Student Blog: Take a Break: What Do We Do When We Aren't Performing?

…Is this thing on?

Hi there! My name is Katie Gleason, and I’m about to be a sophomore at Long Island University Brooklyn, earning my BFA for Acting in Theatre, Film, & Television. And this is my first Student Blog Post! I’m so excited to start taking you all on this journey with me!

A little about me before we begin... As far as acting goes, I’ve always known I wanted to perform. I know, I know, we all say that, but it’s true! Moving to New York and pursuing an acting career is fulfilling a promise I made to myself very young. Little me would be absolutely thrilled that I followed in Sharpay’s footsteps. (Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, anyone?)

My freshman year of college was a rollercoaster, but was truly an amazing experience. I moved out of my small town to the big city for the first time, which was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I started my official training, I met an amazing group of friends and artists, and I challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone in performances. (But we’ll get into all of that over the next few months.)

So, Katie, you had a great first year, what are you doing this summer? And the answer is… not much.

I’m back in my hometown for the summer, and am waiting tables to save up for the next school year. I know, thrilling. Getting to see old friends is amazing, and having time off from classes and assignments is always a plus. But I can’t say I love waking up across the street from a farm, rather than the nearest subway station.

Unfortunately, I’m not able to perform while I’m home for the summer, either. I’m sure all of us actors learned this from COVID, but not being able to perform can make us go kind of insane. As Rachel Berry once said, “I’m like Tinkerbell, Finn. I need applause to live!”

Jokes aside, it is tough when we are seperated from something we love so much. Even if only for a few months. Getting to perform so often while at college was exhausting, and difficult, but also really exciting and rewarding. 

I almost feel guilty about not performing for a summer. People keep asking me what I’m doing next, and I see so many of my friends getting jobs, or booking shows, which is incredible! I love seeing my friends successful! But, I feel like I’m behind. I feel like I’m losing some big race. And people are constantly giving the advice that you aren't racing against anyone else, but that's a lot easier said than done. My brain is constantly telling me that I’m not trying hard enough, that I don’t want it bad enough, even though I’ll be back to performing in just a few months. 

Right now, I’m trying to remind myself that productivity for my career doesn’t necessarily have to mean auditioning and taking jobs. It can also mean taking care of myself. Another big part of this summer is seeking help for some health issues I’ve been struggling with, as well as re-starting treatment for mental illness. Taking care of my mental and physical well-being is just as important to a successful career as what’s on my resume. Having this break allows me to focus on myself, search for the help I need, and recharge before the next year of training. This past year has been wonderful, but a lot to process. And that's okay!

Balancing mental health with performing is tricky, and is one of the main things I’m working towards in my training. I want to push myself to get out of my comfort zone, to not hold myself back, to keep going even on the hard days, but I also don't want to ignore my own boundaries. Finding that balance has been, and will be, something I continue to find throughout my whole career.  

Other than that, though, I am finding lots of ways to keep myself busy this summer. I’m jumping back in to making more social media content, I’m attending concerts, I’m visiting my friends in the city when I can, I’m going to conventions… any way I can possibly find to celebrate my passions with the people I love. That’s what it’s all about, right? 

I can’t wait to continue sharing my thoughts and experiences with you all. Thank you so much to BroadwayWorld for this opportunity! 

Take care of yourselves, 

K 

(TikTok: @starksnova , Instagram: @katiesgleason )