If you've ever been afraid to go up on stage, this is for you.

More On Being a Comedian

Growing up I've always had a great time acting and performing. Even if it's just making a scene in public for no particular reason other than it being a good opportunity to put on a show or something small like acting a certain way for the sole purpose of getting into a particular character, I positively love to act. My problem though, is that I also have a slight case of stage fright.

You might not expect that from someone who literally makes it their job to get up on a stage and perform in front of a crowd of strangers, but it's actually not that uncommon for comedians, or really any sort performer, to have even really terrible stage fright often. I myself have met several comedians who get extremely nervous every time they're about to perform. Luckily, my stage fright is only very light.

A short time ago I was performing at a new location and I was feeling somewhat nervous around the unfamiliar crowd. It helps to calm down before starting, and that's when it's helpful to relax and do one of those small things you've always done to calm yourself. For example, many people do breathing exercises or they fiddle with a coin or a pen. Maybe play with a loose string on your sleeve. Things like that.

I should mention that I try to be as professional as possible when I commit to a show. I'll put everything into it and make sure it gets done regardless of what shape I'm in. I happened to have a very minor cold that night, but like a professional, I didn't let that get in my way.

Again, I was feeling a little nervous that night, so I started doing one of those calming exercises and I felt much better. I was still sort of out of it because of my cold, but it wasn't too bad. Like a professional I went up and started my routine.

Looking back, I may not have had a cold after all. I'm not totally sure on this, but I don't think colds cause what I started to go through about halfway through my bit. I wouldn't know.

So at that point I was on the floor coughing up blood, but I ignored it and kept the show going anyway. I did start to feel nervous again though. Wouldn't you feel that way in front of a new crowd?

I tried doing my calming exercise another time, but I got the feeling people thought something was off by then.

By the way, most people do something small to calm themself in those situations, but since I like to put my whole being into all that I do, I of course do a full body calming exercise; instead of playing with a loose thread I take my whole jacket and swing it around a bit while doing some stretches.

I guess people are more perceptive than I give them credit for because somehow the manager of the place must have figured out I wasn't totally feeling well despite how convincing I was as a professional. I don't remember exactly what happened, because I sort of blacked out, but he must have gotten me off the stage and had me taken away to a hospital for some reason.

I suppose that's just something a little stage fright can do to you. It can happen to anyone.

Anyway, thanks for reading.