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What’s Your Warm-Up Routine Before You Go On-Set?


July 17, 2023

Getting on-set and performing is what you live for, and sometimes, you’ve got to harness your energy to get your best work out there. That’s why a warm-up routine is key.

We recently inquired about your warm-up routines before going on-set, and we found them to be an excellent source of inspiration for how to calm your nerves before your big moment. Whether your warm-up routine requires mental, physical, audio preparation or something out of left field, you’ve got this.

Here’s a sample of all the great wisdom our members shared!

I love to focus on getting embodied and filling my inner cup up as much as possible, as I have learned I will pour out so much of myself out on-set: physically, mentally and emotionally.

So I focus on aligning my mind, body and spirit using breathwork techniques, sound therapy, journaling, lots of hydration, nutrient-rich foods/teas, restorative sleep and movement.

— Jilly Phoenix Kent

As a practitioner and instructor in breathwork, breathing exercises are definitely my go-to before going onto a set. The reason being, when I’m in a challenging or difficult situation, meditation doesn’t always work for me because it’s like using my mind to switch off my mind.

When I practice breathwork, it’s like using my body and breath to switch off my mind and the chattering thoughts. It’s a bottom-up approach that’s really powerful for getting out of my head and into my body and into my surroundings.

— Nathan Ho

It’s few and far between, but a good pregame is mirror positive affirmations and a great catwalk to a playlist. I have to be careful, because this is also a warm-up for social events where I have to network and I really start having a “private party.” It’s so fun. It helps boost creativity and gets me out of my head.

— LaShekia Chatman

Part of my rehearsal process and as my entry into any character, I make a music playlist, so I’ll drop in with music on my way to the set. This can also be a vocal warm-up as well. It may be from a private moment my character experienced at any time in their life. So the seconds before I hear “action” I can hear my character’s soundtrack in my head.

— Roy Barker

Before going on-set, I have a routine that prepares me mentally and physically. It involves deep breathing, stretches, vocal exercises, emotional connection to my character, mindfulness, visualization and positive affirmations. These rituals help me deliver my best performance, fully immersed in the character’s world.

— Abrar Ghazy

What I like to do before I go on-set is, I like to meditate by clearing all thoughts and worries and I always say to myself, “This is your time to shine, you got this.” — Darryll Lloyd

You will always find me with earbuds in so I can feel that I’m ready at any time. I’m connected to my audio or music and always in the role. It’s all so that I will have anticipation, just a level of readiness and shine with technique, ready to bring it to life when I have action!

— Wendy Davis

Usually I meditate and focus on my breathing—in from the nose, out from the mouth. I hydrate myself and increase the sugar level a bit so I can have enough energy to get in character. Also, before set I try to get as comfortable as I can with other cast members so I can have good chemistry when in character.

I stretch on a daily basis, but before going on-set I tend to do a whole-body stretch, but l’lI be more focused on facial stretching so I can make better facial expressions when in character.

— Ahmed Alabdi

I find a quiet space, take deep breaths and stretch a bit. I visualize the project being a success and speak words of positivity into the atmosphere. I express gratitude to my higher power.
When this is complete, I say to myself, “Let’s do this, woman!”

— Pattie E. Crawford

I always make sure I am hydrated with water because like any job, you need fuel to function efficiently. I will rehearse my role, of course, and I always read the scene again to make sure I know exactly what is taking place in the moment, which helps me to take direction if needed.

I also believe in building a relationship with the other cast members once you arrive at a set, so when it’s time to head to the actual set, the chemistry built looks authentic on camera and not “acting,” allowing you to play off each other in a natural fashion. It eliminates some early anxiety for me.

Right as I walk on-set, as corny as it sounds, I remember a line from “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Don’t think, Just DO.” It reminds me to stay confident because I know I have prepared for this, so just go out there and get it done.

— Nick Austin



We want to hear from you. Tell us how you unwind after a long day on-set. Your response may end up in a future community feature!

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