Stage fright

This article is about the sudden onset of fear while performing. For an article about the Hitchcock movie, see: Stage Fright.

The onslaught of stage fright refers to a sudden bout of extreme fear, an acute nervousness or phobia, that occurs before or during an appearance or performance in front of an audience, especially for the first time.

This form of anxiety can precede or accompany participation in any activity involving public self-presentation.

Some musicians use beta blockers to avoid stage fright during auditions, and performances.

Famous incidents of stage fright