Student Blog: Preventing Performer Burnout

At one point or another, every performer will experience what is called “burnout.” Burnout is the feeling when performing loses its joy or spark. Burnout can occur after really stressful, over-scheduled times. It is important to note that burnout will look and feel different to every performer. But overall, burnout is something we want to avoid.

I have only experienced full burnout a few times, but I have a few tactics I use to avoid reaching the point of total burnout. My first strategy is to allow myself a day of the week to dance solely for fun. I attend dance class three times a week and on my days off I typically do some sort of strengthening, conditioning, or rehearsing on my own. However, I never want dance to begin to feel like a chore. It is important to me that I remember why I am putting all of this time and energy into dance. So a few months ago, I began dedicating Fridays to dancing and choreographing for fun. I am constantly hearing songs that inspire me to choreograph and dance, so I’ve decided that Fridays are the days that I can spend that time dancing and creating just for myself. It is always surprising how refreshing dancing just for the sake of dancing can be. 

I do a similar thing with singing. If I ever hear a song that makes me think, “I really want to sing this,” I do just that. Once I am done practicing my material for voice lessons and auditions, I take at least five minutes to sing whatever song I want to sing. Just like dancing, singing simply for fun helps to remind me why I began singing in the first place. I also use other creative outlets like playing guitar and piano and writing music to keep my love for music and performing alive and strong. 

There is also nothing wrong with taking a break from performing. Sometimes the best way to cure burnout is to take a step away from your art. A break doesn’t have to mean taking a whole month off of training or performing. A break could be as small as a day or a weekend and still be valuable. If there is a day I am already feeling frustrated about my art, whether it be singing, dancing, acting, or all three, I will decide to take the evening off from practicing. I have learned that practicing with a negative mindset is never beneficial. So if I am feeling extra frustrated for whatever reason, I ask myself if practicing would be beneficial right now or if it would be more beneficial to take a break. 

Musical theater is hard work and it is never going to be a walk in the park. But you never want to push yourself to the point where you lose your love for performing altogether. As always, everyone has different strategies that work for them, but my overall advice is to find a way to remind yourself why you began performing in the first place. This could be listening to your favorite cast recording, seeing a show, or watching your favorite pro-shot. It is so important to take breaks and listen to your body. Learning how to manage your mental health and prevent burnout as a performer will prove to be an invaluable skill.