I am writing this article as I am awaiting to take my practical driving test. Whilst I sit here I realise that there is a lot of similarities between waiting to do a test and awaiting to go on stage. There are a lot of nerves and trying to control them can be very hard.

Whilst waiting, I woke up today and approached it the same way that I used to approach the nerves when I was waiting to get up and do a show. It may not be for everyone but here are a few tips that I use for my own preparations when nerves are involved and maybe it could be helpful for you!

+ For me, one thing that has always helped me prepare for a show and get focussed is music. Panic! At The Disco for some weird reason always make me feel incredibly pumped up. I will listen to them for hours before, lip sync their songs as I walk down the street and sort of have a dancy feel to my walk. I find their songs positive and it gets me in the zone and happy mood.

+ It is so easy to forget to eat when you are nervous but try and have a meal an hour or so before – it will keep you focussed and stop you feeling slack on the time you are ready to perform.

+ Try and think about something else completely to try and get yourself calm. It is not easy but it will take the pressure of you.

I did all these things before my test and I passed! It is amazing how doing something for improv helped me for a real life test!

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