Performance Anxieties

Performance Anxieties looks at the on-going debates over the value of psychoanalysis for feminist theory and politics--specifically concerning the social and psychical meanings of racialization. Beginning with an historicized return to Freud and the meaning of Jewishness in Freud's day, Ann Pellegrini indicates how "race" and racialization are not incidental features of psychoanalysis or of modern subjectivity, but are among the generative conditions of both. Performance Anxieties stages a series of playful encounters between elite and popular performance texts--Freud meets Sarah Bernhardt meets Sandra Bernhard; Joan Riviere's masquerading women are refigured in relation to the hard female bodies in the film Pumping Iron II: The Women; and the Terminator and Alien films. In re-reading psychoanalysis alongside other performance texts, Pellegrini unsettles relations between popular and elite, performance and performative.

Actors and musicians call it "stage fright". Others may know it as "butterflies". No matter what you call it, the symptoms of performance anxiety are the same: a paralyzing sense of fear and dread whenever you have to speak or perform before a group of any size. Now Dr. Eric Maisel, a renowned author, psychotherapist, and creativity coach shows readers how to approach presentations calmly and comfortably, without sweaty palms and a pounding heart. It doesn't matter whether you work in the classroom, the boardroom, a theater or concert hall, Performance anxiety will help you: Recognize performance anxiety; Identify irrational fears that contribute to performance anxiety; Handle criticism; Use breathing and centering techniques ti improve focus; Utilize diets, medication, relaxation techniques and guided visualization to combat anxiety; Acquire long-term anxiety management techniques. [Ed.]

Why are some performers exhilarated and energized about performing in public, while others feel a crushing sense of fear and dread, and experience public performance as an overwhelming challenge that must be endured? These are the questions addressed in this book, the first rigorous exposition of this complex phenomenon.

A lively, often amusing account of how men learn to perform like real men - and what happens when they don't. The author examines a range of texts and genre, TV commercials, popular film and novels, Shakespeare and pornography to uncover gaps in their representation of men, masculinities and/or male sexualities, and to expose areas of contradiction and anxiety for men, areas which the texts are often at pains to ignore or silence.

Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) has been proven to affect many individuals, independent of age, gender, experience and hours of practice. This book provides an excellent and updated review of the literature on the topic, including concept, epidemiology, methodical aspects and interventional studies. Suggestions of the correct use of the term MPA and the identification of necessary future studies, as well as comments on and critiques of those already published, will also be provided.

The fear of doing badly can prevent us from achieving our goals, doing well in our careers or simply enjoying life. Performance anxiety is caused by the demands we make on ourselves and others, and nearly all of us suffer from it to some degree. "Overcoming Performance Anxiety" provides a proven, effective self-help program that is accessible to all. The authors provide a series of simple exercises to help change thought and behaviour patterns, which will allow you to perform with a sense of confidence and pleasure, no matter what the challenge. This book is essential for all those who suffer from performance anxiety and is also of great value for those who feel nervous in public situations. -- From publisher's description.

Social anxiety disorder is persistent fear of (or anxiety about) one or more social situations that is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the situation and can be severely detrimental to quality of life. Only a minority of people with social anxiety disorder receive help. Effective treatments do exist and this book aims to increase identification and assessment to encourage more people to access interventions. Covers adults, children and young people and compares the effects of pharmacological and psychological interventions. Commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The CD-ROM contains all of the evidence on which the recommendations are based, presented as profile tables (that analyse quality of data) and forest plots (plus, info on using/interpreting forest plots). This material is not available in print anywhere else.

In The Musician's Way, veteran performer and educator Gerald Klickstein combines the latest research with his 30 years of professional experience to provide aspiring musicians with a roadmap to artistic excellence. Part I, Artful Practice, describes strategies to interpret and memorize compositions, fuel motivation, collaborate, and more. Part II, Fearless Performance, lifts the lid on the hidden causes of nervousness and shows how musicians can become confident performers. Part III, Lifelong Creativity, surveys tactics to prevent music-related injuries and equips musicians to tap their own innate creativity. Written in a conversational style, The Musician's Way presents an inclusive system for all instrumentalists and vocalists to advance their musical abilities and succeed as performing artists.