Oh boy! I grew up in the theater, both parents actors, singers, dancers, and all 5 of us kids were in any show that called for kids. I was always part of the chorus, except for a production of Carousel, and I had to start the first verse of "When You Walk Thru A storm". The rest of the chorus came in on the second verse....so that was the first time. I wasn't too nervous because I was into the story. I think I was about 14. After that, in high school, junior year, my friend and I performed in a school talent show as "Yacky and Doodle".....she played guitar and we sang The Cruel War. Somehow, that was far more nerve wracking than being on stage with a whole crowd. Years later the very first song I ever sang with Bob Kotta was a Gilbert & Sullivan song, "I have A Song To Sing-Oh". It was totally imnpromptu, we were across the room from each other but the room went silent and it was magic. It got a huge ovation and became a favorite request and because of that song, I was asked to join the band. And that was when the stage fright really set in! Knee shaking, heart racing, sick to the stomach, terrifing stage fright! I had to hold on to a table and close my eyes! Took me a good 6 months to loosen up! I had two songs besides the duet with Bob, My Boy Willie and North Country Maid. Can still sing them both, but don't much.....so many songs to sing, so little time!
Yes, this is a good thread!