In a perfect world, a performer is able to focus their mind on command, reliably and predictably, to the benefit of their work. In the real world, the mind can have other plans. It wanders, plays tricks on its owner. It can take control of the body in that crippling affliction, performance anxiety. In this episode, we consider these common experiences and ways in which they can be addressed.

Hip hop artist Rob Tremlett, cellist Zoe Knighton and actor/singers Rachel Dunham and Matt Heyward share their personal experiences of performance anxiety and focus-related issues. Luke Hunter tells us about some of the weird and wonderful things the mind can get up to on a long-run show, and counsellor Gabriel Edwards and operatic soprano and registered psychologist Greta Bradman provide advice on how issues like performance anxiety can be addressed.

Music credit at 10m 38s: "Who Do You Think You Are"
Lyrics: Rachel Trevorrow Dunham
Music and Arrangement: Shannon D. Whitelock 

"Auditions are awful because they’re foreign. They’re not a performance... You’re outnumbered, you’re outgunned. You’ve just got to hold your head up high and do the work and hope for the best..."

Musical theatre actors Rachel Dunham and Matt Heyward share some of their audition experiences, while music director Luke Hunter gives us the perspective of those sitting on the selection panel. We consider different ways of interpreting the audition process, and counsellor Gabriel Edwards provides some expert advice on how performers can maintain a healthy approach to this challenging fact of life for the main stage performer.