How do you combat the second night slump?
I’ve seen it happen so many times – a brilliant opening night is followed by a second night full of silly errors, memory slips, timing issues.
Part of it is the confidence that comes from having done it well. Part of it is unfamiliarity with the deep work that is required to deliver a performance consistently. Who knows what other psychological or social factors play into it!
For me, the best way to combat it is to remind myself and my students that the audience tonight didn’t see last night’s performance. It’s our duty to this audience – as well as to the art we are presenting – to do the best we can every single time. Every. Single. Time.