Is Stage Fright Considered a Phobia?

Most of us know the feeling of performance anxiety and stage fright to some degree. Our heartbeat quickens, our palms get sweaty, and maybe our mouths get dry. For some people, being on stage can cause a fear response that is a lot more intense than usual.

Stage fright is not commonly thought of as a phobia, despite its ability to nearly cripple performers of all types. Officially, however, it can be categorized as a subset of glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, which is itself a type of social phobia. Stage fright may arise suddenly or gradually and may be mild or severe.

No matter what your level of stage fright may be, there are ways to handle this condition. With therapy, time, and experience it is fully possible to overcome it.

Who Gets Stage Fright?

Anyone who performs on a public stage, from kids in school to professional actors, is potentially at risk for stage fright.

Hollywood lore is filled with tales of performers who have battled with this phobia, from Rod Stewart to Mel Gibson. One of the most famous and best-documented examples is Carol Burnett, who is alleged to have thrown up nightly before each show.

Why Do People Feel Compelled to Perform in Spite of Stage Fright?

It can be extremely difficult for nonperformers to fathom why anyone would choose a career or hobby that causes such obvious distress. If you suffer from stage fright, you have probably dealt with endless questions from family and friends as to why you put yourself through the torment.

The answer is simple. Performing is “in the blood.” Most performers cannot imagine not performing, as it is what they feel they were born to do. The love of the work is powerful enough to overcome the lack of stability, the endless rejections, and the early morning auditions. Stage fright is just another obstacle that must be handled in the pursuit of the dream.

How Stage Fright Looks Different Than Most Phobias

Stage fright tends to manifest somewhat differently than most phobias. Only rarely does the phobia actually impede the performer’s ability to work. Instead, it tends to appear during the time leading up to the audition or performance. Although each person’s reactions are unique, most cases of stage fright follow a reasonably predictable pattern.

When you take to the stage, though, your performer instincts take over. Most sufferers of stage fright report that they have few, if any, symptoms during the performance. You will likely play off the energy of your audience, allowing yourself to fully go into character and forget about your earlier distress.

Many performers experience a type of euphoria, similar to a runner’s high, both during and after a show. This rush of adrenaline may partly explain why the symptoms of stage fright so completely disappear when you actually confront the object of your phobia.

Coping With Stage Fright

Even though your performance may not be affected, it is important to find healthy ways of coping with stage fright.

Many performers turn to self-medication, with alcohol or drugs, to dull the pain. This is never a good choice for anyone because it can turn into a dangerous cycle and possible addiction for those who perform regularly.

Instead, consider trying these tips to help make your performance a little easier:

1. Use visualization techniques to imagine yourself succeeding—You've made it on and off stage alive before, you can do it again!
2. Try to quiet the negative thoughts in your head and focus on ones that are reassuring and confidence-building.
3. Try to limit caffeine, sugar, alcohol, or other substances that could impact your ability to keep a clear head on stage.
4. Connect with the audience before and during the performance—it's just regular people out there who are excited to see what you've worked on.
5. Try to focus less on yourself and people's perception of you and more on the purpose of your performance.
6. Practice techniques to help ground yourself such as meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises.
7. Make sure your material is fully prepared in advance and practice a few times in front of the mirror. Try reading it aloud to hear how you'll sound during the performance.
8. Do your best to let go of perfectionism and give yourself grace. It's totally OK to make mistakes and be yourself.

Treatment Options

If you suffer from stage fright, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Like any phobia, stage fright is highly treatable. A popular option is cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy can help as well. Many people with stage fright ruminate on beliefs that their performance will not be “good enough,” thereby disappointing their audience and ruining their own careers.

Therapy can help you learn to replace these negative messages with more rational thoughts. You will also be taught ​relaxation exercises that you can do when the anxiety becomes overwhelming.

Stage fright is remarkably common, and many performers never seek help. With proper treatment, however, the condition can be successfully managed.