Brief story (I hope); When I was younger I LOVED singing and being on (or back) stage. I mean LOVED it, I had no fear. Then one night, at my home, I was attacked by a stranger/intruder. I will not go into that story, but want to say that what I came away with from that experience was fear and this memory of hearing myself screaming. I remember (at the time) thinking that's me screaming. I can still hear it. It has been almost twenty years. I became shy and quiet (somewhat) not really affraid but reserved. I really do think I overcame the experience pretty well, but I know it caused me to be affraid of taking chances. That is pretty much the only real lasting effect.

Flash forward to this last week. I had made a secret New Years resolution to step out of my box and get involved in our comunity theatre this year. Friday I get a phone call from the wife of a friend offering me a small part in an upcoming show. No audition, just would you be interested. I said yes, with reservation. It is a really funny show and my part is small and that is perfect, although I am one of three in the opening act.

My delima is I have to scream about four different times throughout the show, the first time within the first five minutes. I physically can not seem to get it out, and I am feeling really anxious about it.

Are there any tips or techniques to get through something like this? I'm ready to crawl back into my box and say forget it, but I know what a huge step backward that would be.

Can anybody help?

Danielle

Most people would tell you to "use" your own past experience (no matter how painful) but although that can be very cathartic it can also be devastating psychologically in some cases.

So I suggest trying a different approach first and then working your way up to that if you decide you can and/or want to later on. The problem seems to stem from the fact that it's the sound of your own voice screaming that haunted you since you don't say you can't stand to hear anyone else screaming, right? So I'd say try starting off by doing something very different with your voice. Change it so it sounds absolutely unlike your real one. Be silly for a bit. Make up a wacky character or imitate someone you know and do their voice. Then after you've practiced speaking like someone else you can try screaming like you think they would. See how that goes and let me know if for some reason it doesn't work to cure the problem spots. I'm sure there are other solutions we can arrive at. You will definitely overcome this though, there's no doubt in my mind.

Congratulations and break a leg!

Thank you, I knew there was someone out there that could help.

Dani

I heard once that it's good to try something new, step outside that box, every day. While that's a big order (even if you're talking about little things), your post is a good reminder that I need to do some stretching, myself!

Congrats, and yes, break a leg! let us know how it goes....