Getting over stage fright

Lady Chuckles

We have to have such a thread!

I found, when I started singing, hiding myself and the stage fright behind a cello (I am also a cello player) was a lot easier than actually standing infront of a crowd sharing one of the most personal things you have; the voice. My first performance ever was infront of 10 classmates and my voice broke a few times because I was so scared

I still get a bit frightened when I face a crowd, but since my first performance I've grown in the sense that I believe more in myself and my abilities now than I used to.

Do you have any tricks to share with me and others who may feel a little insecure?

wet-paint

Like you said having a physical barrier between you and the audience does help. I sing bass in choirs, so I'm always in the back row. When I did my first solo gig for a choral work, I had to be out in front. I was confident in myself, and how I was goign to sing, but it was strange, the lack of people between me and the audience was a bit unnerving. I wasn't able to stretch my legs or shift my weight at all like I used be, and ending up feeling quite stiff after the gig.
So, if you do feel that people between you and the audience would help, maybe join a choir.

Otherwise, the only advice I can give is to go and learn your notes. I'm always most nervous if I've only half learned my lines, and the feeling when I go on stage knowing I know my ****, is fantastic.