Understanding and Overcoming Stage Fright
While people come to my practice for all kinds of reasons, ranging from relationship issues to questions of identity, stage fright is certainly one that makes repeat appearances. When people hear that I am a therapist who specializes in entertainers, there is a certain level of relief I can provide my clients, simply by acknowledging that I GET some of the common struggles they have. It can be hard to explain stage fright to someone who hasn’t been there. Sure, many people struggle giving a book report in front of the class as a kid, but how do you explain the sometimes utter randomness of stage fright as an adult? How do you explain that what you love and to which you have committed your life, is causing you equal parts stress and even fear?
Why are we experiencing fear when there is really nothing to fear in the room?
In many ways, it boggles the mind. At first glance, it really does not make sense, but when you search for deeper meaning, it clicks into place. You are being utterly vulnerable on stage, and in the audition room. You are going into an audition, and asking to be chosen. You are getting on stage, and sharing your interpretation of something, leaving it up for derision or worse, apathy. Emotionally, you are naked. While training and confidence go a long way in fighting these issues, the fact is that sometimes the body and mind have another idea.
How do we possibly conquer such a big baddie like stage fright?
The answer is with patience! For the most part, I do not believe in quick fixes. In part two, I will break down three approaches you can incorporate TODAY to start helping with your stage fright. However, the reality is that it actually takes time and precision. There are quick tips to help, but not to heal. With my clients, I explore their full history with stage fright. I explore their reasons for performing, and why they love it. I peel the onion so that we can address the issue holistically and thoroughly. For some, stage fright is life long, while others it comes out of nowhere. For some, it does not actually impact their performance, while others it is debilitating. These types of differences have to be acknowledged in the therapy room, and need different approaches.
In many ways, stage fright is not so different from things like anxiety or even trauma. Many times, it is not so disconnected from our other parts of mental wellness. That reason alone is why I do not believe in treating “just the creative parts” of someone. I work with the full person, to allow for overall and meaningful wellness. Hopefully, this small breakdown on stage fright has helped you to understand your own struggles with it, and given you hope on conquering it in the future. Just know, these issues are universal and you are most certainly not alone!
