Fear of theatres (theatrophobia)

Theatrophobia is a fear of theatres. For some people the worry is being stuck in the middle of a crowded row, while for others it is the darkened room, the risk of being picked out by a performer, or being unable to leave quietly.

About this phobia

The term is found mostly on lists of phobias and has little clinical writing behind it. In practice the fear often draws on more familiar ones, such as fear of crowds, fear of enclosed spaces, social anxiety or a dread of audience participation. Stage fright, by contrast, is the fear of performing rather than watching.

What it feels like

• Booking aisle seats only, or refusing tickets altogether
• Feeling trapped once the lights go down and the doors close
• Worry about being chosen to join in on stage

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Why do I feel anxious in theatres but not cinemas?

Theatres can feel more exposed, with live performers who may speak to the audience and fewer chances to slip out unnoticed. Working out which part feels most threatening, whether crowds, darkness or being singled out, can help explain the difference.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices