I remember well my first stage experience it was at a Folk Club at Horsham Sussex "The Anchor".I had been singing a few songs at a local sing around with no problem,but sitting in an audience at the Folk Club I was invited to sing on stage.I think out of surprise of being asked, I accepted and stood up there in front of an audience sitting there looking at me.I started the song full of confidence and got through a couple of sentences with no problem and then suddenly I lost my breath.It was just as if I had just run around the block and then back on stage.I tried to get by breath back and let out what I can only describe as a HEE part of a HEE HAW donkeys make and just as loud.The audience helped me out with the chorus and I recovered enough to complete my song and with polite applause I returned to my seat.
Why we put ourselves through it I do not know,but it is the one person who comes up to you afterwards and says how much they enjoyed your performance,that gets you up there again.
Al