of us have gotten into the habit of frightening ourselves onstage, by focusing on what we do not desire to experience. I suggest you Focus on WHAT PROPELS YOU and WHAT YOU DESIRE TO FEEL. As opposed to focusing on what you desire not to show up.  What if we unconsciously got in the habit of focusing on what we desire to avoid?  

Try this:  Give yourself permission to make as many mistakes as possible.  No longer attempt to be perfect.  Strive for fun as the new objective. It may feel weird at first, but soon you’ll love it.   Ask yourself:  Where have I been placing my attention?  Did I just nurture that frightening moment?   Oh No!  I sang flat!  Oh No!  I made a mistake?  I’m a terrible failure! Could I create a fun moment by focusing on the light and fun possibilities instead of being critical of myself?

Let’s change this habit by cutting ourselves some slack and begin being kind with ourselves instead of harsh.   Become your biggest fan.  Focus on what your doing right instead of wrong. Pat yourself on the back often.  Congratulate yourself for being so brave and performing in front of others.  Become your biggest cheer leader.  Explore what you don’t desire off stage, not onstage.  

I propose, if you were to get in the habit of rehearsing fun.   You may experience greater success at maintaining a positive, fun experience.  Get in the habit of focusing on anything that lifts your spirits, removes doubt, and propels you to connect deeper with your moments, material and audience.  I’m developing a training CD to assist you in that.  I’ll post an advert when it’s ready.

May all your performances be fearless and fun. All my best, Guy