NEFSKY:  There are many reasons why people get stage fright or get self-conscious, or let’s say... nervous at auditions.   Was there ever a time when you got nervous at an audition or during a show?

STAPLETON:  Well, one always has stage fright.  It goes with the territory.  For me it was always there. 

NEFSKY:  You’ve done a lot of theater. You’ve had a lot of opening nights.  Was there something you did to make yourself  feel better  -- or did you just suffer through it?

STAPLETON:  Yes.  It was always there. 

NEFSKY:   So there was nothing you could do? You never really overcame it?

STAPLETON:  No. I just knew that was the way it was. It goes with it. 

NEFSKY:  Do you have any advice that you can give an aspiring entertainer with stage fright?

STAPLETON:  Just keep going! 

NEFSKY:  Just keep going -- fear and all?

STAPLETON:  Oh, yes. 

NEFSKY:  Did you worry about what people thought of you?  Was there a fear of judgment?

STAPLETON:  I just tried to do my best.  I didn't think so much about what other people thought of me.. 

NEFSKY:  Some people are afraid of even trying because they think they’re going to look bad.

STAPLETON:  Oh, no, no... you just keep going. 

NEFSKY:  That’s great.  I’m happy that you called me.

STAPLETON:  Thank you.  I’m sorry I’m not much help. 

NEFSKY:  No no, you are!  Some people acknowlege that they do have the fear but keep going, so you’re an example of someone that has the fear, or had the fear... 

STAPLETON:  Always -- you always have it.

NEFSKY:  ...and do it anyway!

STAPLETON:  Yes. It goes with the territory.  It’s part of the job.

NEFSKY:  How bad was it?

STAPLETON: It’s hard to describe.  I... well I used to always throw up if I ate between matinee and evening performances so I finally had to stop, thinking this was silly.  It wasn’t bad.  It just was automatic, so I stopped having dinner between matinee and evenings. 

NEFSKY:  Did you feel nervous after the performance?

STAPLETON:  No 

NEFSKY:  Did you feel...

STAPELTON:  Relieved! 

NEFSKY:  So, a  lot of people go into the business, go through all that work, and rather than enjoy their own performance,  the best feeling they get is a sence of... relief?

STAPLETON: Yes.  You’re relieved that you did it. 

NEFSKY:  I wonder why a person would get into that business in the first place if all you get is a sense of relief.

STAPLETON:  Well, it’s a nice feeling. 

NEFSKY:  Yes. I suppose  it’s sort of like going on a rollercoaster or bungee jumping.

STAPLETON:  I don’t do that! 

NEFSKY:  Now, you’ve been in the business for how long?

STAPLETON:  Well... about fifty years. 

NEFSKY:  In those fifty years, was there ever a time when you did feel comfortable, where you did a show -- maybe it was during a long run?

STAPLETON:  No, even when it’s a long run I'm always apprehensive. 

NEFSKY:  So why did you do it?

STAPLETON:  For the joy of working.