Any actor ever felt this?

[kelby_lake]

Empty and bare,
Standing there, on the stage
Its expanse, your big chance
To shine as the star.

Yet worried and scared,
Unprepared, on the stage
Unlearnt lines, misread signs
From a nervy director.

Now it's the time, first night
Your stage fright, on the stage
Acting wary, tensions scary...

The audience applauds.

[breathtest]

It is good that you have recognised how critical people can be of themselves even when such criticisms are unfounded

[Lokasenna]

Oh boy, do I recognize that feeling - you've captured it well!

[Stargazer86]

Ah yes...I remember those days well. It's part of the thrill of it though. I can't count how many times I've run these same thoughts through my head and then (as you say) the audience applauds and the curtain raises and you just go for it :)

[Moshu]

Oh yeah. That's early acting in it's essence. I love the beginning "empty and bare, standing there on the stage," that's so perfect. I (act alot of Shakespeare) always get on stage the first time doing that show, and wonder "what can I offer these people? I have nothing worth watching..."