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 Hints to Help Performers
AN EASY CURE FOR PERFORMANCE
STRESS
Performers' stress often causes
dehydration. During challenging times, increase water intake to improve concentration,
mental and physical co-ordination; it alleviates mental fatigue, increases energy levels,
relaxes for communication. Our bodies are made up of about 70 percent water, which is an
excellent conductor of electrical energy, necessary to efficiently pass messages between
the central nervous system, brain and sensory organs.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY DO
I NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM SO MUCH BEFORE PERFORMING?
- Most performers notice that nerves
increase the frequency of urination. This is because the smooth muscle of the
Genitourinary system contracts when the parasympathetic system is activated. Cardiac
racing can also cause diuresis.
- Drink your water EARLIER in the days &
hours before performing.
- Backstage: Rinse mouth or gargle with warm
water (Warmth relaxes the throat & vocal chords;cold tightens).
I GET
A DRY MOUTH BEFORE A PERFORMANCE – ANY TIPS?
- Check if your medications may worsen the
problem.
- A pharmacist can supply an
over-the-counter liquid spray solution that creates artificial saliva.
- A cup of sweetened tea with milk increases
saliva.
- Suck a boiled sweet, cough lozenge or
slice of lemon.
- Bring a small bottle of vinegar; its smell
prompts saliva.
- Chew sugarless gum.
- YAWN before going onstage to stimulate
salivary glands.
WHAT ABOUT DRY MOUTH WHEN
ACTUALLY ON-STAGE?
- A singer sat on-stage through the lengthy
Beethoven Ninth Symphony. By the time her solo was due, she was dry-mouthed. She solved
the problem by biting hard on her tongue. Or:
- Press the tip of your tongue on the hard
palette near the teeth ridge. * Subtle sucking movements promote saliva.
DO YOUR
PRESENTATIONS SUIT PARTICULAR AGE-GROUPS, FOR STUDENTS OR ADULTS?
- Topics are
adapted to suit all age-groups and range from one-hour (or
shorter for primary school children) to half-day, full-day
or two-day programs. Each program is specially customised
for particular clients and individual situations and needs.
Of course, with business, corporation and education/university
groups the length and scope is more in-depth.
ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTING?
WHAT
IF PERFORMANCE NERVES CAUSE DIARRHEA?
My books
give anecdotes of how top-name performers have suffered performance
nerves. We can be encouraged that Oscar-winning performers succeed
in spite of experiencing similar dire symptoms. Dustin Hoffman,
when acting Shylock live in London, spent all his off-stage
moments in the bathroom. So much so that the other members of
the cast signed and hung a placard on the door: "Dustin
Hoffman is here!"
- Try Gastrolite
or an equivalent over-the-counter from a Drugstore or Pharmacy.
A doctor can prescribea drug, Immodium, which should be taken
about two and a half hours before performing.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?
- Some people, but not all, experience dry
mouth, drowsiness or fatigue.
WHAT ABOUT NATURAL CURES?
- An old country remedy is a few sips of
brandy. There are no known side effects from naturopathic cures like Doctor Bach's Rescue
Remedy, gelsinium or homeopathic Ipecac, available at Health Food stores. (Note that the
medical form of Ipecac induces vomiting.)
- Try this: Performance Plus Stage Fright Relief
"Performance Plus Stage Fright Relief" is a gentle, natural medicine which helps to relieve the symptoms of stage-fright
and performance anxiety, such as "butterflies in the stomach", poor memory, poor
stamina, stress and mild anxiety. Specially formulated to help promote a positive
attitude, "Performance Plus Stage Fright Relief" contains natural homeopathic
ingredients which help relieve the effects of fear and stage fright. Available
from Words and Music for $AUD19.95 plus $3 post and pack.
Do you have another question? Send it
to Ruth for expert advice!
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