It’s the opening night of your school’s production of Peter Pan—and, as it happens, your theater debut. After rehearsing for weeks, you’re prepared to hook your audience’s attention as the wily Captain Hook. But as the curtain rises, your stomach begins to churn like an ocean in turmoil. Ragged breaths escape through your parted lips. And your heart pounds faster than a dubstep track of music.
You’d rather be walking the plank than facing the folks out front. But you can’t escape. After all, “the show must go on,” as they say. Yet, inside you, what on Earth is going on?
SOMETHING FRIGHTFUL THIS WAY COMES
Welcome to the stage fright club. Also called, this condition affects actors of all ages and experience levels, from rookie kindergarteners to Broadway stars. Take Bella Merlin. She’s a professor
