I need help, one of my friends has an amazing voice, and has been chosen by the music teacher to do a solo piece. I'm really proud of him and excited to hear his voice, but there's a problem. He's terrified of the stage. It's mild PTSD, I won't tell u what happened to give him PTSD, but he has it and is terrified. He came to me for help, but I'm unsure of what to tell him. So far, we've had this convosation.
Me: "I am also terrified, I was once a confident girl, but I messed up one day on stage and broke down. I have never set foot on a stage since. The only reason I agreed to this was because I was good at what I do, and I was comfortable doing it. You're an amazing singer, and I think you might be comfortable singing. I understand the stage fright, I get it myself. Even just talking to people I stutter, terrified of messing up."
Him: "Thnx. But I don't think I can do it."
Me: "but I know you can do it. You're amazing at singing, and I believe in you."
Him: "I can't do it."
Me: "yes you can."
Him: "I can't."
Me: "okay. Listen. I believe that you can do it, but if you don't want to, I won't make you do it. I'll help you. We can go see the music teacher on Monday, or you can pull a sickie that day. Either way, I'm here to help you."
Him: "Thnx. Let's go tell her on Monday."
10 - 20 min later
Him: "My parents have a latter saying I've been chosen. I can't say to the teacher. What do I do?"
What do I say to him? Help!