The Burn

At some point every working professional gets burned out. We all start to feel it set in. We start to get grumpy at the thought of going to work. We long for any change in our daily routine. Every worker in every career field faces the burn. However, I have found stage managers to be extremely vulnerable to getting burned out.

In these times every artist needs to find a way to care for themselves. There are many ways a human can care for themselves. Here are a few ideas that I have found helpful when facing the dreaded burn.

1) Get a massage.

This is a great way to wind down and relax. I find it really helpful after tech. It also provides one hour where I am completely unplugged. Stage managers have to be accessible 99% of the time. However, there's nothing wrong with taking that hour for yourself. Plus, who doesn't enjoy meditative music and a backrub while napping facedown? If a massage isn't your thing, yoga and meditation are another great way to unplug.

2) Learn a new hobby.

In college I picked up knitting. During Learned Ladies at Collin College, our director had to outlaw knitting in rehearsal. People were missing cues. To this day, I knit when I'm sitting on my couch. It's a way to keep my hands busy and my mind active. Some other great ideas are to pick up cooking classes, dance lessons, bowling, skating or even an awesome Disney Plus habit.

3) Create art for yourself

Recently I felt bogged down. I had an itch to create something purely for myself. I decided to start acrylic painting. I am a scenic painter, so I understand the principles. But I've never painted something completely for myself. I have people in my life who don't understand how an artist in theatre can get burned out. They think all I do is play pretend and giggle my way through a rehearsal process. My response is that we stage managers are creating someone else's vision. We are a cog in the overall vision of another human. Sometimes creating your own art can help ease the yuckiness that can form in your brain.

4) Start working out

If you know me, you know I haven't done this one in some time. My idea of exercise at the moment is chasing after my toddler while screaming, "Don't touch that!". However, after being a nonsmoker for over a month I can feel how tired I am. I know if I were to start working out, I would get some energy back. Sometimes a little extra activity can be the jolt you need to start feeling better. If you aren't up for joining a gym, take a walk around the theatre. Yes, go outside and get some vitamin D and fresh air. It helps to regain perspective.

Of course if you are already burned out, none of this will work. My best advice is to take a season off and breathe. This is by far an extreme case. I have had to do it before. I may have to do it again in the future. I took a very long break from blogging because I didn't know what to say. Breaks are alright, they give space and perspective. But remember, the break isn't for self deprecating and pitty parties. The break is to get your head together so you can continue finding success in your field.

I will continue to compile other ways stage managers take a break. Check back for a future blog with more ideas!