pERFORMANCE TIPS

In this April blog, our very own JSTO, Kiri, discusses her favorite warm-ups, rituals, and performance tips before stepping onto that stage. 

​"It’s always good to have a ritual before a performance. Personally, I always do the vocal warmups from High School Musical. I have also picked up a few weird rituals from my friends. Here are some of the best tips I have and have gotten from friends:"

1. Drink tea

"I once got sick right before a performance. It was terrible but I drank gallons of tea. The tea really helped and I was performance ready in no time. Even if you aren’t sick, it is still good to drink tea. If you have a sore throat like I did, the best teas to drink are green tea or something herbal like that. If you pair your herbal tea with some honey it will soothe for a sore throat and make you better. If you want something to energize you before a performance then peppermint tea is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re really nervous, then drink some chamomile tea; it will calm you right down. Tea has so many different uses."

2. Breathe

"Right before a performance when you’re standing backstage in places, people often get really nervous. Just remember: breathe and everything will be fine. You have probably been practicing for weeks so you definitely know your lines and songs. All you have to do is remember to breathe and to control your breathing. Everything will be fine."

3. pICTURE YOURSELF SOMEWHERE SAFE

"If breathing exercises aren’t calming you down enough, then imagine you’re somewhere safe. My friend told me what works for her is to imagine she is in tech rehearsal. I tried this and it worked for me as well. This can help you forget how many people are in the audience. If you like seeing all of the people, then this method might not be for you."

4. CONGRATULATE YOURSELF

​"No matter what you did, you pushed through and made it to the end of the show. Even if everyone forgot their lines and something terrible happened, you made it through and that is enough. Give yourself some slack and congratulate yourself."

author

Kiri Patient;
Junior State Thespian Officer 2018
​Grade 7