When I was young, I dabbled in theatre for several years. I was usually just a crew member and never spoke a line on stage. Your story is the reason for that. Once in Hamlet, I was on stage for about five minutes, but it seemed like forever. I was a Danish soldier, wearing a beard and so much makeup my mother didn't know which one is was. Somehow, I felt safe in there as long as I didn't have to talk.

Even scarier than speaking were those quick scene changes on a dark stage. I did that a number of times, knowing that the lights would come on at any moment. But I always made it off stage before they did. I used to cover my eyes for several minutes before going out there. That way I could see a little better. I never looked toward the audience.
Howard