BWW Blog: The MFA Schedule- No Need to Stress

8am: Production Meeting
9am: Studies in Acting class
10am: Playscript Analysis class
11am: Directing class
12pm: Period Design Styles class
1pm-4pm: Playwriting class
4pm: Head to Triad Stage for rehearsal
6pm: Dinner
7pm: Head to Sprinkle Theatre for different rehearsal
10:30pm: Homework & Pack for NYC trip
12am: Sleep?

That's just a quick look into my schedule at UNCG as a MFA Directing student... Things have slowed down a bit since the beginning of the semester (just directing one show now), but it's an easy schedule to look at and begin losing your mind.

I recently had a friend ask me how I get everything done with all that I have going on already. When I started answering that question I realized that yes, life is pretty crazy and how am I not stressed out of my mind? But somehow I have figured out a good system that works for me.

I'm a visual learner and I find it helpful when I am incredibly organized. It takes a lot of time at the beginning of the semester to get syllabi, rehearsal schedules, and other life happenings in my calendar, but it's worth it.

This semester, I bought some craft paper and made a giant calendar that is held on my wall with gaff tape (I'm a theatre person. Gaff tape is essential). I can see the entire semester on one wall. It's really quite beautiful if your brain is similar to mine. Then I wrote everything down: classes, rehearsals, deadlines.

Once I figured out where I had available hours to do homework or even sleep, I identified those and figured out which tasks needed to be completed in that space. Based on that process, I was able to then put that information in my phone's to-do list and calendar. So now, I don't spend time on making to-do lists, I just spend time doing what needs to be done.

So what about my social life?

Well... I like to think that my social life happens during rehearsal. I'm sure many of you can relate. But most times, I choose to do homework or sleep instead of hanging out. I also gave up Netflix this semester... I know I sound crazy, but it works for me.

I have this really cool opportunity to learn more about creating art and then I get to put it into practice. Then outside of classes and rehearsals, there are more opportunities. For me, I get to work with Broadway artists in NYC, write plays from sponsored research trips, make invaluable connections... If those opportunities are what I experience at the cost of Netflix or hanging out every night, giving them up is not difficult.

The way I go about grad school works for me. I understand that others may not work the same way. And that's okay, but these are the ways I not only keep up, but also thrive without experiencing too much anxiety! It may seem crazy to have to schedule in the times I relax, but this level of organization gives me more freedom to enjoy my downtime.

Ultimately, I ask myself these questions:

What experience do I want in school?

Are my current priorities supporting my goals?

What sacrifices do I need to make in order to manage stress?

When I honestly answer those questions and then take action, I find myself enjoying school, learning, and truly living in the moment, rather than stressing about it.