If you’re an actor or an acting student, you’ve probably faced the all-too-familiar beast known as stage fright. Whether it’s your first audition or a crucial performance, fear can creep in and mess with your mind. It can make your heart race, your hands sweat, and worst of all, it can steal the moment you’ve worked so hard for. But here’s the thing: fear doesn’t have to control you, and there’s a trick every actor can use to push through it.
Let’s talk about how to take charge of that fear and turn it into something that works for you, not against you. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a confidence-boosting trick that will help you shine on stage and in auditions, no matter how big or small.
WHY FEAR HOLDS US BACK AS ACTORS
Before we dive into the confidence trick, let’s quickly talk about why fear even exists in the first place. It’s natural, right? As actors, we put ourselves in vulnerable positions every time we step into a role. We’re literally pretending to be someone else, opening ourselves up emotionally, and exposing our true selves in the process. That’s a lot to ask of someone, and it’s no surprise that fear often shows up uninvited.
Fear often stems from the pressure we place on ourselves to be “perfect.” There’s this underlying worry that we’re not good enough, or that we’ll forget our lines, or that we’ll be judged by others. All of these thoughts can easily lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and hesitation.
But here’s a little secret: the best actors don’t let fear hold them back. Instead, they acknowledge it and then use a simple trick to gain control. And that trick is all about confidence.
THE CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING TRICK EVERY ACTOR NEEDS
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—the confidence-boosting trick that will change everything. This trick is simple, but powerful. Are you ready? Here it is:
Fake It ‘Til You Make It
That’s right! It sounds cliché, but it works. The idea behind this technique is to act as if you already have the confidence you wish you had. You don’t need to wait until you feel confident to go on stage or into an audition room. Instead, start acting as if you’re already a confident performer. Your body, your mind, and your emotions will eventually catch up.
How Faking Confidence Works
You might be wondering, “How can faking confidence actually help?” Well, here’s the thing. Confidence isn’t something that just magically appears when you need it. It’s something you can build, and faking it is one of the fastest ways to get there. When you hold your head high, stand tall, and speak with a calm and assertive voice, you’re sending signals to your brain that you’re in control.
When you act confidently, even if you don’t feel it on the inside, your brain will start to believe that you are confident. And that belief, over time, will make real confidence more attainable. It’s a little psychological trick that can help you overcome fear and be the best version of yourself on stage.
WHAT DOES “FAKING IT” LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?
Let’s break down what “faking it” looks like in real life. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about stepping into a version of yourself that’s calm, assured, and ready to take on whatever challenge comes your way.
First, think about your body language. Stand up straight, roll your shoulders back, and avoid slouching or crossing your arms. Open your chest and take up space. This sends a message that you’re confident and capable. Even if you’re nervous inside, your body can trick others (and even yourself) into believing you’re in control.
Next, maintain eye contact with the people around you. Whether you’re in an audition or on stage, keeping your gaze steady shows confidence. If you look down or avoid eye contact, you’ll appear uncertain. But when you hold someone’s gaze, it conveys strength.
When you speak, make sure your voice is clear and steady. If you’re unsure about your lines or a scene, don’t rush through them. Take your time and pause if you need to. A confident voice doesn’t tremble or stumble over words.
Finally, focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths help calm your nerves. If you’re feeling anxious, take a moment to inhale deeply and exhale slowly. It will help you regain control and ground yourself in the present moment.
Remember, these are all physical actions that you can take—even when you don’t feel 100% confident. By practicing these moves, you’ll start to trick your mind into feeling more at ease and in control.
OVERCOMING SELF-DOUBT: YOU ARE ENOUGH
Another huge part of building confidence as an actor is battling self-doubt. Everyone experiences it at some point, but the key is not to let it derail you.
As you grow in your craft, you might feel insecure about your performance or wonder if you’re good enough. But guess what? Everyone feels that way. Even the most famous actors have their doubts. The difference is that they don’t let those doubts define them. Instead, they acknowledge the fear and push through it.
When you’re faced with self-doubt, remind yourself that you are enough. You’re already prepared for the role you’re auditioning for, and you have the talent to deliver. Focus on your strengths, celebrate your wins (big and small), and trust in your ability to perform. The more you do this, the more confidence you’ll build.
TIPS FOR VANCOUVER ACTORS: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
For Vancouver actors, the city’s thriving film and television industry offers plenty of opportunities to showcase your talents. However, it also means that there’s a lot of competition. So, how can you set yourself apart and build your confidence?
Getting comfortable auditioning is key. The more you audition, the more you’ll get used to the process. Auditioning is often where fear first rears its head, but the more you do it, the less intimidating it becomes. Plus, you’ll get better at handling rejection and learning from each experience.
Taking acting classes is another great way to build confidence. There’s no substitute for practice. Whether you’re in Vancouver or elsewhere, acting classes will help you hone your craft, gain new skills, and feel more confident in your abilities. Plus, working with other actors will help you develop a support network.
Seeking out feedback is also essential. After auditions or performances, ask for feedback. Constructive criticism helps you improve, and positive reinforcement boosts your confidence. The more you hear that you’re doing a great job, the more you’ll believe it.
FINAL THOUGHTS: OWN YOUR CONFIDENCE
Fear is something every actor faces, but it doesn’t have to control you. By using the “fake it ‘til you make it” technique and focusing on building your confidence, you’ll not only improve your performances but also develop a stronger belief in your abilities. And remember, confidence is a skill you can practice and grow over time.
So, the next time you’re about to walk on stage or step into an audition room, take a deep breath, stand tall, and pretend like you’ve got this. Because you do. Keep pushing through the fear, trust in your talent, and don’t let anything steal your scene.
Confidence is yours for the taking—grab it!