Something I’d like to talk about, that is extremely important, is the mental stamina of a performer.
Being a performer, at any level, is not just about the dancing, singing and acting, it’s about you as a person, your emotional state and how much you want it.
This business is tough. There are a lot of people wanting that one same job and they are extremely talented also. This is not to say that YOU cannot get the job. You can!
It is not solely about your talent as a performer, it is also about your personality.
Will you be kind to people? Will you take direction? Will you be committed?
This is just as important as being able to kick your leg to your ear, or sing a top C. It’s a balance you need to obtain, where you are driven enough that you KNOW the job is yours, and believe that whole heartedly whilst, at the same time, being nice to the others around you wanting that same job, proving your genuine character and personality as a person.
Here are 8 top tips for building mental stamina as a performer:
- Be Nice.
Be friendly to EVERYONE. At an audition, you do not know who is reporting back to the casting team. It could be the lady on the desk taking your name, it probably is to be honest. So from the second you enter that building smile at everyone, be nice, be kind. Only talk to people if you want to, but make sure you come across as a pleasant person, someone who people would want to work with.
2. Go with your gut.
DO NOT put any focus on what others are doing, unless you are onstage or in rehearsal of course, for example, ‘Oh my gosh they’ve got a dress on, should I have worn a dress?’ or ‘Oh they brought jazz trainers maybe I should change my shoes?’, NO, stick to your gut instincts, do not be put off by what others are doing, stay true to you and what you know. You do not need to follow others, you need to focus on what you are there to do, whilst still being kind and friendly.
3. Keep that self-talk positive.
Look after your mental/emotional state! So, obviously nerves can be present in class, auditions, shows, it is completely natural, and it is good, nerves give us that extra kick to be even better than we thought we could be, they take us to the next step! But just check in on yourself that all your ‘self talk’ is positive and you are not making your nerves worse by negative, self-demoting talk. There are many people that will judge you, but you do not need to over-do this yourself. The more positive self-talk you have, the more you will achieve! I am a very strong believer in the law of attraction, ‘ask and ye shall receive’, the mind is listening to every word you utter to yourself and acting upon it. If you think negatively you get negative results, if you think positive thoughts you get positive actions. Make sure you are checking in on that self talk, nurturing, kind and loving only please! Love yourself in EVERY way possible, and amazing things will happen.
4. Take criticism as a positive.
Take the guidance and criticism from your teachers and/or directors ALWAYS as a good thing. They are saying it to help you and to help you be a better performer, they are not saying it to be nasty. Its why you are there, to improve or to be directed and to develop, if you get a ‘note’ then be so grateful and DO IT. Attitude towards receiving notes is paramount, Always be grateful for the note and show that you are doing everything you can to make sure the changes are being made. By the way, teachers and directors only give you notes if they think you have more to give and want to see you develop, so notes are actually a good thing.
5. Use the NO’s to your advantage.
Be prepared for knock backs, this will inevitably happen! For example, maybe you don’t get the part you wanted, or you’re not chosen to be in the front row, or someone else got the solo, IT WILL HAPPEN! But do not take this or yourself too seriously, it will be your chance another time. Just keep believing and working hard, and pushing yourself, and it will happen! Take the knock backs as an extra push to improve your skills, to work that bit harder! Hard work pays off, do not run away because of rejection, allow it to catapult you to the next level! The most successful people in every industry were not always told YES, they just didn’t allow the NO’S to stop them, but only to take them further in their journey of discovery! Embrace the disappointment of course, but then get straight back up, get the smile back and go kick some butt! Perseverance, patience and determination is key. Enjoy the ride and all its twists and turns, everything happens for a reason!
6. Enjoy what you do.
ALWAYS HAVE FUN! The joy of singing, dancing and acting is that it should be enjoyable, and playful, and allow you to explore your creativity. Unlike math/science there is no ‘right answer’ you are free to create, no one part will ever be acted the same, it is down to what the individual brings to it, no one dance will ever be danced the same, no one song will ever be sung the same. There is a freedom with the Arts to explore and this should be fun! Experiment, take risks, push yourself. Even if you do some sort of performing as a hobby and never go near the arts as a career, the training you do now will help you in whatever job you choose. Performers are often the most disciplined people, the most open, the most willing to think outside the box as they have been trained to be so. Take this into whatever job you decide to. Having had this opportunity as a child or adult is incredible and a gift. Always use it.
7. Show gratitude.
Always be grateful for any class, audition, show. Even if it went badly, be grateful. It taught you something. Leave the class and say thank you to your teacher, leave the audition and thank the panel. This was a great opportunity for you to explore, to be free, to show your talents. BE GRATEFUL! It’s a good thing, remember this always that you are doing these things because you enjoy to do them, so fly with it and have fun!
8. Share your energy with those who deserve it.
You may come across people in this industry (or any industry) that are not as kind as you, FINE! Give them no energy, wish them well and be on your way. Find the true gems that are out there, connect with them, grow with them, be guided by them, GUIDE them and be grateful for them! You do not need ‘fake’ friends, be true to yourself and only surround yourself with people that will make you feel good and lift your spirits! Have fun always! Number one rule! Be that nice person that people want to be friends with! Be true to you!
Thank you for reading this post. I hope you have got something from it and can see how being a performer is not just about the art itself, its about you as a person, your natural personality and this should always be the number one thing shining through! The rest is a huge bonus! Work hard, play hard and always remember life is short. Take every opportunity with arms open wide, be brave and do everything with your whole heart, soul, and a beautiful mind. Then enjoy and be grateful for the amazing experiences that will unfold for you! LOVE!
Written by Amy Whittle. Graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Currently performing in an international production of Cats.
