It’s all about Confidence, Baby.

No one wants to work with a nervous actor.

It's harsh, but it's true. Stepping into an audition room, or onto a set and thinking that you don't deserve to be there is a feeling we are all comfortable with. 

People call it 'Impostor Syndrome'.  The feeling where you believe that casting have made a mistake and you actually have no idea what you're doing. To be clear - you don't know how to act at all! You fluked the audition and now it is time to actually act (horror!) and you don't think you can fluke it again.

It is a very real issue for actors, and unfortunately all the more prevalent in Australia where those that seek to promote themselves are cut down - ostensibly to keep them in check, but really to save the pride of those around them.

And Australia's attitude to the arts? Don't even get me started.

Political views aside; many supportive teachers, speakers, podcast hosts, friends and parents all offer similar advice when you have this feeling.

"Just don't be nervous, you'll do great"

Don't be nervous!?! - Okay, sure. I'll just not think of the purple elephant while I'm at it. Don't be ridiculous.

So the next thought: "Nervousness is excitement, you're actually excited!"

That is comforting, and sometimes works. But when your ego is whispering malicious thoughts in your ear, that excitement in your gut transmutes into a ball of lead, dragging you down until your self esteem is pinned to the floor.

So, what do I suggest?

Fake it 'til you make it.

Feel your nervousness, accept it, and then just pretend to be confident! You're an actor aren't you?

Don't trust me? Fine, that's fair. Would you trust George Clooney though?

“I certainly direct with confidence even if I'm not confident. I learned early on as an actor that confidence can be faked, and it's not always a terrible thing to do. A lot of times if people feel you're confident, then they're confident” - George Clooney, ACTOR

If you can convince your acting class that you and someone you met a week ago have been dating for three years and are going through an explosive break up in a scene, then I think you can handle pretending like you know where unit base is.
 

Plus, if you do? Everyone will notice. And they'll bring you back.