The Secret to Acting That Feels Real (Even If You’re Nervous)

You can fool the audience a bit. But if you fool yourself, then it shows. As Lee Strasberg famously said, “Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This quote perfectly captures what I try to teach. You can show the audience a story, but if you aren’t truthful yourself, it’ll show.

Even with sweaty palms or nerves on high alert, your acting can feel alive. It’s about trusting your instincts and letting your emotions guide your choices. So, are you ready to turn nerves into performance? Let’s go.

Feeling Real Starts with Being Comfortable in Your Skin

I hear it all the time from actors: nerves hit hard. It’s completely normal. Your body reacts. Your mind races. But what separates actors who look stiff from those who feel alive isn’t the absence of nerves — it’s how you work with them.

I focus on helping my students connect with their inner feelings. The more you allow yourself to feel, the easier it gets to appear real. That doesn’t mean hiding your nerves — it means using them. It helps them channel nerves into real, grounded emotion. And, that’s the trick.

Real Acting Comes From Real Choices

Great acting doesn’t come from guessing or copying someone else. It comes from the choices you make in the moment. Every scene is a small world where your character lives. You decide how they speak, move, and react.

As a private acting coach, I work one-on-one with actors so we can test choices together. I help them see what works, what doesn’t, and why. Even a simple scene becomes rich when you notice the small details — a quick breath, a pause, a lifted eyebrow. Those tiny choices are what make acting feel authentic.

Play Like You Mean It

Picture this: you’re on stage, your scene partner says a line, and instead of thinking, “What do I say next?” you let yourself respond freely. Real reaction. Real feeling. That’s what makes acting come alive.

I call this “staying present.” It’s not fancy — it just means your mind isn’t stuck on yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s worries. It’s right here, right now. With consistent practice, whether in class or with a private acting coach like me, you train your mind to stay in the moment. You stop performing at the audience and start reacting with your partner.

Simple Tools You Can Use Today

Here are a few tools I share with my students to make performances feel alive:

1. Breathe with intention

Your breath affects your voice, focus, and calm. Slow in. Slow out. Your body follows your breath.

2. Stay curious

Ask yourself, “What would I do if this were real?” It keeps reactions honest and human.

3. Listen deeply

Real acting is reacting to what’s happening now, not to what you prepared or planned to say next.

These habits become easier with practice and guidance. Many actors search for “best acting coaches near me” to help build these skills. A good coach pushes you gently, keeping you grounded and present.

Let Your Nervous Energy Become Part of the Story

If nerves are part of the process, I say, why fight them? Use that energy. Your body is giving you fuel — it just needs the right guidance. I help actors learn to channel nervous energy into authentic, powerful performances.

Many of my students surprise themselves. They become more focused, present, and alive on stage or on camera. My one-on-one coaching turns fear into confidence, making every performance feel real and compelling.

Acting isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty and courage. When you work with me, Marc Verzatt, as your private acting coach, you step fully into each scene — that’s where the magic begins.

Nervous energy? Let’s turn it into stage magic together. Take the first step: ​609-613-2405| https://www.marcverzatt.com/ | marcverzattcoach@gmail.com

Got Questions? Let’s Talk

Q: How can I stop freezing during a monologue or scene?

A: Using your nervous energy instead of fighting it is key. Breathing exercises, staying present, and reacting authentically help you stay calm and perform naturally.

Q: What makes acting feel real instead of scripted?

A: Real acting comes from making choices in the moment and connecting with your character’s emotions. Small details like pauses, gestures, and genuine reactions make your performance believable.

Q: Can nervous energy actually help my performance?

A: Absolutely! Nerves can fuel focus and intensity. When channeled correctly, often with a private acting coach, they can enhance your performance instead of holding you back.

Q: How do I know if I should hire a private acting coach?

A: If you want personalized feedback, help with emotional authenticity, or strategies to stay present during performances, a private acting coach can make a big difference.

Q: How can I practice staying present during a performance?

A: Focus on listening deeply to your scene partners, responding naturally, and asking yourself, “What would I do if this were real?”