NERVES, part 2.

Last time, we started to understand that little thing called nerves from the perspective of our physical bodies.

According to one expert, "A big part of our emotions is influenced by the nerves in our gut". Our gut contains 100 million neurons--more than the spinal cord, even.

So, a word to nervous tummies full of butterflies everywhere: Stop it already!

No actor walking into an audition needs that second brain (which, incidentally, can make us nervous but cannot produce conscious thought or make any decisions) to drive the train.

Your main brain must take the lead and demand PEACE and CALM in potentially stressful situations like auditions and shoots.

BUT HOW?!?!?!

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

When you have finished that, prepare some more. There is no such thing as being over-prepared for an audition or knowing your lines too well.

Your gut will thank you when you walk through the door of your next audition.

NERVES.

Earlier this week, I passed an accident. Automobile vs deer. At dusk when car lights were just coming on. Now, I am no deer expert, but I would guess that this poor animal turned...and involuntarily froze while staring into the headlights. A giant hunk of metal was hurling itself towards that relatively small body and his body refused to listen to reason.

Actors, let this be a lesson for you: don't listen to your body if you happen to catch a light in your eye. DON'T FREEZE.

Are stage lights bright? Yes. Are shooting lights even brighter? Yes. There has been no scientific study to confirm this, but it seems that the brightness of the lights is directly related to how many people will watch this particular performance (or chance at it).

Now, there is science related to this: the nervous response that you feel doesn't start in your brain. It starts in your gut. When that light shines brightly in your eyes. Did you know that these nerves (also known as a second brain) work primarily-90% of the time-to send impulses TO your brain, rather than vice versa. That is why those butterflies refuse to calm, those hands will not stop shaking, and those perfectly memorized lines slide right out of your head. They are not listening to your rational self; they are telling you to feel nervous.

Has your brain, a most perfect computer, lost control?  In some ways, yes, unless you can find a way to use that 10% to command relaxation and ease. I have seen the computer completely crash during an audition or shoot.

So, how do you take control of those rogue nerves? More to come...