In recent years, the topic of mental health has become more discussed in society, especially among younger generations. One field where this conversation is particularly relevant is performance, where artists are constantly watched and judged.
A topic once considered taboo has risen to the surface, sparking conversations that can no longer remain hidden. No matter the career, anxiety and pressure to be perfect will arise at some point, whether for a presentation, lecture or interview.
For performers, the fear of imperfection can weigh heavily. When the lights dim and the curtain opens, artists must decide who is in control of their thoughts: themselves or their anxiety.
Whether actors on stage or musicians in a concert, performers share the reality that audiences applaud success but often judge mistakes.
Christian Lindsey, freshman film major, who acted in plays and musicals in high school, explained how often anxiety affects his performance and how he manages it.
“So the last show I did back in high school, it was Phantom of the Opera where I played the Phantom. During that time I struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, but then my director talked to me and explained that I had to understand that I will always have an audience of one, which is Christ, and He will be proud of you regardless,” Lindsey said. “When she said that, it was a huge weight off my shoulders, and I did a good job on the play knowing that there is no pressure when you know that God is the only one that matters.”
However, not all performers can manage their emotions before or during a performance. Sometimes anxiety outweighs rational thought, making it difficult to find calm.
Caleb Herbert, senior music composition major, described the challenges of performing under anxiety.
“The most difficult aspect is when I begin to perform and I haven’t practiced enough in the place where I am going to perform. Before I perform, I always like to replicate the performance experience, and when I feel like I have not done that enough times, it is very tough to persuade anxiety in the moment,” Herbert said.
“You can feel your body and your throat to get tense when you perform, and you feel your fingers to get tense while you play. In the moment it’s very difficult to persuade the anxiety because you still have to perform. You can back out or restart the song,” Herbert said. “… And if the anxiety comes either way, you can control it because you’ve been in this situation before, and you know you did good, so it is easier to channel it.”
To support students through these moments, Zachary Bortot, associate professor of theatre arts and division director of theatre arts, shared the strategies he uses in rehearsals and performances.
“I often lead grounding exercises or simple breathing techniques in class, rehearsals, and before performances. Sometimes we’ll have a brief prayer circle or a moment of stillness to reconnect with gratitude for the opportunity to create. I also encourage students to focus on process over product, to remember that they’re growing as artists, not just producing a show,” Bortot said.
He also noted practical tools for managing anxiety, such as box breathing, grounding exercises, positive self-talk and the 5-4-3-2-1 method.
In addition, Bortot offered advice for performers navigating mental health challenges.
“Remember that you are more than your art. It’s okay to rest, to say no, to step back and breathe. Take it from someone who did burn out several years ago, and is still in the process of recovery and building better habits – you cannot perform to the best of your abilities if you are run down. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your worth apart from performance. Seek help when you need it from friends, mentors, counselors, and your faith community,” Bortot said.
When the pressure to be perfect becomes overwhelming, the joy of creating art can fade. Performers must remember that their worth is not defined by the applause they receive. When they do, their art can have a deeper impact than they may ever realize.
