You’ve spent months working on the show.
You’ve worked harder than you ever thought you could.
You’ve taken risks; stepped out of your comfort zone.
You’ve learned a lot about performing, team work, leadership and life.
You’ve made incredible friends that really understand you.
You’ve created memories that you will carry with you the rest of your life.
And, now it is all over…
You’re feeling sad. You’re restless and anxious. You’re bored. You’re irritable. You cry – maybe you cry a lot. You are suffering from Post Show Blues (PSB).
PSB typically last 5-7 days, but has been known to plague an actor for weeks. How do you combat PSB?
- Let yourself feel sad. This is a natural, healthy emotion and you should take a day or two to feel sad. You have poured your heart and soul into a project and that ending deserves some recognition.
- Make plans for your next project – whether that’s an audition or a class or a camp or new activity. Make a plan! Create something to look forward too.
- Stay in touch with your friends. Theater friends make the best friends because they just “get” you. They are feeling (or have gone through) PSB, so use them as a sounding board for your feelings. Talk about your memories and favorite moments together.
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
PSB is normal. You don’t need to worry – let them work through their phases of loss. If your theater kid refuses to engage in at least two of the three tips above, there maybe a deeper issue. Here’s a few tips on what NOT to do as the caregiver of a theater kid suffering from PSB:
- Don’t tell them to “get over it”.
- Don’t try to distract or “buy” them out of their feelings with fatty, sugary treats. This behavior can develop a mental block for your theater kid and whenever they feel loss they will turn to fatty, sugary foods.
- Don’t rush them. Let them talk about their experience and their feelings. Let them watch the YouTube videos and sing the songs a billion times. Let them plan outings with their crazy theater friends. And encourage them to make plans for their next project.
Remember, PSB is normal. We all feel it (even your directing team). 🙂
