The view from the wings

How theater gets me through tough moments

November 11, 20244 min read

Last Week's Challenges and the Healing Power of Theater

View from the loading bridge

My favorite spot in the theater

Last week was tough, for a lot of reasons. There were events on multiple fronts that required me to be emotionally "on" constantly. "On"; that state of heightened emotional sensitivity, being the adult in charge during a crisis. Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s exhausting. Despite the unusual events, I still had multiple shows to manage, students to support, work to get done. For me, theater is the perfect place to work through emotional fatigue, manage the physical effects that follow, and find a way to heal.

We tell our students to “leave the baggage at the door” and “keep the drama out of drama.” In practice, that’s not always easy. Right after COVID—another exhausting period—I wrote a book on self-care for theater teachers. I wrote it to collect all the lessons I had learned over the years: how physical well-being improves emotional well-being, how sleep and stress affect our health, how work-life balance is more myth than reality, and how crucial it is to have supportive people in your life. This week, I’ve been forced (by my own mind) to put those lessons into practice—not as reflections on the past, but as a map to get through the present.

Theater heals. It’s a lens through which we can escape for a moment, imagine a better future, view an alternate past, reflect on choices in relative safety, and exorcise any lurking demons. And because we do this with an audience in front of us and a team at our backs, we know we are not alone.

This is why I believe theater is a necessary part of our community fabric. We express ourselves and speak to our community through our art. Sometimes, after tragedy, we need to come together and laugh. Often, we need to reflect and discuss. And equally important, we need to envision a future path. In our theaters—whether small or large—we can help bring a community through the healing process. This is why art matters so deeply. Theater is where I go to heal and the way I reach out to offer that same healing to others.

This is also why theater is crucial in education. We must give our students, families, and teachers a place to come together and process. We grow through our art, we build empathy and connection, and we dream of a bigger, better future. And everyone deserves to be a part of that.

Tips for Managing Stress (not just for Theater Teachers).

For those facing similar challenges, here are a few self-care practices that can help manage stress. Focusing on these basics—physical health, emotional support, and quality sleep—can make a difference during demanding times. These are simple practices that we often overlook, but that have a huge impact on our ability to be at our best.

Physical Health: Stress often has a way of affecting our bodies first. To counteract physical stress, try incorporating some gentle movement, like a short walk or simple stretching exercises. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Even a 10-minute break outside, breathing fresh air and moving your body, can help reduce tension and reset your energy.

Emotional Support: When you’re feeling emotionally taxed, reach out to someone you trust. A supportive friend or colleague can be a great sounding board. They don't need to offer any advice, just let them know you need them to listen. Journaling is another excellent way to release built-up emotions and gain perspective. Taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can also have a positive impact on your mood and outlook.

Better Sleep: Stress often disrupts sleep, but a solid night’s rest is essential for resilience. Try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down. This could mean avoiding screens for an hour before bed, keeping a journal by your bedside to jot down any worries, or practicing some deep-breathing exercises. A consistent bedtime can also improve sleep quality over time.

By taking small, mindful steps, we can strengthen ourselves against the stressors that inevitably arise. It’s important to remind ourselves that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Thanks for reading. Take care of yourself.

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