I love being on stage. I am a naturally quiet person and sort of shy. I have this weird thing, though, where the bigger the audience, the less nervous I am. And if it's a audience the size of a class, I really get nervous. I'm getting over it sort of, but it's still true. I'm in a play, and I"m not nervous at all about performing in front of my whole school. But when I have to do a class presentation for drama class or anything else that involves less people, I hate it and I get real stage fright. Do you know anyone that is like that? Why do you think that's the way it is? I just want some opinions. No stupid answers please =)
2006-11-02 08:36:48 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
i'm not sure...but it really makes sense. it seems like if there are less people in less space MORE attention is on you. but if there are a large amount of people in a large space they're probably not all there to see you- no offense. so they'll be concentrating on other things because there's a greater variety of people and no one's keeping an eye on them, like a teacher. so they could be checking their cells, pacifying their kids, whatever. so don't worry! you'll be great.
2006-11-02 08:41:26 · answer #1 · answered by Sarah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what you mean! I am a singer, and I totally prefer singing in front of a large audience. Class presentations terrified me as well. I think this is because, first of all, when you are on stage, you can't really see the audience. It's alot easier to lose yourself and get into character when you can't see who's watching. Secondly, when performing in front of only a few people, you have to make more of a connection (ex. eye contact). Also, you can tell if the person in the back row is text messaging instead of paying attention to you! When on stage, it is easier to imagine the audience isn't even there!
2006-11-02 08:51:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
OH MY GOD! I am TOTALLY the same way! It's nice to finally hear I'm not the only person like that. I think the reason we feel this way is because in a large crowd you can always find at least one person who's really grooving on your performance and there's too many people to really feel "intimate". When there's only a few people it seems wwwway too intimate and almost as if THEY are invading your personal space. There's no way to avoid eye contact with them either. I've got an audition next week. If I pass the audition then my average audience when I perform will be 700 people, but the audition itself will be in front of a panel of 5 and I am absolutely TERRIFIED of that audition. I'd rather audition in front of the 700 !!!!
2006-11-02 08:47:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Large stages are less personal, you are detached from any individuals there. This is perhaps what helps you to feel comfortable. Small classes are more personal as you can see the reaction of individuals and it can be a put off. You say you are shy, this is perhaps the reason. There is nothing wrong with being shy, just don't let it rule you or you could end up missing opportunities you wish you had taken.
All the best.
2006-11-02 08:44:08 · answer #4 · answered by NDK 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is human nature. When you perform in front of a larger audience on a stage, they are there because they want to be, and it is a more impersonal thing. When you perform in front of your own class, it is much more personal, they are your peers, and your natural reaction is what will they think of me, and what is their reaction going to be to my performance. It is normal to feel that way in front of these people. It is always harder to perform in front of your peers than perform in front of a lot of people you don't know, or know on a less intimate level.
My way of dealing with this is close your eyes just before you start take a deep breath, and imagine you are in the middle of a large venue with thousands of people watching you, and you are there to do the performance of your life.
Hope this helps
Cal
2006-11-05 15:34:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why, but I used to feel the same...I used to play the guitar and sing in a duo, if we played a small club or pub with less than a hundred or so people, I felt far more nervous than playing a gig for 1,000 people or more...it's weird but it seems to work like that for some reason;
2006-11-02 08:47:07 · answer #6 · answered by murphy51024 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spoken like a "true actress"! This is not uncommon! Acting is going outside yourself or from deep deep within & all of the greatest had some stage fright! Just keep on doing it!
2006-11-03 02:42:46 · answer #7 · answered by red9 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the exact same problem. Maybe it is becuase in a big audience you can't hear people laughing or making fun but in a small audience it crystal clear.
2006-11-03 12:16:14 · answer #8 · answered by legsichick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of us suffer from ego overload.
It means we think we are more than we actually are.
This is very common for most of us.
You are not alone in they way you feel.
All you really have to do is imagine you and everyone else are just people with the same wants, wishes, desires, fears, and hopes.
Good luck.
I know you can do it!
2006-11-02 08:42:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In MY opinion, it's normal. I'm the same way!!! But, then when i perform in front of ONE person I'm okay. I wonder why.... But, yes, it's normal.
2006-11-02 08:51:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋