How to Deal with Stage Fright (EVERYONE gets it.)
Let’s get one thing straight: everyone gets stage fright. Beyoncé gets stage fright. Meryl Streep probably gets stage fright. I get stage fright — usually around the third espresso and right before my name is called.
If you’re feeling the icy grip of panic as you wait to grab the mic, congratulations — you’re alive, and you care. That fear is not the enemy. But letting it own you? That we’re not doing. Here's how to deal with stage fright like the professional funny person you're becoming.
1. Breathe Like You’re Not Being Chased by a Bear
Seriously. Deep, slow breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. It slows your heart rate, calms your nervous system, and keeps you from hyperventilating like you just saw your ex in the front row.
2. Rehearse Until You’re Bored of Your Own Jokes
Confidence comes from preparation. Practice until your set feels like muscle memory — like brushing your teeth or dodging toxic family members at Thanksgiving. That way, when your brain decides to play hide-and-seek mid-set, your mouth keeps going.
3. Fake Chill Is Still Chill
Even if you're shaking like a leaf in a wind tunnel, act like you belong up there. Shoulders back. Head up. Look at the crowd like they owe you money. Confidence is contagious — and the audience will believe you're cool if you pretend hard enough.
4. Turn the Nerves into Fuel
Stage fright is just energy looking for a job. Use it. Channel it into your performance. Ever notice how some of your best sets happen when you're buzzing with nerves? That’s because your body is on high alert. Ride that lightning, honey.
5. Don’t Fear the Flop
Here’s a hard truth: sometimes you’ll bomb. And guess what? You’ll survive. We all have. I’ve bombed so badly once, a guy actually apologized *to me* after the show — and I wasn't even talking to him. The fear of bombing is worse than bombing itself. You get up, you learn, you do it again.
6. Remember: No One Wants You to Fail
The audience isn’t hoping you’ll crash and burn. (Unless your ex brought a date — in that case, power through, and make them regret everything.) People want to laugh. They want to root for you. They’re on your side.
7. Have a Ritual That Grounds You
Whether it’s a pep talk in the mirror, a lucky bracelet, or whispering “don’t screw this up” three times into your latte — do what centers you. Rituals give you control in a moment that feels chaotic.
Remember, my comedy babies…
Stage fright doesn’t go away — it evolves. It keeps you sharp, humble, and human. The trick isn’t to eliminate it, but to dance with it until the fear becomes part of the act.
So the next time your palms are sweaty and your brain is screaming “RUN,” take a breath, smile, and step into that spotlight. The world is waiting to laugh with you.
