How old were you when you overcame stage fright? If this was in high school, it’s probably the better topic for you. Colleges are interested in who you are now. Unless you have enough skill to convey your positive attributes in regards to your absent father, I think that’s going to be hard to write well about.
You can start in a variety of ways. Sometimes an effective essay can start in the middle of the action. You could begin with a successful appearance on stage and how you felt confident and proud, and give a little backstory of how that wasn’t always the case. Some showing and telling, a bit of both, can be an effective way to construct an essay.
Remember the goal is to make the admissions officer say yes to you. You are selling yourself. I suggest focusing on positive aspects of your personality. And remember, the topic of the essay is YOU. Read the pinned posts at the top of the essay forum. They might help you. And read through this thread also. http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/2199521-parents4parents-crafting-college-essays-ask-me-anything-p1.html