“Acknowledge the fear that you think you’re going to experience when you get on stage, and do what you have to do. Whether it’s [being] a techie or performing a character, stage fright hits you when you’re afraid of messing up, being judged by others. It comes from insecurity.” Aidan Winkler, 10

“You have jitters. Not like butterflies, but tremors. You’re afraid. To get over it, don’t think that you’re not going to do it right. Think it is going to be the best thing you ever do. Stay positive.” Eliza Benitez, 11

“When I have stage fright I can’t think of anything. My heart starts beating really fast any time the spotlight’s on me. Joining theater pushed me through it; it gave me a lot of confidence in myself.” Maria Pineda, 10

“I always been a rapper, so I had to perform a lot. People would push me and push me. It took me a long time to perform. When I’d get up on the stage I’d freeze up because I wasn’t used to it or I was shy. But being around it and doing it and keep doing it, sooner or later you get used to it. You got to keep doing it and doing it.” Sacarrien Williams, 11