Student Blog: How I Balance School and Theater

My first quarter as a senior just came to an end and what a ride it was. While I am blessed to have a partial schedule, I am currently enrolled as an ECAP (Early College Access Program) student at Anne Arundel Community College, taking courses in Spanish and Political Science. Balancing both my high school classes and my college classes have been challenging. In addition, I am a part of the Talent Machine Company’s holiday show, which rehearses on the weekends, as well as babysitting for children around my neighborhood. So, how do I balance all this, while maintaining good grades and mental health? I use a variety of tools and time management skills to help navigate through my busy schedule.

One tool I use is to do lists. I LOVE making lists. Whether it's packing lists or itinerary, making lists makes me feel in control and organized. I map out my entire week, with consideration for my activities and my schoolwork. I spread out my work evenly to avoid procrastination and piling too much on one day. Generally, I complete 3-4 assignments a day after school. I also always try to make time to do something for myself like watching episodes of Gilmore Girls or reading a new book. 

Another tool I use to balance my school life and my theater life is time management. I block out time to practice the numbers for my musical, run lines, and sing through my solo. I also block out time to complete my schoolwork and study for my tests. Time management is a crucial skill if you want to pursue musical theater and maintain a strong academic record.