Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety Among Theatre Students in Nigerian Universities: Causes and Management Strategies

This study explores the causes of stage fright and performance anxiety among Theatre Arts students in Nigerian universities, as well as the coping and management strategies employed by performers and educators. Performance anxiety is a well-documented psychological phenomenon that affects performers across all artistic disciplines, yet its specific manifestation and management within Nigerian theatre education have received limited scholarly attention. The research investigates the academic, social, and psychological factors that contribute to stage fright among students at three universities offering Theatre Arts programmes in South West and South East Nigeria. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with students at various levels of their programmes. The study finds that stage fright is most acute during assessment performances and first-time public performances, with inadequate rehearsal time and fear of peer judgement identified as primary triggers. Physical relaxation techniques, positive visualisation, and gradual exposure exercises were reported as effective management strategies by students who had overcome significant anxiety. The research concludes that theatre educators need formal training in performance anxiety management to better support students. It recommends the inclusion of performance psychology modules in Theatre Arts curricula. Keywords: stage fright, performance anxiety, theatre education, Nigerian universities, coping strategies.