Stage Fright

Stage Fright can prevent you from doing some very simple things. It can make your mouth so dry that you cannot speak, it can make your legs ache so much that walking up a flight of stairs becomes very difficult and it it can make you physically sick.

You don't have to be on stage to get stage fright, it can happen anywhere.

I've added some youtube videos below which illustrate what its like to get stage fright and I've also written a brief description of three elements of stage fright.

If you have a story about stage fright I'd love to here it. Please send your stories to Peter@dancedrdance.com 

Click on the video above to hear my piece on Stage Fright on BBC radio Wales, which was broadcast on Wednesday 6th May 2009

What are the elements of stage fright?

There are three broad elements of stage fright:

1.    Cognitive Elements
Basically, this means that you over-think the problem. For example, you might think that you have to be perfect and that if you are anything other than perfect then you will fail in the most catastrophic way. This might be the case if you are attempting to tight rope walk between two very high buildings without a safety harness, but in most other normal daily activities you dont need to be perfect, and if you're not perfect that's okay.  Look at Susan Boyle on Britains Got Talent, she wasn't perfect, but she was fantastic.

2.    Physiological Elements
This means that your body reacts to what you might be finding stressful. The kind of physiological reactions you might recognise are an increase in heart rate (palpitations), trembling, hyperventilation, a dry mouth, funny speech (e.g. rambling), and tight muscles. You might also perspire, get cold hands and feet and an upset stomach, which could result in vomitting or a need to go to the loo a lot.

3.    Behavioural Elements
This means that that your behaviour changes as a consequence of what you might find stressful. For example, you might have difficulty sleeping, you might avoid facing what you find stressful, you might start walking in an odd way, or making nervous movements. Behavioural elements can also lead to interpersonal problems and you might avoid practicing things you find difficult.

Advice for dealing with stage fright

There are several techniques people can use to overcome the symptoms of stage fright. The technique which is right for you depends on the type of symptoms you get and your attitudes towards either talking therapies, alternative therapies and drug therapies. By providing this short list I am not recommending or endorsing any particular technique.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
Alexander Technique
Differential Relaxation Techniques
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Massage
Yoga
Positive Self Instruction
Bio-feedback techniques
Systematic Desensitization
Drugs (e.g. beta-blockers)
Neuro Linguistic Programming