Burlesque: Fuck Yeah!

I had a lot of trouble with stage fright and general nervousness when I first started thinking about performing.  The two things that helped me the most were these:

1. Character.  Really invest in your character.  Whether it’s the character you want to portray in a particular act, or just your burly-q persona, really take the time to get into the proper headspace before you perform.  For me, my name really helped to identify with my character.  I changed my stage name about five times before I finally settled on one that suited me and allowed me a gateway into identifying with myself as a performer.  And it’s a name I’m proud to call myself.  (Raven Gemini!  ^_^)

2.  Practice more.  I am just as guilty as can be when it comes to this area, but that’s what I pay my mentor/teacher for.  The day in class where I can’t make excuses not to work on an act.  If you think you’ve run it enough, do it ten more times.  The more comfortable you are with the act, the more comfortable you will be running it onstage.  If you have trouble motivating yourself to work on your act on your own, get friends in the community to hold you accountable.  Get together with a friend or two and run acts.  Trust me, the acts I’ve over-prepared for are FAR less nervewracking than the ones I’m still a little iffy about.