Ok so I'm going to be preforming at my sons preschool with my fave new puppet rainbow (no I didnt make her but shes awesome ) Then I'm headed to the local library for a show . I'm nerveous because in the past I have only used puppets as just a story teller and learning tool and such and while it still is this seems differnt some how I guess its just the amount of people . ANd how this seems professional compared to goofing around with kids ! I have a puppet theatre so I will not be seen so that will be great but still wonder if anyone has a good cure for nerves lol ! I will send you guys a video when I get my camera working .

Well I used to work on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland.  It is a ride where I drove a boat around a fake jungle and told really bad jokes.  I got a lot of groans from my passengers of course but all in good fun.  When a new skipper would tell me that he/she was nervous to take their first boat trip with guests, this was my parting wisdom to them:

"Suck it up and Spiel!"  It is a play on words from a famous announcer in poker, "Shuffle up and deal," but I like mine better....hehehe!

All BAD jokes aside, I say PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE so that you don't have to worry about the technical side of your show and it will come natural to you.  When you start feeling that ball of nervousness start taking over your tummy, just breathe deep into your belly.  I call this belly breathing.  Make sure you can see your belly moving.  I will do like 3 to 5 really big ones.  Also, when I feel my fingers start to quiver, I just make a really tight fist and then relax and stretch out.  The only thing left to do is to take the giant leap into starting your show.  I wish I could tell you that I never get nervous but since doing theater, puppetry and live action for over 16 years, I can assure you that I STILL get nervous with every performance that I am about to undertake.  I have also grown to LOVE that feeling and it is like my "high."  Embrace every moment of your show and perform it as if it will be your last.

"Break a leg".....or hand in the case of puppetry....just kidding (ugh more bad jokes.  It will never end with me.  The Jungle has taken over my life).  Just call me Anita....Anita break (get it? Anita break....I need a break...ugh I can't stop)!

Aloha,
Nikole 

You'll be just fine............... When you see the happy looks on the faces of those kids, you will be tickled pink. Until you get your camera fixed see if a friend or library employee will take some pictures for you.

Billy D.

Sorry this picture had to resized to fit but shes still cute !

Ok so heres the picture of her couldnt get it to load yet agina lol !
Thanks for the advice and the bad jokes to make me smile
You guys are great ! Just hope I get it right my first show is for the kids tommorow ! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH lol

My hope is she will wow them so if I mes up they wont notice lol !

I am certain that she WILL WOW them!!  She is fabulous!!  Can you take a picture of her  (or have someone do it for you) during the show!!  Please?!?!  I think she is awesome!!!  As we say in my family, "Break a rod!" And tell us all about it!

I sure will Thanks for all your support ! You guys are the best !

Break a Rod, I know that you will do well and remember, someone said it on another topic area, however it is important to repeat it....."the audience wants you to succeed."  Knowing this in any audience situation helps with the nerves because they want to be on your side all the way.  So enjoy the moment and focus on the puppet and what you know and everything will be over before you know it and you will wish that you had more time with the kids and puppets.     We are all behind you watching over your shoulder with a small cheer in your ear.   

The show must go on!!!!!!!!!

Daryl H

I LOve the puppet............ Now who wouldn't fall in love with that character.I believe the show will be a great sucess.

Billy D.