stage fright

View of a performance on stage from the wings Stage fright or performance anxiety is the anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia that may be aroused in an individual by the requirement to perform in front of an audience, real or imagined, whether actually or potentially (for example, when performing before a camera). Performing in front of an unknown audience can cause significantly more anxiety than performing in front of familiar faces. Conversely, some performers report minimal anxiety when appearing before strangers, but severe stage fright when friends, family and colleagues are present. This condition can manifest as long as thirty-six hours beforehand, with classic symptoms such as nausea, dry mouth, and eye twitches.

In some cases, stage fright may be a part of a larger pattern of social phobia (social anxiety disorder), but many people experience stage fright without any wider problems. Quite often, stage fright arises in a mere anticipation of a performance, often a long time ahead. It has numerous manifestations: stuttering, tachycardia, tremor in the hands and legs, sweaty hands, facial nerve tics, dry mouth, and dizziness.