Stage Anxiety: An Analytical Study of Cause and Effect of Stage Anxiety in Indian Theatre Actors

Stage anxiety is a prevalent but understudied issue that poses significant challenges for performing artists, particularly musicians and theater actors. In India, where theater reflects cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity, the impact of stage anxiety on actors’ performances and well-being remains insufficiently explored. This study used a survey-based questionnaire to collect data from 100 Indian theater actors. Performance-related factors such as audience size, voice production, preparation rituals, and personal experiences with anxiety were analysed. Key aspects of performance affected were included in “features of performance” such as audience role complexity, memory, emotional involvement and posture. Physiological symptoms such as rashes, head-aches, feelings of stress and sweating were also analysed under “health & well-being”. Coping strategies varied from meditation to substance use, such as alcohol or sedatives. Quantitative data was analyzed using ANOVA, t-tests, correlation and regression analyses. The study found a significant moderate positive correlation between stage anxiety and health & well-being, while the correlation between stage anxiety and features of performance was weak. Multiple regression analysis indicated that health & well-being significantly predicted stage anxiety, but features of performance did not. Furthermore, early exposure to theatre was linked to lower stage anxiety, and years of training positively influenced health & well-being and features of performance. This study offers valuable insights that can inform future training programs and interventions, helping actors manage anxiety and enhance their performance. Furthermore, this research helps fill a critical gap in existing literature, as there is limited research focusing specifically on stage anxiety among Indian theater actors.