I suffer from stage fright and it’s getting worse as I get older

I am worried that this anxiety will eventually force me to stop doing something I enjoy. Do you have any advice?
  
  

Stage fright
'I now even start to feel nervous before rehearsals.' Photograph: Getty Images (posed by model) Photograph: Getty Images (posed by model)

I am rehearsing for a fringe production but much of the enjoyment is lost, owing to my chronic stage fright. I have acted for more than 30 years, but as I get older – I am now in my late 40s – this seems to be getting much worse. I now even get butterflies in my stomach, and shaking legs and hands before rehearsals. I love acting but I am worried this fear will take over and eventually stop me performing. Any help would be gratefully received.

When leaving a message on this page, please be sensitive to the fact that you are responding to a real person in the grip of a real-life dilemma, who wrote to Private Lives asking for help, and may well view your comments here. Please consider especially how your words or the tone of your message could be perceived by someone in this situation, and be aware that comments which appear to be disruptive or disrespectful to the individual concerned will be removed.

If you would like fellow readers to respond to a dilemma of yours, send us an outline of the situation of about 150 words. For advice from Pamela Stephenson Connolly on sexual matters, send us a brief description of your concerns.

All correspondence should reach us by Wednesday morning. Email: private.lives@theguardian.com (please don't send attachments).

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*