Lea Michele, the acclaimed star of *Glee*, continues to grapple with stage fright despite her extensive experience in theatre. The actress, who began her career as a child performer on Broadway, shared her ongoing struggles with anxiety before performances in a recent interview with *People*.
According to Michele, “Oh, I still deal with stage fright all the time. It is something I’ve battled my entire life, no matter what project.” Now 39 years old, Michele is currently starring in a revival of the musical *Chess* on Broadway, where she applies strategies to manage her nerves effectively.
Transforming Anxiety into Excitement
Michele recognizes the importance of reframing her feelings about performance anxiety. She explained, “I try to reframe those feelings, because I can be really quick to categorise everything I’m feeling as anxiety, and that’s not always the case.” By taking a moment to reflect on her emotions, she often discovers that some of her nerves stem from excitement rather than fear.
She elaborated on this approach, stating, “If I’m nervous, it just means that what I’m doing matters. I’ll tell myself, ‘It’s worth it. It matters. There are high stakes to what you’re doing. It’s a challenge.’ And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, you know?”
Michele’s methods highlight a positive outlook on the pressures of performance, demonstrating how she channels her energy toward a more constructive mindset.
The Role of Family in Performance Preparation
In addition to her mental strategies, Michele finds comfort in calling her mother just before stepping onto the stage. “The last thing I do before I go on stage is call my mother,” she revealed. With two young children at home—five-year-old son Ever Leo and 15-month-old daughter Emery Sol—she acknowledges the balancing act of motherhood and her career.
She shared, “When I’m there, that’s my main focus. Then, the moment I get into the house, it’s all about focusing on getting ready for the show, doing my warm-up, looking over my lines, getting my wig on, etc.” When the critical five-minute mark arrives, Michele turns to her mother for reassurance.
“My mom always calms me down,” she said. “Our conversations ground me and remind me that I’m still that girl who started doing this when I was eight years old. Any nerves I may feel disappear, because all I can feel is love and gratitude.”
Michele’s journey illustrates the interplay between personal challenges and professional triumphs, as she continues to captivate audiences on Broadway while managing the complexities of family life. Her story resonates with many performers who face similar pressures, showcasing resilience and a commitment to their craft.
