stagefright

[/steɪdʒ fraɪt/]
noun
medo de palco
1. intense nervousness or anxiety experienced when performing in front of an audience
The actor suffered from severe stagefright before the opening night of the play.
O ator sofria de medo de palco intenso antes da noite de estreia da peça.
2. a psychological condition that causes performers to freeze or lose confidence when facing spectators
She overcame her stagefright through years of practice and experience.
Ela superou seu medo de palco através de anos de prática e experiência.
Stagefright is a widely recognized phenomenon in both American and Brazilian entertainment cultures. In the USA, it's often discussed in performing arts education and therapy contexts. In Brazil, the expression 'medo de palco' is commonly used in theater, music, and entertainment industries, and overcoming it is considered a rite of passage for performers. The condition is normalized and addressed through coaching and psychological support in both cultures.
NYC Slang
the jitters, getting the shakes, freezing up
Synonyms / Sinônimos
performance anxietystage frightnervesjitters
Antonyms / Antônimos
confidencecomposurepoise

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
medo de palco
most common translation used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
medo de palco / nervosismo
both terms are equally used
São Paulo
medo de palco / ansiedade de performance
technical term also used in theater and performance contexts
Portugal
pânico do palco / medo de palco
pânico do palco is also used in European Portuguese

Related Words

performanceanxietyaudiencenervousnesspublic speakingperformer

Related Idioms & Phrases

get the jitters
freeze on stage
suffer from nerves
lose your nerve
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