[Rumpleteazer4760]

I have a huge problem with stage fright. When I'm in an actual performance, I'm perfectly fine. It's only when I have to sing at auditions. I completely freeze up and my voice shakes like there's no tomorrow. Does anyone know the cure for this?

[broadway_baby416]

Oh my God, I am YOU!! During the performance I'm fine, but then at auditions I completely freak out.

My advice: have a travel mug of green tea as you await your audition. Focus on your singing as you warm up, and not the audition. If there are people there you know, hang out with them to get your mind off how badly you could potentially screw up. And beforehand, be really really well-prepared, because if you know the song like the back of your hand, you can focus on your interpretation, acting, dynamics, tone, etc.

My theory: If you're completely focused on an audition, there's so much to think about whilst performing that you forget to be nervous.

I still have yet to prove this theory. But the logic behind it makes sense.

[disneybeauty]

Try this, it works for me everytime I get tight/anxious before an audition.
Pick a spot on the wall and fix your gaze(don't stare, just stay focused). As you inhale, let your wrists raise up like they were attached to strings to just about eye-level(hands are limp). Then as you exhale, let your arms gently fall back to your sides. It's called hands falling and it a form of Tai Chi. I do it before every audition and every performance to get focused and relaxed. I usually do this with my eyes closed (it works better for me that way).
Hope this helps.

[jazzygirlsings]

Your tension probably manifests itself physically, so one of my favorite things to do (and I love the suggestion above mine as well) is to find a wall and push against it as hard as you possibly can until you can't hold it anymore! OR you can find a quiet room and do the same using your own bodyweight by doing a push-up...only when your arms get into a 45 degree angle...just hold it! Then, when you can't hold it anymore, drop to the floor and take a deep breathe...

Works EVERY time!

[Kaiana]

As a relaxation thing I'll often tighten individual muscles in my body and then relax them. Do your arms, your legs, your stomach, back, shoulders ect. It feels really good and leaves you relaxed and with a clear mind.

[so_chic_doll]

i just think it's the fact that you want the audition to go perfectly, and so you get really nervous...

compared to when you have the role, you already know that the director and such think you're good for it.

i try to treat every audition as if it's a scene for class or something... that way the nerves don't get to me.

[milkywhite24601]

I think that's the same with most people-auditions are MUCH scarier. My theory is because in the show-you have the role-if you don't do it perfectly you STILL have the role. However-in auditions-if you completely blow it you probably WON'T get the role. So yea-auditions are really nerve-wracking. But there are ways to help it-what helps me (this may sound strange-but it really does help) is when you're on the stage preparing to audtion to talk to someone. Even if it's just saying what song you're doing-I've found it really eases tension. Also-this is what my dad says-it used to annoy me because he said it all the time-but now I understand what he means and it's totally true-turn your fright into energy. If you can convert your fears into energy and show that onstage-you'll do fine!

[pinkstiletto510]

dont think of an audition as an audition, think of it as a performance

[LisaKitty]

[meso.soprano.powerhouse]

i have the exact same problem. only i dont know how to get over it...