Taming the Audition Jitters: How to Keep Your Nerves in Check and Shine
I’ll never forget my first big audition. My palms were sweaty, my heart was doing somersaults, and I was convinced the casting director could hear my knees knocking from across the room. Nerves are the uninvited guest at every actor’s audition, but over time, I’ve learned they don’t have to steal the show. Here’s a personal take on how to keep those butterflies in formation and walk into any audition room like you own it.
1. Prep Like Your Life Depends on It
Nothing fuels nerves like feeling unprepared. When I know my lines cold, have dissected the character, and understand the scene’s context, I’m already halfway to confidence. Spend time with the script—mark up your sides, make bold choices, and rehearse until it feels second nature. If you’ve got a reader, practice with them to mimic the audition vibe. Preparation isn’t just about knowing the material; it’s about building a safety net for your psyche. When you’re ready, nerves have less room to creep in.
2. Breathe Like You Mean It
I used to think “just breathe” was cliché advice—until I tried it properly. Shallow, panicky breaths can make you feel like you’re spiraling, but slow, deliberate breathing can ground you. Before an audition, I do a simple exercise: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. Repeat it a few times, and you’ll feel your heart rate settle. It’s like hitting the reset button on your nervous system. Try it in the waiting room or even right before you slate—it’s a game-changer.
3. Reframe the Stakes
Early on, I treated every audition like it was my one shot at stardom. Spoiler: that mindset made me a nervous wreck. Now, I remind myself that an audition is just a chance to play, to show my take on a character. The casting director isn’t judging my worth as a human—they’re looking for a fit for the project. If I don’t book it, it’s not personal; it’s just not my role this time. Shifting the narrative from “I must succeed” to “I’m here to create” takes the pressure off and lets you focus on the work.
4. Own the Room (Even If You’re Faking It)
There’s something magical about walking into an audition with purpose. I used to slink in, head down, hoping not to trip over my own feet. Then a mentor told me to act like I belonged there. Shoulders back, eye contact, a warm smile—it’s not about arrogance but about signaling you’re a professional. Even if you’re quaking inside, that outward confidence can trick your brain into calming down. Plus, it makes a strong first impression before you even open your mouth.
5. Visualize Success
This one sounds woo-woo, but hear me out. Before an audition, I take a moment to close my eyes and picture myself nailing it. I imagine delivering my lines with ease, connecting with the reader, and leaving the room feeling proud. Visualization isn’t about manifesting the role (though that’s nice); it’s about priming your brain to expect a positive outcome. When I started doing this, I noticed I felt less like a deer in headlights and more like a performer ready to shine.
6. Embrace the Nerves
Here’s the truth: nerves don’t always go away, and that’s okay. They’re proof you care. Instead of fighting them, I’ve learned to channel that energy into my performance. That racing heart? It’s adrenaline, the same stuff that fuels great athletes. That shaky voice? It can add raw emotion to a scene if you let it. When I stopped seeing nerves as the enemy and started using them as fuel, my auditions got bolder and more authentic.
7. Have a Post-Audition Ritual
One of the worst things I used to do was obsess over an audition after it was done. I’d replay every moment, convinced I’d bombed. Now, I have a ritual to let it go: I grab a coffee, listen to a favorite song, or call a friend to talk about anything but acting. It’s a signal to my brain that the audition is over, and I’ve done my best. Find something small that works for you—it’s like hitting the off switch on overthinking.
Final Thoughts
Nerves are part of the actor’s life, but they don’t have to run the show. With preparation, a few practical tools, and a shift in mindset, you can walk into any audition feeling empowered, not overwhelmed. I still get a flutter in my stomach before a big one, but now I see it as a sign I’m alive and ready to create. So, next time you’re waiting in that sterile audition room, take a deep breath, own your space, and let your talent do the talking. You’ve got this.
