The Benefits of Performing
You are standing in the wings looking out onstage. You can see the audience sitting and waiting for the show to begin. You begin to feel a tingling feeling, first in your legs and arms, and then in your belly. You are feeling nervous.
All performers experience pre performance nerves, it is a part of what makes performing so thrilling! Although this feeling can be quite uncomfortable in the present moment, it is actually preparing you for success later on in life! Here are five benefits of performing:
Performing builds bravery
Not just ANYONE can step out onstage and perform. Many people, including a lot of adults, will not get up in front of a crowd simply because it is too hard. Stepping into the role of a performer at a young age not only builds a foundation of bravery and ability to step up to the plate, but it also sets the stage for being able to appear in front of large groups as an adult!
2. Performing builds teamwork and companionship
Performing in an ensemble is going to teach you to listen to your fellow performers as well as work and move in sync with a team of performers all working toward a shared goal! Even if you are a solo performer, you are likely going to be performing alongside others in a showcase. Having others around who are maybe going through the same feelings of nervousness establishes a special bond that will perhaps leave you feeling some comfort as you prepare to perform. As performers, we are all in this together! We lift each other up, we clap for each other, and we admire each other and the work that we do!
3. Performing asks that you present your best self under “pressure”
You’ve made it onstage, you look out into the audience and all you can see are eyes on you. This is a lot of pressure! Those eyes are waiting for you to do something. But instead of freaking out and running away, you do it. And that is incredible! It may feel hard to be your best under pressure, but if you take it one moment at a time and remember to breathe, you will soon forget about those eyes on you and instead remember all of the work you have done to prepare for this moment. Its ok to make mistakes, performing is a skill that takes practice. The more you perform, the better you will get!
4. Performing releases “happy chemicals” in your brain
Just like the feeling you feel after getting off of a roller coaster or being surprised, performing releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel invincible! This “rush” allows us to fully experience joy and accomplishment, and is a feeling that makes all of the pre-performance nerves worth it!
5. Performing inspires others
How do you feel when you leave a show? Do you feel compelled to go practice and get better at your art form? Well guess what? YOU as a performer have that effect on others. People who come and watch you will leave the theater dancing or singing. They will go home and dream about themselves onstage. You are an inspiration, never forget that!
Performing is personal. It is different for everyone. It may come more naturally to some where it presents more of a risk to others. Regardless of your comfort level towards stepping onstage, there are benefits for EVERYONE. How does performing make you feel? What draws you toward it?
