There are a LOT of really good responses here ... let's hear it for MC. I have strong feelings on this subject ... I recently gave a workshop on "Performing Skills" and we spent some time talking about stage fright. This is something you simply must conquer if you want to perform.

I feel that stage fright comes from SELFISHNESS. If you are feeling stage fright, it's largely because you are thinking of YOURSELF, and not thinking of the audience. When you step on stage, you assume an obligation ... to perform well ... to entertain ... to educate, etc.

You CANNOT afford the luxery of thinking about yourself! The audience did not buy concert tickets to watch you on stage ... thinking about YOURSELF. Get over it ... learn your material well ... throw the books and cheat sheets away ... get up on stage ... and sing your passion! (hope this helps) Bob(deckman)Nelson