Written by Doug Conn
Overcoming Stage Fright and Anxiety for Magicians
So, you get nervous before a show. Well, you’re not alone. The fear of public presentations, known as glossophobia, is generally listed as the number one phobia. And while performing magic is a thrilling and joyous experience, even the most seasoned performers can feel pre-show jitters. Fear not! With a few simple techniques, you can transform that anxiety into excitement and ensure that your performance is as magical as you are.
Overcoming stage fright and anxiety is a journey every magician undertakes. With practice, visualization, relaxation, embracing your nerves, and connecting with your audience, you can turn those anxious moments into magical ones. Remember, every great magician has felt the same way at some point. So take a deep breath, trust in your practice, and let your passion for magic shine through. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Tip 1: Practice, Rehearse, Dress Rehearse
Many magicians don’t rehearse their material enough, leading to discomfort when it’s time to perform. The more familiar you are with your routines, the more confident you'll feel on stage. Practice until your tricks become second nature. Muscle memory will kick in, allowing you to perform effortlessly even if nerves strike. Plus, the more you practice, the fewer mistakes you'll make, and the more confident you'll become. Dress rehearsals are especially beneficial.
Tip 2: Visualization
Before you step on stage, take a few moments to visualize your performance. Close your eyes and imagine every detail: the audience's applause, your smooth execution of tricks, and the joyful expressions on their faces. Visualization can help reduce anxiety by mentally preparing you for a successful performance.
Tip 3: Breathe and Relax
Deep breathing is a powerful tool to calm your nerves. Before going on stage, take slow, deep breaths to center yourself. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple exercise can help reduce anxiety and keep you focused. I use this technique daily for general anxiety maintenance.
Tip 4: Shake Out the Nervous Energy
If I find myself extra nervous, I’ll shake my hands and arms to loosen some of that energy. Jumping up and down is another option and one I’ve used many times to calm a nerve and focus. I learned this technique at a Jeff McBride workshop years ago, and it’s proven quite effective!
Tip 5: Connect with Your Audience
Remember, the audience is on your side. They're there to enjoy your magic and are rooting for you to succeed. Focus on building a connection with them. Smile, make eye contact, and engage with your spectators. Turning your attention to the audience can shift your focus away from your anxiety and onto the joy of sharing your magic.
Embrace Your Passion!
If you truly care about giving your audience the best performance, everything else will fall into place. You will have rehearsed the routines, visualized your success, and mentally prepared to gift your magic to an audience.
Feeling nervous is a positive sign—it means you care about your performance, and that's a good thing! Embrace those butterflies as a sign that you're excited and passionate about your craft. Use that adrenaline to boost your energy and add an extra spark to your performance.
Happy performing!
*This article has also been added to our course on "Presenting Magic" and that offering is available for all students here: https://learnsleightofhand.com/courses/