Student Blog: Musical Theatre and Mental Health

Whatever way you choose to work through your thoughts, always remember the reason why you do what you do.

By: Student Blogger: Olympia Prodafikas Jul. 27, 2021

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Student Blog: Musical Theatre and Mental Health Image In this profession, we normally think of vocal care and rest as the number one priority. While it is high up on the list so is taking care of our brain and mental state. This is a tough business with many rejections and heartbreaks. I'm sure most of the advice you've heard is "suck it up and build up thick skin". This is true to an extent; we do need thick skin in order to not break down after every failed audition.

However, we also need to give ourselves credit and practice self-love and care every day. I find that taking walks works best for me. Walking helps you talk out your feelings and organize your thoughts with a clear head. Whatever way you choose to work through your thoughts, always remember the reason why you do what you do. We all are passionate about this for a specific reason.

Remember that reason and it will get you through every day. That reason will get you through every failed audition. That reason will help you say "you know what self, this audition may not have been the best" or "I might not have gotten the part I wanted, but I went out there and did my best". Every audition is just more experience and one step closer to that dream role. The people that will succeed in this business are the people who don't give up easily. So take some time and focus on your mental health; it will all be worth it in the end.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Off-Broadway Musical - Top 3

1. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - New World Stages

23.6% of votes

2. Mexodus - Minetta Lane Theatre

12% of votes

3. Bat Boy - City Center

8.7% of votes

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Theater is not a trustworthy, stable, formulaic path, and it never will be, that’s just the nature of our field. It is, however, the reason to wake up in the morning, the only thing that lights your soul on fire, and the place you can label home when you feel there is nowhere to go. So the question then becomes: How can I have a lifelong, fulfilling, stable career in the Theater?

Student Blog: Why Every Theatre Student should Work in a Technical Shop

In order for there to be a true appreciation for the amount of labor that goes into creating a show, theatre students must understand each element of the work required to put it on. The immense amounts effort put in by technical shop workers can often go overlooked; their tireless work not fully understood by others involved in the production. For respect and cohesion, I believe that it is important for every theatre student to spend time working in technical shops.

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