As the theater program begins to prepare for its production of “9 to 5” on April 5 and 6, Sofia Palermo recalls her early encounters with stage fright.

“Even before I started theater, I was always extremely nervous doing classroom presentations or going up onto a podium for award ceremonies,” Palermo, who will play Maria Delgado, said. “[Theater] was terrifying at first, but I guess I just stopped thinking about it at some point because I was just enjoying myself and doing what made me the happiest.”

Senior Kiley Wallace said the cast and crew help her feel less nervous before a performance. 

“I remember that I’m not being judged on my performance and that I’m doing it because it’s something that makes me happy, so I shouldn’t worry over it,” Wallace, who will play Missy Hart, said.

Palermo said acknowledging the universality of stage fright can help performers.

“It’s a totally normal experience, and I think there’s a lot more actors that deal with stage fright than people think,” Palermo said. “It’s less about the stage fright itself versus how you manage it. If you’re able to turn that same energy of anxiety or fear into a positive energy, it really changes your overall performance.”

By Lauren Bender