So there I was on an evening like every other, but this one was different.
My friend had booked tickets for an open mic stand up comedy. I was excited, but more than excited I was anxious, my mind racing like crazy….
What if they made fun of me? May be I should say this or maybe….
By the time we got to the venue I had thought of a hundred things they could make fun of and how I could get back at them.
I wasn’t the one doing the stand up comedy. All this was in the anticipation of what if one of the comedians picked me from the audience to joke about. Maybe they would joke about my weight or maybe my job or maybe ….
Once we reached there I sat in the last row as back as one possibly could, almost merging with the wall. Being a back bencher was nothing new to me. Over the years I had mastered the skill of how not to be noticed.
One by one the comedians came and presented their act. Some were really funny. Some had jokes in their act which were not very relatable and others who were using this as an opportunity to share their deepest darkest feelings. Even though some acts were not funny what I admired was the ability of the comedians to take the feedback or in this case the lack of it, in their stride.
After the show, I was left with this empty feeling. Last few years I have had this drive to put myself out there. Be it my writing or my work. But there is always this force that tries to pull me back into the wall, which gets more intense as I get closer to putting some work of mine out there. It wasn’t like this always.
Theatre was my life as a kid. Being on stage used to make me feel free and I used to love every bit of it. Acting out plays in front of the mirror, memorising all dialogues and flawlessly performing them. I used to be the first person to volunteer for school plays.
Then I took part in this play at the age of 9, playing the historic character of Rani Lakshmi Bai. A fierce warrior queen who defended her throne in the absence of her husband, against the British East India Company. Back then though I knew nothing about her. I kept fumbling my lines couple of times and my teacher out of frustration asked me to go stand on the stage and just lip sync while another person would say the dialogues from the back stage. I was so embarrassed by this that, from that day on I developed a really bad stage fright. The irony of it… I lost my confidence and strength playing one of the strongest women in history.
Confidence was not the only thing I had lost that day. I had lost my dream. The very thing that made me feel free was lost leaving me trapped inside myself. Ever since then I have avoided the stage. I did do a few plays over the years but they either had no dialogues or at the most one liners, which also I would fumble when I went on stage.
The panic attacks were so bad at one time I couldn’t even speak up in a group of people without stammering, feeling giddy with a paralysing feeling taking over my entire body as if I would faint any time. Constantly judging myself more than perhaps the people around me. Making presentations, giving pitch which are critical in my advertising career was a complete nightmare.
Recently I made a pitch without fumbling and the best part was that I was listening to what the client was saying, rather than focusing completely on what I was going to say next, which was the main reason for my fumbles. Thinking faster than I spoke. Anyways that’s another story….
I am yet to face my biggest fear and go back to the place where it all started and face it head on. I had planned to take it in stages. First start writing plays, then maybe direct a play and then act when I felt confident again. Slowly exposing myself to more and more criticism.
But after seeing the comedians it made me wonder, maybe, should I just take the plunge and take part in an open mic.
After all at one point My biggest fear of stage fright was what if people laughed at me but in this case I would be more scared of what if nobody does.
So if people laugh then great and if they don’t… WELL THATS WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED RIGHT! 😊
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Nothing ventured, nothing gained. What’s the worst that can happen?
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Wow, so much here! Firstly, there is nothing wrong with you – but I do think there is something wrong with that teacher of yours. What a way to NOT encourage a young person of only 9 years old. Also, when I first started doing classes in public speaking, I had a teacher that encouraged us to acknowledge our nerves and gave us tips on how to overcome them. The tip that stuck with me most was to know you may have “butterflies” and they are a sign of energy – all you need to do is coax them into flying in formation. Lastly, if you’ve never read the “Citizens of a Republic Speech” by Theodore Roosevelt, check this out (replace the word “man” with “woman” or “person” 🙂 – the only critic who counts is the one in the arena – that’s you. Go for it!!
http://theodore-roosevelt.com/trsorbonnespeech.html
The butterfly analogy is very beautifully put. Will definitely read the Citizens of a Republic Speech.
At least the section on the man in the arena…
I am also totally shy and just like you I always think the comedian would definitely see through me and make fun of me plus I am affected easily. Lately I have been ignoring what people think or say and trying to face it so I say go for it you will be surprise yourself and be proud too.
Oh yeah, I have terrible stage fright. My daughter has that too, but she’s getting better at it, because she loves to act.
You can do it!
I am someone who has NEVER experienced stage fright!!! I have always and will forever always want to be front and center, ha ha!
Cool!
I can feel with you so much. I too have fears of putting my self in the public and I need to get more bold.
I have major stage fright! I thought about being a group fitness instructor but I don’t want to get up infront of people even though I know I would be good at it.
I can totally relate. Before, I couldn’t handle the fact of being before the public since I feared that I’d be laughed at. Nowadays, I’m bolder but I want to grown much more.
👍 same here
I am totally like that. Being in the center of attention was never my thing. But in the end, what’s the worst that can happen?
True!
I had stage fright now I don’t. I Just don’t like being centre of attention anymore.
I can really appreciate where you are coming from. I used to be that way myself. As I have gotten older, I’ve gotten bolder. Now I have no trouble getting up in front of people. I have no idea what changed! But having a few positive experiences helps a lot!
Great to know! Inspiring!
As someone that suffers from severe anxiety, I get it. What I’ve found is that facing my fears is the best way to fight it.
I’m really shocked at your teachers attitude, that sucks! But only you can face your fears and put yourself out there again:)
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There’s always anxiety about putting yourself out there . But I did get better as I grew up. Now I have fear of nothing 😜
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Oh I know the feeling, but we have to accept the fear and learn to deal with it in order to move on. It is a challenge, but worth experiencing.
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I feel you for this!! before I have a lack of confident. but now I decide I to remove my fearsand show my confidence to all of people who keep in judging me 🙂
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I have stage fright too just like you. I am also trying to overcome this fear and I try to speak in front of a few people to remove the hesitation. It works
Great to know!
Totally relatable stuff mate ✔️
Yes standing alone in the stage with every attention is difficult at first, but you will overcome that you put yourself 100% don’t worry about what others think.
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It is a catches catch can, isn’t it? 🙂 I think it’s wonderful that you want to make people laugh. It’s amazing how something in our childhood can affect us so fully.
I never been one to have that fear. However, my middle girl is slowing getting more comfortable. After taking the plunge so many times, her fear slowly leaving.
Great for her!
Sometimes I talk myself out of stuff as well because of fear. Hopefully you gain your confidence back up and build yourself back on stage!
Thanks for the support!
I used to love performing on stage. Eventually, as I grew older, I became more comfortable back stage. I guess, while there is also pressure being a part of the production crew, it’s much different when you’re on stage and everyone is looking at you. haha
Really. Looking at your photo what have you to hide beauty for. we are born we die .Worry , rust upon the blade, fear is you feeling less than able. Stand firm you are Gods family as we all are his children. Live with happy thoughts , a smile melts silence and fears. Nothing can mock you unless you want to hear it. If you take upset at people who think humor is bring someone else down to their level i would not attend. Stand above them. Be that woman you a man can love not a timid mouse. You are lovely in all ways innocent as you are it is endearing to think of that way with a lady but one must relax smile and forget feeling less than you clearly are. Best advice is stop worrying what others think of you and all will fall into place
a witty way to see the bright side of things!!! well you are admirable!!! kudos to overcoming your stage fright!