Stage fright is real. Whether you’re stepping onto a big stage or just auditioning in a room with two people, the nerves can hit hard. Your heart races, your hands get sweaty, and suddenly you forget your lines—even if you rehearsed them a hundred times.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. Every actor, even the famous ones, has battled stage fright. The trick is learning how to move through it, not avoid it.
The best part? Some of the weirdest tricks actually work—and many Vancouver actors swear by them. So if you’re looking for new ways to crush those nerves, read on.
BREATHE LIKE A DRAGON
Okay, this one sounds odd. But “dragon breathing” is a real thing in the acting world. It’s a deep breathing technique that helps calm your body fast.
Here’s how to do it:
Inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds. Hold your breath for four more seconds. Exhale with a loud “haaaa!” sound—like a dragon—through your mouth for six seconds. Do it three times.
You’ll feel ridiculous at first, but it forces your brain to slow down. It’s especially great before auditions or right before you step on stage.
TALK TO THE WALL (SERIOUSLY)
Got a monologue or scene you need to run through? Talk to a wall. Like, actually face the wall and say your lines.
Why? It forces you to focus on your delivery without relying on facial feedback. The wall doesn’t nod, smile, or blink. It’s a blank slate. If you can stay emotionally connected while performing to a wall, you’ll kill it in a real audition.
It also helps you get used to hearing your own voice—something many actors struggle with.
MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR FEET
Stage fright often comes from feeling out of control. One way to get grounded is to make friends with your feet.
Before any performance, stand tall and feel your feet against the floor. Wiggle your toes inside your shoes. Feel the ground holding you up.
This tiny focus trick reconnects you to your body and brings you into the present. It’s one of those simple tips for Vancouver actors that works in every situation—on camera or on stage.
DO THE 5-SECOND SHAKEOUT
You’ve seen athletes do this before a big game. It works for actors too.
Stand up and shake out your entire body—arms, legs, head—for five seconds. Don’t think, just shake. Add a little sound if you want. A growl or grunt works great.
It might look weird, but it releases tension fast. You’ll feel more alive, more awake, and way less frozen. It’s especially useful for those early morning Vancouver film set calls.
WEAR YOUR “LUCKY” SOMETHING
This trick is more mental than physical. But sometimes, having a “lucky” object makes all the difference.
Maybe it’s a necklace. Or socks. Or even a small rock in your pocket.
It doesn’t actually have to be magical. The point is that it becomes part of your pre-performance ritual. Rituals bring comfort. Comfort reduces fear. And less fear means better performances.
Many actors in Vancouver keep a lucky charm in their audition bag. Try it. See what happens.
REPLACE NERVES WITH EXCITEMENT
Here’s a mindset shift that might blow your mind. Anxiety and excitement feel almost the same in your body. Both bring butterflies. Both make your heart race.
The trick? Reframe the feeling.
Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” say, “I’m so excited!” It sounds silly, but it rewires your brain. The physical response doesn’t change, but your interpretation of it does.
Suddenly, the audition feels like an opportunity instead of a threat. And that tiny shift can lead to major confidence.
IMAGINE YOU’RE PLAYING A CHARACTER WHO ISN’T NERVOUS
This one’s a fun actor trick.
If you can’t stop the nerves, lean into your imagination. Pretend you’re playing a character who is completely confident.
What does that version of you look like? How do they walk, talk, breathe?
When you act like someone who’s not afraid, your brain follows. It starts to believe you’re not afraid either. This is acting, after all. Use your skill to fake it until you actually feel it.
DO THE “NO BIG DEAL” WALK
Right before you enter an audition or go on stage, do a quick walk like it’s no big deal.
Swing your arms loosely. Keep your shoulders down. Maybe even hum a little tune. Walk as if you’re just grabbing a coffee.
Why? It reminds your body that everything is okay. That it’s not life or death. This lowers the stakes and calms your nervous system.
It’s one of those sneaky tips for Vancouver actors who audition a lot and need to stay grounded.
FIND YOUR “BACKSTAGE BUDDY”
If you’re doing live theatre, this one can change your whole experience.
Pick a castmate you trust and create a “pre-show handshake” or ritual with them. It could be a fist bump, a goofy dance, or even a whispered line.
Having that little human moment before stepping into the lights can melt away fear. It reminds you that you’re not alone. That you’re part of a team.
Many actors in Vancouver’s theatre scene use this trick before every performance. It builds trust, connection, and confidence.
RECORD YOURSELF… AND THEN IGNORE IT
Sometimes, we’re our own worst critics. Watching yourself on video can trigger massive self-doubt.
So here’s a trick: Record your rehearsal, watch it once for feedback, and then let it go.
Don’t obsess. Don’t pick yourself apart. Use the feedback to adjust, and then move on.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is progress. Trust your training and get back to the work.
REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED
When the nerves hit, it’s easy to forget why you started acting in the first place. So pause. Close your eyes. Take a breath.
Remember that feeling you got the first time you performed. That spark. That joy. That deep sense of being alive.
Stage fright can’t survive when you reconnect to your purpose. Let your “why” be louder than your fear.
And if that doesn’t work? Just know that every great actor you admire has felt exactly what you’re feeling. And they did the work anyway.
THE VANCOUVER VIBE MATTERS
Vancouver has a unique energy. It’s creative, relaxed, and packed with opportunity. But it can also be competitive and overwhelming at times.
That’s why these weird tricks matter. They help you stay grounded, confident, and ready.
Whether you’re working on a commercial, a Netflix show, or an indie theatre project, finding what works for you is key.
These tips for Vancouver actors come from real experiences, shared through workshops, green rooms, and coffee shop chats. Try them out. Mix and match. Keep what works.
YOU’VE GOT THIS
Stage fright isn’t the enemy. It’s a signal that you care. That you’re alive. That you’re about to do something bold.
Let it fuel you—not freeze you.
Remember, the spotlight isn’t something you earn only when you’re “perfect.” It’s where you learn to shine.
So breathe like a dragon. Shake out those nerves. Talk to a wall. And walk into that room like you own it.
You’re not alone on this journey. The entire Vancouver acting community is right here with you.
Keep showing up. Keep being brave.
And hey—don’t forget to have a little fun while you’re at it.