By Zach Dulli, The Scene
By the time the high school theatre department’s big musical hits its opening night, you—the daring, dedicated theatre educator—might already feel like you’ve played every role in the production: director, set designer, costume guru, crisis negotiator, part-time therapist, and full-time cheerleader. Productions are oftentimes a full-throttle rollercoaster. But before you let your final curtain fall, it’s time to take a deep breath.
The Drama Teacher’s Dilemma
High school theatre is pure magic: bright-eyed students learning to project, express, and be their boldest selves on stage. But the behind-the-scenes hustle is all too real. Rehearsals stretch late into the evening, weekends vanish in a flurry of set-building, and your inbox is littered with emails from parents whose children have suddenly decided they’d rather play the Lacross than play Hamlet. It’s easy to lose yourself in the frenzy— especially if you’ve got your own life going on (spoiler alert: you do).
Don’t Skip Your Intermission
Even the best show has an intermission. Use yours wisely. Whether it’s a 15-minute break in rehearsal or a day off after marathon tech sessions, step back and breathe. Grab your go-to playlist and let it carry you away for a moment. Shut off the phone, step out of the auditorium, and reclaim your thoughts. Your mental health can’t keep up if you never let it rest.
Schedule Your Standing Ovation
Yes, you have deadlines, but you can set boundaries, too. Mark off personal time on your calendar like a crucial blocking rehearsal. It might feel odd prioritizing yourself, but remember: Your show is only as good as your health. Think of it as scheduling your own applause break. When you know you’ve got a Friday evening free for a yoga class or a coffee date with a friend, it becomes a beacon of sanity in the whirlwind.
Cast Your Supporting Leads
No drama teacher is an island, but it sometimes feels like it. Whether you lean on a colleague, friend, family member, or an online community of theatre educators, find your tribe. Sometimes, a quick chat with another drama teacher who’s weathered their own production storm is the perfect pick-me-up. Or maybe you delegate some responsibilities. Let the responsible student stage manager call the cues for once—you don’t have to do it all.
Give Anxiety a Cue to Exit
During production season, stage fright isn’t just for the students. Anxiety loves to steal the spotlight. A few mindfulness strategies—like grounding exercises, deep breathing, or a simple walk around the school grounds—can help keep it from hogging center stage. Remember, you’re the director of this mental production, and anxiety doesn’t get top billing.
Celebrate the Journey (Not Just Opening Night)
Self-care might sound like an unwelcome cameo at first, but remember: without you, there’s no show. Embrace the beautiful mess of drama club production season, but don’t lose sight of your own script. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a night in with Netflix, or a candlelit bath with Sondheim playing softly in the background, find the downtime you need.
Here’s your final note: prioritize your own well-being before the house lights dim. Treat yourself like the star you truly are—you’ve earned that standing ovation. Break a leg out there, but not your spirit. The show (and your life) must go on.
