It is the spookiest time of the year as Halloween is just around the corner! The only thing more terrifying than a theater phantom is the prospect of the curtain going up for showtime and being caught speechless in the spotlight. Thankfully, the Dazzle Awards called in six brave, dazzling alumni to give their best advice on fighting stage fright.
Logan Cerrito (Dazzle Awards Best Supporting Actor, 2025)
When I step on that stage, I’m not myself anymore. I am whatever character I’m embodying; there’s a sort of confidence that comes with that. I feel that most actors can relate to that feeling of adrenaline when the audience laughs at a joke or gasps at something done on stage. At the end of the day, when things go wrong, just go with the flow. Say something that makes sense to the story and pursue that. Always give 110% into everything you do, even if you only have 70% of your full energy to give. When you do, you will be proud of everything you produce.
Bri Mosley (Dazzle Awards Best Supporting Actress, 2018)
For a long time, my stage fright stemmed from an internalized pressure to perform at the highest level I believed everyone expected of me. Only within the last few years have I begun to understand the importance of taking care of myself, both as a performer and as a human being. Developing a stronger, more positive relationship with myself has shifted my entire perspective on performing. Focusing on what my body physically needed (sleep, water, touching some grass) enabled me to focus on what that psychological panic might be rooted in. I also became more intentional about the internal dialogue I have before a performance. I started changing “I’m nervous” to “I’m excited,” and “I didn’t prepare enough” to “I’ve done all I can, everything else is staying off the stage.” When I am on stage, I focus on allowing my most authentic self to be present. That fully frees my body from desperately attempting to control how I am perceived. I start by thinking of those in the audience who need to hear what I have to say, my loved ones, or of the past version of myself who fell in love with storytelling in the first place. I am not, by any means, a perfect performer. I miss notes, forget my character, and hit points when the fear rises too high. But in those moments, I take a deep breath and remind myself of who I am and why I am on that stage. I am a human who creates art, but I am still a human.
Logan Bailey (Dazzle Awards Best Featured Performer Nominee, 2019)
I have found that being prepared is my greatest weapon against stage fright. When I have adequately prepared my material and put in the work, I can let go of stage fright. I can trust that the time I have spent in the studio or rehearsal room is enough. It is when I feel unprepared that stage fright tends to creep back in. Work hard, find your niche, try everything!
Reyna Grace Moran (Dazzle Awards Best Actress 2017 & 2018)
Gratitude is my biggest superpower. My thankfulness for my talent and the ability to share it with others is stronger than my fears. Yvette Nicol Brown visited Playhouse Square in 2018 and in her speech she said, “the gifts inside of you are not supposed to stay with you. They are meant to be shared.” Those words have followed me into adulthood and given me the power to overcome all stage fright, worry, and fear. Don’t put a time limit on your dreams. Keep them alive and work towards them every day in big or small ways. Believe in yourself until you see your goals.
Lukas Cinko (Dazzle Awards Best Actor Nominee, 2023)
As an actor, I find that having a community of support helps overcome any fear and challenges. Whether this is your cast, crew, or audience. The important part is knowing it's a two-way street and you must give that support to feel it. Getting involved in my university’s department of theater has been such an amazing, supportive experience. It has especially been a great way to fulfill my general education requirements and stay involved in theater outside of my business major requirements. I also want to mention that I made some best friends at the Dazzle Awards, and they are truly the people I still go to every day!
Alexcia Ambroz (Dazzle Awards Alum, 2017)
I overcome stage fright by first reconnecting with my body. I close my eyes and take deep breaths until I can slow my heart rate. Then I’ll do my vocal and physical warmups. This gets the blood flowing and helps release any stagnant energy. I also remind myself that everyone up on stage with me and everyone in the audience wants to see me succeed. Once I am calm and regulated, I just have fun on stage; like playing with your friends. This is a huge hurdle I have overcome. Once you let go of worrying about what other people think, you will open so many doors for yourself as a performer. I feel brave when I trust myself and remind myself that I am capable of great things. Trust yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Stay true to your heart and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Once you find that spark, run with it and you will do amazing things!
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