Everyone has their own little backstage ritual. When I was younger and just did theatre, I'd listen to music and spend a great deal of time methodically applying my stage makeup. When I started performing in the real world, the venues weren't as available for the lengthy makeup application, and all of these shows have more performers than mirror space. I like to ground myself so I'm fully prepared for what is about to happen.
I don't really get nervous before I perform unless I have no idea what in the hell I'm doing (which has happened). I consider myself a vessel for the words or music I'm about the share on the stage. I am a means of communication. Before I go on, I center myself and let the worries of day-to-day human existence fall away. I have a little meditation before I take the stage, a knowingness that this is the only time I'll ever have this particular experience. This is the only time the audience will have this exact experience with me. Once I leave the stage, that shared experience is over. I must enjoy every part of it because this same event will never happen again.
I remind myself how lucky I am to make money doing something I love.
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