Stagefright
The problem with Stage Fright is that it creates a barrier. It is a wall that prevents the performer from connecting with the audience. And especially with live performances, there is a proverbial “Fourth Wall” that separates the real or imagined Proscenium Arch that is in between the performer and the people observing the action. So by adding Stage Fright into the mix, there are two walls to overcome. First, the fourth wall of disbelief in the audience, and another wall inside ourselves manifested by the paralyzing stage fright. The reasons for this Stage Fright may vary from person to person. Let’s take the artform of Karaoke for example, some people may be exceptional and beautiful singers, and yet they feel a terrible fear when they are called to perform before others. Other friends love to sing in the shower or car, but they may feel that there is pressure to perform a song perfectly for an ever-critical audience, which the modern access to music makes everyone an expert…and everyone a critic.
For myself, I have a stage fright that. It is strange because I write and have performed music before. Yet when I am asked to perform pop music that was made by someone else, I feel this intense duty to bring honor and justice to the original composition. This may seem odd, because most karaoke-goers are quite forgiving when listening to music. Everyone has nerves and people generally accept that. But does that knowledge truly make stage fright go away?
The best way I have found to confront this paralyzing emotion, is to confront it through practice and repetition. So, whenever I have a chance, and friends want to hit up some Karaoke…which isn’t that often. I jump at it. In actuality, I was summoned to do some karaoke with friends tonight. I heard about the idea of it a few days ago. But I wanted to do a new song. Previously, my friends wanted me to do the song, “Even Flow” by Pearl Jam. I love the song, but I’ve done it so many times now, that the rock song is now part of my karaoke comfort zone. So, I’ve been practicing a new song.
This new song may not be in the book of songs, so it isn’t going to burst any bubbles if I don’t get to perform it. But the fact is, I know that since I’ve never done this song before, I will be afraid. There is no doubt about this. The first time is always the shakiest. But how will I ever master the tune, unless I am willing to take the risk to perform it?
Many people recommend breathing rituals and libations in order to beat Stage Fright, I don’t necessarily agree with them. I’ve found through experience, that the best way to beat Stage Fright, is to be willing to be afraid, and go up there and do it anyway. Once that barrier is broken and the loving connection of music between the performer and the beat is made, the audience will hear the sincerity and will listen past any fluctuations in pitch or melody. The sincerity and pleasure is the key to sharing. And if one keeps that in mind, the Fourth Wall will be nothing than a flimsy piece of Saran Wrap, waiting to be burst through.
-Tyler