Performing on set is as much about mindset, awareness and professionalism as it is about skill. Here are some key tips to keep in mind, which are things I teach in my workshops:

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• Rest well beforehand. A good night’s sleep makes a huge difference, not just in your performance, but also in your mood and ability to work well with others.

• Manage fatigue and nerves. Slow your breathing to calm your nervous system to return it back to what it is when it's relaxed. Fatigue and anxiety can affect both your performance and your attitude, so take a moment to centre yourself before action. 

• Safety first. Always prioritise safety for yourself and everyone around you; check your equipment, communicate clearly and never take unnecessary risks to 'look cool'. Remember, a safe performance is always a professional performance.

• Further to this, make sure you bring your pads with you; be aware that sometimes you may have to lend them to other performers or even the actors themselves. 

• Intensity over speed. Slow down your movements slightly on set; your adrenaline will naturally speed them up. Controlled, deliberate movements not only reduce injury risk but also allow editors to make the shots look dynamic. Wide, clean actions read better on camera than rushed movements; when you slow it down, you can emphasise more on your performance and make those movements more aesthetic, which if needed, the editor can ramp up in speed; if you go too quickly, there is a tendency to cut the movements short, which will not look good.

• Your reactions must be proportionate to actions. Remember that screen fighting is still acting; don’t oversell hits or falls. Screen fighting is acting and your reactions should match the force and context of the scene.

• Expect multiple takes and direction. Be patient and adaptable. Directors and stunt coordinators may ask for small adjustments, so embrace feedback and refine your performance each time. It's rarely personal, so make sure you don't receive feedback too subjectively; there is a lot of pressure on set so the tone in which feedback is delivered to you may be more blunt, so keep that in mind,

• Be aware of the camera. Understanding angles and framing helps your movements sell, ensuring that punches, falls, and reactions look convincing without compromising safety.

• Focus amidst distractions. Between takes, there will be many things going on and many people around to make adjustments to you; hair and makeup, costume, audio, an assistant bringing you something to drink, the stunt coordinator/2nd unit director coming over to give you notes, so learn to filter out distractions and stay mentally present. Take this into account now so that you can drown out the noise and listen to what you need to do differently for the next take

• Stay hydrated and warm. Setups can take time, so use breaks wisely to maintain energy and reduce the risk of injury.

• Ask questions when unsure. Speaking up shows responsibility and professionalism; it’s far better to clarify than to risk mistakes or unsafe actions.

• Know your limits. Physical and mental self-awareness is key. Pushing past your limits can lead to injury or accidents. Further to this, always keep in mind that mental exhaustion can affect how you interact with others. Be aware of redirected aggression.

• Remember to pace yourself; it's too easy to become complacent when you're tired or frustrated, where your standards may drop. It's important to realise that you may come to regret complacency when the final cut gets released and you know deep down that you could have done better.

• Punctuality, reliability, and respect. Arriving on time, ready and respectful sets a strong foundation for lasting relationships on set. As a stunt performer, you’re often taking hits, reactions, or falls and not 'winning' in the scene, always so keep your ego in check.

• Make a good impression. Skills will get you noticed, but your attitude and professionalism often get you hired again. Being courteous, approachable, and easy to work with can open doors just as much as your technical ability. People remember those who make the set a better place to work

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Booking stunt jobs is a big deal; in this industry, it can be very much up and down, so don't be disheartened. Keep that dream alive; not now doesn't mean not ever! Keep your head down for the grind but your chin up for a healthy mind. The world's big enough for everyone to have what they want to achieve and more; the next big thing is just not on your radar yet. Remember, when you're not working in your craft, you should always be working on your craft, so that you're ready for when the next job calls. Stay patient, stay committed and stay humble; your persistence and attitude will open doors just as much as your talent.