Since January, I have been involved in a performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I sacrificed blogging while learning my lines. We had a great run and received very positive feedback from the patrons.
My friends and family often ask if I am nervous on stage. I am not. Once on stage, I am calm and confident in my ability and my cast. However, the moment before I step through the curtain a sensation that is difficult to describe overtakes me. Part of it is a fear of the unknown and part of it is a moment of self-doubt. Am I really prepared for this? Every show has something different happen. A sound malfunction, skipped line or the dreaded forgotten line can occur no matter how prepared and talented the cast is. When something happens the actors must correct and keep going. I do not think about it on stage, but before I step out of the curtain, I do.
To put the feelings in context that non-actors will understand…
Before I step on stage, I feel like I do the moment before the Hulk Coaster launches me through the tube.
It is the same feeling I have before stepping off a boat and descending sixty feet while SCUBA diving.
It feels like the moment before my class walks in on the first day of school.
I feel nervous, electric and alive. There is a sense of unknown and adventure.
It is a lot like standing over a ten-foot putt to win $20.
Standing on the free throw line with a chance to tie the game is similar.
I plan; I rehearse and think about my lines all the time. No matter how much I prepare I still feel the same.
Sunrise at the start of a triathlon feels the same as standing behind the curtain.
I felt the same feeling before I finally asked the pretty girl out.
The moment before the first kiss is just like the moment before going on stage.
I hear my cue, the stage manager nods and I walk out on stage. I am confident and the nerves disappear. Then one last thought enters my head: Did I zip my zipper? Every show it is always the same.
I’ve heard several “professional actors’ say much the same things and they have added “no matter how long they have been doing it, those feelings never go away”.
In fact, one said “if you DON’T have those feelings…..your dead!!”
I am glad to hear this is universal. I’ve heard athletes and even guys in the WWE talk about the same feelings.
do you think Barf’ay’ is nervous about his zipper too??
we talked about that – yes, yes he is
the feeling before going on stage was GREAT , the rollercoaster thingee , N OT SO MUCH . good job son
thanks. It was a fun show.