The Official Newsletter Of The New Collective LA Acting Studio
How To Deal With Fear
Use It, Don’t Lose it
Have you ever tried to calm your nerves before an audition or performance by telling yourself, "Don’t be nervous," only to find that it makes things worse? Many of us can relate. But as actors, nerves can actually be beneficial, if we can understand how to channel it creatively.
Fear is just a form of energy, and in the heightened world of drama, it mirrors the intense emotions of our characters, who are often driven by a life or death urgency to achieve their objective. Feeling nervous reminds us that we care about our craft, and this can be a freeing experience. The key is to redirect that energy into our imagination. Start by affirming, “I love acting; it makes me feel alive,” or “It’s safe for me to embrace my creative power.”
It’s About The Character
To manage our fear, we should remember that we’re telling a story about our character. The energy we feel can enhance our portrayal. When we focus on the character rather than ourselves, we can commit to our performance with abandon. We are safe in our art.
Channel your fear into the character’s context: for instance, “Of course I’m terrified; my character is facing these challenges.” Give your fear over to your imagination. This shift in perspective can transform fear into the joy of acting.
Know Your Worth
Fear can be our biggest obstacle or our greatest asset. Many performers find fear overwhelming, which can lead to holding back or even avoiding opportunities altogether. In fact, this is a common issue for all artists.
It’s important to recognize that even in the face of fear, you are still showing up for your art. Simply showing up is a huge accomplishment—it’s more than half the battle. The next step is to remind yourself that you’re not in danger. Reconnect with your love of acting and appreciate that when you perform, you are giving a part of yourself. It’s so fulfilling to feel something deeply, to care about something you love, and share it with others. Embrace your fear and create.
