Bouncing Back: 9 Ways to Recover and Thrive After a Disappointing Production Experience

by Zach Dulli, The Scene

As a theater teacher, you pour your heart and soul into every production you bring to life. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and a disappointing production experience can leave you feeling discouraged and unsure of how to move forward. Remember, setbacks are a natural part of the creative process and present valuable opportunities for growth and learning. With this in mind, here are 9 ways to help you recover and thrive after a disappointing production, ultimately strengthening both your students’ skills and your own resilience.

1. Allow Yourself to Feel: Acknowledging and validating your emotions after a disappointing production is essential. Allow yourself to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even a bit defeated. Remember, it’s natural to be invested in your work, and experiencing these emotions is a sign of your dedication and passion.
2. Reflect and Seek Feedback: After a lousy production experience, take a step back and reflect on what went wrong. While it’s crucial not to dwell on every little mistake, understanding the root causes will help you avoid them in the future. Seek feedback and advice from trusted friends, colleagues, and especially fellow theatre educators.  Constructive criticism can be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement.
3. Focus on the Wins: While it’s essential to address disappointments, it’s equally important to celebrate wins. Identify the moments and achievements that were successful in the production. Recognize and appreciate your colleagues and students who demonstrated hard work, dedication, and growth. Focusing on the positives can maintain morale and motivation for future productions.
4. Revisit Your Goals and Realign Expectations: Reevaluate your initial goals for the production and assess whether they were realistic. Perhaps you set the bar too high, or maybe unforeseen circumstances impacted the outcome. Adjust your expectations accordingly, considering the resources and constraints you face, to ensure you have set achievable goals for future productions.
5. Encourage Student Reflection: Engage your students in a reflective exercise to help them process their emotions and learn from the experience. Provide a safe space for them in small groups to express their thoughts and feelings about the production. Encourage them to share what they believe went well, what could have been improved, and what they individually learned from the experience. This discussion will not only help foster a sense of community but also provide valuable insights into the production process. Encourage students to brainstorm ideas for improvement and actively involve them in decision-making for future productions.
6. Seek Inspiration and Professional Development: In challenging times, get inspired! See professional theater, attend workshops, or participate in professional development opportunities. Learn from experienced professionals who have faced similar challenges and discover new techniques and strategies to enhance your teaching skills. Continuous learning and seeking inspiration will help you grow both personally and professionally.
7. Build a Supportive Network: Connect with other theater teachers, both locally and online, to share experiences, seek advice, and find support. Join theater teacher associations, participate in forums, or attend conferences to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of the profession. Building a supportive network will provide a valuable source of encouragement and help you bounce back from disappointments more quickly.
8. Take Time for Self-Care: Recovering from a lousy production experience can be mentally and emotionally draining. It’s crucial to practice self-care during this time. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or indulging in a favorite hobby. Taking care of yourself will help rejuvenate your spirit and restore your enthusiasm.
9. Reinforce the Importance of Perseverance: Teach your students the valuable life lesson of perseverance. Remind them that setbacks are a natural part of any artistic journey and that true growth comes from rising above challenges. Encourage them to continue pursuing their passion for theater, emphasizing the importance of dedication, hard work, and resilience.

Recovering from a disappointing theater production experience is not easy, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones for future success. Remember, disappointments are temporary, and they provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning. You are not alone in this journey, and with time, patience, and perseverance, you will create extraordinary theatrical experiences for your students and audiences alike.