What does the passage imply about performance anxiety in front of a supportive audience?

• A. It always enhances performance.
• B. It varies depending on the audience's behavior.
• C. It poses no risk for artists.
• D. It is irrelevant to overall performance success.

Answer: (B)

The passage implies that performance anxiety in front of a supportive audience is influenced by how that audience behaves. When the audience is perceived as encouraging and supportive, the anxiety experienced by the performer may be mitigated, allowing for better performance. Conversely, if the audience is not supportive or appears disengaged, the performer may experience heightened anxiety, which could negatively impact their performance. Thus, the degree of performance anxiety and its effects are contingent on the audience's reactions and behaviors, making it a dynamic and context-dependent experience. This highlights the importance of the audience's role in an artist's performance and suggests that a supportive environment can substantially influence outcomes.