I still get stage fright. It is momentary, the instants waiting in the wing to enter. My stomach turns a little bit. My breathing is quicker than usual. I have to pee. I always have to pee right before I go on stage no matter how many times I go before places are called. It’s stage fright. My body’s version anyway.
I am not a good phone person. My hearing is not 100% it’s not bad it’s just not 100%. It makes me self conscious. I often have to ask people to repeat themselves in person & it only gets worse on the phone. Not to mention I’m awkward. In life but it’s exponentially worse on the phone. I’m a visual person. I use my body to talk. My sarcastic facial expression does not communicate well over the phone. Neither does yours.
I did something I’ve never done before last week. I did a radio interview. For a radio show in LA. While I was in Seattle. I did a radio interview on the phone. There was no stage but boy, did I have to pee.
I had about 1001 horrible scenarios run through my head in the 3 minutes I waited on hold. Forgetting names. Saying Umm one too many times. Swearing. Hiccups. Coughing fits. Saying something just to fill the silence. Silence. I will admit to doing a little bit of yoga breathing to bring myself down from what I’m sure the ER would have qualified as hyperventilating. And then I was on the air. I could hear. I could breathe and suddenly I no longer needed to pee.
It was a new experience for me & one I am thankful to Brett & Nett for guiding me through so well. I was given the chance to speak on several things I am extremely passionate about including BYT & arts education and I am truly excited to give you the opportunity to hear what we discussed… Listen Here
I love stage fright. It reminds me that I get to experience something new & exciting every time I walk on stage. Pick up the phone. Go to an audition. Sing. It reminds me why I love my job. The new experiences I get. The new people I am lucky to meet. It reminds me that I can’t control everything and I remind myself that that’s ok. That that’s life.
I love it. All of it. Even when I really, really have to pee.
racheldelmar 
Rachel- I admire your passion for the theatre and your efforts to bring art to children- break a leg with your Christmas show! The radio interview was excellent- I’m so glad you’ve brought your talent to the northwest!
Honest!- jose