10 Tips for Surviving Post-Show Blues
You've had a great show run. No, make that an AWESOME show run. Really the highlight of your life. The show itself was wonderful and so much fun to be a part of. The cast is fantastic and you've made some friends and now they are your BEST friends. And then, suddenly, not without warning...but still!), you wake up and it's over. The show has closed. A melancholy settles over your heart, painting the world blue and gray. You have the Post-Show-Blues.
You recognize the sadness and you don't like it, but never fear, my friend. Even negative feelings can lead us to Jesus if we let them.
1. Take some time, one day, perhaps, to feel the feelings. It's okay to be sad. Indulge it. Write all your feels in a journal. Cry over your pot of tea and chocolate. Take a bath. Read a good book or watch a Hallmark movie that makes you cry. Validate that something wonderful has come to its natural end and you are sad. Simply acknowledgeing the feelings is the first step in moving on.
2. Think about all the things you're NOT going to miss...that song that gets stuck in your head...that really ridiculous quick change...that one cast member who sometimes gets on your nerves...
3. Make plans to meet up with your new BFFs. Find a way to look forward to something semi-show related.
4. Make a list of all the things you can do again because your evenings and weekends are free!!
5. Update your resume. Did you learn any new skills through this process? Work with any well known professionals? Add them to the list!
6. Work on your audition book.
7. Take a class, clean your room, or organize your garage! Start (or finish!) a project you've been putting off because you haven't made the time. See #4.
8. Throw a cast party. Make up some fun awards. Watch the DVD of your performance (if you have one).
9. Connect with a friend you haven't seen in awhile because, you know, #4.
10. Book another job. Or if you've been in the game awhile and you've already got your next project booked, go ahead and dive in!
At the end of the day, remember it's okay to be sad but don't let that sadness rob you of the joy of what comes next, whatever that may be. Celebrate the things you love and have learned. Move on from the things you didn't.
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