Stage fright on performance day is not a failure of preparation. It’s a completely normal response to being seen, heard, and evaluated. The goal isn’t to eliminate nerves—it’s to help students manage anxiety so it doesn’t take over.

Below are practical, student-tested strategies teachers can use on opening day to help students calm their nerves and step into the spotlight with confidence.

Normalize the Nerves (They’re Not the Enemy)

One of the most important things you can do as a director is normalize stage fright. Anxiety before a performance is common—even among professional actors.

The Educational Theatre Association emphasizes that stage fright is often a sign that students care deeply about doing well, not that they are unprepared. Reframing nerves as energy rather than fear helps students feel less isolated and more in control.

• Source: Educational Theatre Association – Managing Student Stage Fright

A simple reminder like “Everyone here feels nervous—and that means we’re ready” can shift the emotional tone backstage almost immediately.

Shake It Off: Use Gentle Physical Movement

Before students go onstage, encourage light physical movement to release tension and burn off excess adrenaline.

Quick “shake it off” routine:

• Shake fingers
• Shake hands
• Shake arms
• Shake legs
• Take one grounding breath together

Research shared by Providence College’s Teaching Excellence Center supports movement as a way to reduce performance anxiety by redirecting nervous energy.

• Source: Helping Students Cope with Stage Fright (Providence College)

Slow the Breath, Calm the Brain

When anxiety spikes, breathing often becomes shallow and fast—sending the brain into panic mode. Teaching students slow, intentional breathing is one of the most effective tools you can give them.

Try “Balloon Breathing”:

• Imagine your stomach is a balloon
• Breathe in slowly to “inflate” it
• Exhale slowly to “deflate” it

Mindfulness guidance from Headspace notes that controlled breathing can reduce stress and help performers regain focus.

• Source: Headspace – How to Deal with Stage Fright

Even two or three slow breaths can make a noticeable difference.

Lighten the Mood with Laughter

Sometimes the fastest way to defuse anxiety is laughter. A short, lighthearted video—funny animals, a silly backstage blooper, or a cast inside joke—can break tension and reset emotional energy before curtain.

Keep it short and intentional—this is about resetting, not distracting.

Offer Constant, Visible Support

Students often fear making mistakes more than performing itself. One of the most reassuring things you can say is: “If you forget a line, I’m here.”

Knowing that a trusted adult is nearby—whether in the house, wings, or aisle—reduces catastrophic thinking and gives students permission to recover if something goes wrong.

• Source: Helping Students Cope with Stage Fright (Providence College)

Remind Them to Smile (Yes, Really)

Encourage students to put on their biggest, cheesiest smile before going onstage. Smiling can help shift the body out of “threat mode” and into “ready mode,” boosting confidence and reducing stress.

Headspace notes that physical actions like smiling can influence emotional state and help performers feel steadier in the moment.

• Source: Headspace – Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety

A smile doesn’t just signal confidence to the audience—it helps students feel it, too.

Final Thoughts: Courage Is Performing Anyway

Stage fright doesn’t mean students aren’t ready—it means they care. When teachers provide reassurance, structure, and simple coping tools, students learn that nerves don’t control them—and that they can perform even when their hearts are racing. Opening day isn’t about perfection. It’s about courage, growth, and stepping forward anyway.