stage-fright
Performer's nervous dread
Stage-fright is the nervousness or anxiety that strikes before or during a performance in front of an audience.
It affects actors, musicians, public speakers, and anyone facing a crowd: Even seasoned performers get stage-fright.
The physical symptoms—sweating, trembling, racing heart—can be severe enough to impair performance.
Concentrated illumination source
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- microphoneAudio input device
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
lectern · auditorium · theater · wings · footlights
State of anxious unease
- tremblingInvoluntary shaking motion
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- palpitationsAwareness of abnormal heartbeat
- butterfliesFluttering insects or nervousness
jitters · stammering · blushing · freezing · blanking · nausea · hyperventilation · fidgeting
Persistent apprehensive distress
- fearEmotional response to threat
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
terror · insecurity · self-doubt · vulnerability · embarrassment · self-consciousness · overwhelm · inadequacy
Trial performance for selection
- debutFirst public appearance
- premiereFirst public performance
- soloPerformance by one
- speechOral communication ability
presentation · recital · toast · monologue · karaoke
Controlled, slow intake of air
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- warm-upPre-activity preparation routine
- beta-blockersHeart rate reducers
meditation · grounding · affirmations · practice · preparation · desensitization · support · ritual
spotlight
Concentrated illumination source
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- microphoneAudio input device
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
podium · lectern · auditorium · theater · wings · footlights
nervousness
State of anxious unease
- tremblingInvoluntary shaking motion
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- palpitationsAwareness of abnormal heartbeat
butterflies · jitters · stammering · blushing · freezing · blanking · nausea · hyperventilation · fidgeting · queasiness
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
apprehension · terror · insecurity · self-doubt · vulnerability · embarrassment · self-consciousness · overwhelm · inadequacy · exposure
audition
Trial performance for selection
speech · presentation · recital · toast · monologue · karaoke
deep-breathing
Controlled, slow intake of air
- visualizationForming mental or graphical images
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- warm-upPre-activity preparation routine
beta-blockers · meditation · grounding · affirmations · practice · preparation · desensitization · support · ritual · mantra
stage-frightstage presence
Performer's commanding aura
confidence · poise · composure · self-assurance · aplomb
stage-frightexhibitionism
Urge to expose oneself
attention-seeking · showmanship · ham · showboating · extroversion
stage, fright, stages, staged, staging, stager, backstage, offstage, onstage