Lea Michele Reveals Personal Battle with Stage Fright and Pre-Show Rituals
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Actress Lea Michele, known for her roles in hit TV series such as Glee, has recently shared her ongoing struggle with stage fright, even as she continues to dazzle audiences with her performances. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Michele opened up about how she deals with performance anxiety and the special ritual she follows before taking the stage.
Despite her years of experience in the spotlight, Michele confessed that she still grapples with nerves before each performance. She admitted, “Oh, I still deal with stage fright all the time. It is something I’ve battled my entire life, no matter what project.” Currently starring in the Broadway revival of Chess, Michele shared that the nervousness doesn’t dissipate, but she has learned to transform it into a positive force.
The 39-year-old actress explained that rather than immediately labelling her feelings as anxiety, she takes a moment to delve deeper into her emotions. Michele stated, “I try to reframe those feelings…maybe it’s not anxiety? Maybe there’s room for the fact it could actually be excitement for what I’m about to do? And I’ll transfer my energy into that as much as I can.” She embraces the nerves as a sign that what she is doing matters and is a worthwhile challenge.
Michele revealed a special pre-show ritual that she follows religiously to help calm her nerves before stepping onto the stage. The actress shared, “The last thing I do before I go on stage is call my mother.” Connecting with her mum, Edith Sarfati, provides Michele with a sense of grounding and a comforting reminder of her journey in the entertainment industry from a young age. The simple, normal conversation helps her shed any last-minute jitters and focus on the performance ahead.
Reflecting on mishaps that can occur during live theater performances, Michele mentioned instances from her time in Funny Girl, where unexpected incidents like props flying or wigs coming loose happened. She recalled the audience’s supportive reactions to such mishaps, which helped her relax and continue the show smoothly. Despite the unpredictability of live theater, Michele finds joy in the challenges it brings.
Currently starring in Chess, Michele expressed her enthusiasm for the demanding role she portrays in the production. She described her character as one that pushes her in new ways and reignites her love for being on the stage. Michele appreciates the opportunity to be part of the revival and work alongside a talented cast, reaffirming that there’s nowhere else she’d rather be.
As Lea Michele continues to captivate audiences with her performances, her candid revelation about battling stage fright and the heartfelt pre-show ritual she relies on offers a glimpse into the dedication and vulnerability that accompany live theater. Fans can witness Michele’s exceptional talent in Chess, where she tackles her most challenging role yet with grace and determination.
In conclusion, Lea Michele’s enduring passion for performing shines through, proving that even the brightest stars face moments of doubt and anxiety, yet find solace in the support of loved ones and the thrill of artistic expression.