Performance Anxiety & Stage Fright

The term "stage fright" refers to the apprehension an artist feels about approaching the stage to perform; even though they are doing what they love. Performance anxiety is a natural part of performance. it can be broken down into three responses: mental, behavioural and physiological.

Mental responses are those which involve the thinking processes and can't be seen or felt by anyone else but the artist. Symptoms include:
- Negative thoughts
- Thoughts about failure
- Distraction; loss of concentration
- Feelings of helplessness
- Memory blanks
- Panic





Behavioural responses are those that involve actions and can be seen by others. Symptoms include:
- Tension; not able to relax
- Agitation; quickly becoming angry or snappy with others
- Coughing or clearing your throat
- Nervous laughter or constant talking










Physiological responses involve physical changes to the body. Symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking of various parts of the body i.e Hands, lips, knees and legs
- Sweating
- Tight throat
- Hot or cold flushes
- Dry mouth
- ' Butterflies' in the stomach
- Desire to go frequently to the toilet
- Increased breathing/shallow breathing
- Adrenalin rush





When I perform, I get very nervous. I doubt myself a lot anyway however when I am about to perform, I do this even more. The amount I doubt myself isn't good for my performances, as I know in the past doubting myself, has ruined my performance on several occasions. I always get butterflies in my tummy. I also bite my nails when I'm nervous, which isn't good for when I am about to sing, incase a bit of nail gets caught in my throat, which then effects the way I sing. I go very quiet and don' talk to anyone. I usually drink too much, because then I end up needing a wee, just before I have to go on stage. I don't normally shake before hand, however once I have performed and come off stage I am shaking, which is probably the adrenalin rush.