stagefright
Pre-curtain panic
Stagefright is the nervous anxiety that grips performers before or during an appearance—the racing heart, sweaty palms, and mental blankness that come from facing an audience.
The condition affects even experienced performers: She's done a hundred shows but still gets stagefright.
Also spelled as two words: stage fright.
Involuntary shaking motion
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- palpitationsAwareness of abnormal heartbeat
- butterfliesFluttering insects or nervousness
- shakyTrembling or unstable
stammering · nausea · clammy · dizziness · hyperventilation · quaking · fidgeting · shakiness
Persistent apprehensive distress
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- fearEmotional response to threat
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
terror · trepidation · unease · worry · insecurity · self-consciousness · vulnerability · embarrassment
Gathered viewers collectively
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
audition · debut · solo · lines · cue · microphone · podium · presentation
Pressure, mental or vocal
- tensionStretched or strained state
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
expectations · scrutiny · judgment · evaluation · stakes · preparation · perfectionism · comparison
trembling
Involuntary shaking motion
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- palpitationsAwareness of abnormal heartbeat
- butterfliesFluttering insects or nervousness
shaky · stammering · nausea · clammy · dizziness · hyperventilation · quaking · fidgeting · shakiness · heartbeat
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
apprehension · terror · trepidation · unease · worry · insecurity · self-consciousness · vulnerability · embarrassment · humiliation
audience
Gathered viewers collectively
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- curtainFabric hung for privacy
- rehearsalPre-performance practice session
monologue · audition · debut · solo · lines · cue · microphone · podium · presentation · speech
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- tensionStretched or strained state
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- anticipationState of awaiting something
overwhelm · expectations · scrutiny · judgment · evaluation · stakes · preparation · perfectionism · comparison · criticism
stagefrightstage presence
Performer's commanding aura
confidence · poise · composure · self-assurance · aplomb
stagefrightflow state
Optimal engagement condition
unselfconsciousness · absorption · ease · naturalness · spontaneity
stagefrightexhibitionism
Urge to expose oneself
showmanship · attention-seeking · ham · extroversion · narcissism
stage, afraid, fright, frighten, stadium, frightening, frightened, staged, staging