I have recently had the good fortune to read Janet Esposito's book 'In the Spotlight' and have already benefited from the techniques and exercised described. I am an actress wo has suffered for years with terrible stage fright / performance anxiety, it has blighted my career as a performer, costing me many opportunities to further my career. The fear has inhibited me so much that I have been afraid to take opportunities when they have presented themself and feel I do not have the career I could have because of this.
Until I read Janet's book I did not identify my problem as being stage fright and I felt terribly alone being surrounded my ultra confident actors who didn't seem to experience this problem.
I would urge any performer who experiences anxieties to do with performing to read this book. It is a cliche but I feel this is starting to change my life. Janet's exercises encourage a new way of thinking when you are faced with a speaking or performance situation. It is an immensly practical book but you must do all of the exercises in order to really benefit from the book.
I have only just started to use the book and already it has helped me prepare for a major audition. I can honestly say that I was able to control my fear in a way i have never been able to do before, so much so that for the first time in years I enjoyed my audition and felt fully able to express my self without being crippled by inhibitions.
I would also urge you, whether you are a performer or anyone with a fear of public speaking to visit Janet's website. She has created a support network for anyone experiencing these kinds of anxieties.
i have also been so encouraged by my experiences with this book that I have booked a consultation with Janet to work further on overcoming my fear of performing. I have worked with various therapists over the years but none of them have so succinctly identified my experiences as Janet has in this book. I finally feel I have come across someone who truly understands and can help.
I strongly urge anyone who wants to overcome stage fright to read this book.