Stage Fright

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. 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.