What Causes Stage Fright?

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Stage fright doesn’t have just one single cause. Often stage fright can strike when the performer doesn’t feel completely comfortable with the situation, performance, crowd, or their abilities.

Stage fright is caused by a release of adrenaline into the blood stream. Adrenaline, also known as the “fight or flight” chemical, triggers a physical reaction within the person – including shaky hands, sweating, and increased heart rate. Many of the side effects of stage fright are associated with this chemical being released.

So, what triggers the additional adrenaline in your system? Many times the adrenaline is triggered by your emotional and mental reaction to a situation. If a situation makes you nervous, scared, or panicked, it will trigger the release of adrenaline.

There are two main drivers for stage fright: your situation and yourself. Let’s examine each of these influence factors to determine how it might cause stage fright.

Your Situation
Not all performances are the same. Think back to the different types of performances you’ve done in the past. What are the smallest and largest crowd’s you’ve ever performed for? Which performances had a relaxed atmosphere and which were a competitive environment? Which ones did you feel prepared for ahead of time and which ones were you frazzled right up to the minute of your performance? These factors all have a significant impact on whether or not you feel stage fright.

Your stress level, and therefore your stage fright level, can also be directly impacted by the amount of importance you place on a performance. If you know that an important critic is in the audience, sometimes that can make you more nervous. It’s natural that you should be a little bit stressed before a show, however, additional stress from outside factors can increase your anxiety level and actually worsen your stage fright.

Have you ever noticed that your stage fright is worse if you are running late to the audition or show? Having enough time to prepare, go over the details, and relax can help your stage fright immensely. Also, all of your preparation before the show will reflect in your anxiety levels. If you feel prepared, then you are less likely to feel extreme stage fright.

Yourself
Ultimately, you are the biggest contributor to your stage fright. Although this might sound depressing, it is really a very powerful statement. Since you are the biggest contributor, you can also have the biggest impact and are in direct control of how well you overcome your stage fright. Stage fright often occurs in individuals who are worried about what the audience will think about them, are trying too hard to be perfect, and who are not comfortable and confident with themselves and their abilities.

Take a moment and examine yourself. What makes you nervous when you perform? Is it a fear of what the crowd will think? Is it a worry that you will mess up your song? Do you feel like you are able to go out there and perform well? By examining your doubts and worries, you can have a better understanding of what triggers the stage fright. This knowledge will help you deal with the stage fright and learn the correct tips and techniques for giving a great performance where stage fright doesn’t interfere.