My Post Show Blues
My Post-Show Blues -
Post-Show Blues or Post-Show depression is a feeling most actors get after finishing a long run of a production. There is a sense of emptiness, longing and stagnation that seeps into your psyche and makes its self comfortable. Post-show blues are not an easy thing to overcome. Some actors get it much worse than others, and I’m jealous of anyone who says they’ve never experienced it.
I’ve known I wanted to perform since I was called onstage during a performance at a secondary school open day my older sister was contemplating attending. I remember getting to be a part of a pirate battle; I beat the captain of the ship in an arm wrestle, and in typical attention whore style, I took it one step further, took a prop sword off of an actor and chased the pirate around the stage with it. When I was finally dragged (literally dragged) off stage, there was a room filled with applause and laughter because of me. From then I was hooked. I knew I wanted to feel that as often as possible. Chasing that feeling has led me to where I am and be lucky enough to get paid to search for that sensation I craved as a child. I’ve been a part of numerous casts and had countless experiences with post-show blues.
For me, a mix of excitement and nervousness comes with starting a new contract. It’s new people, a new place and new energy that allows you to escape your norm. Relationships are built (some more potent than others), and for that contract, these people, this show is your life. This mixture of emotions is heightened when it's finally time for doors to open and audiences to take their seats. The rush of the new contract has subsided, but there is now the thrill of seeing how all the work you’ve put in has been received. Was that joke as funny out loud as it was in my head? Did that kiss convey the passion of the characters? Does this costume make my calves look small?
The connection you have with the castmates, the positive response from the audience, and obviously, getting to enjoy the high of the feeling you're hooked on—it puts you on top of the world. But once the run ends and there are no more audiences, the cast returns to their homes across the country; the reality that life isn’t always energetic and fun starts to weigh on you and… you miss it.
The post-show blues I had after a recent pantomime of Aladdin was especially hard as I work at the theatre we performed in. So, not only was there a yearning to do the show one more time. But a constant reminder of the fantastic memories and bonds I formed in the show. Walking past the dressing rooms, I saw different costumes on the rail. Props we used every night lying lifeless in the props cupboard. It was being shoved in my face that it was over, no matter how much I may have wanted it not to be.
Post-show blues are entirely personal feelings. My response was a reflection of my own life. Other cast members went straight into new contracts or are more comfortable taking time and allowing themselves to figure out what happens next. Some may not have liked the show or done bigger and better, so it wasn’t a big deal for them. However, I know overcoming my post-show blue was difficult, and if there were one piece of advice I’d give to anybody who wants, it would be this.
Don’t miss it - Be amazed you did it.
Once I changed my perspective on the show, I found it much easier to accept that I needed to find a new adventure to sink my teeth into. I will always be appreciative of the cast and crew. I will always look back on the experience with joy and delight. I have read the messages they left in my programme and scanned over the production shots (many times). But no longer with longing and yearning but with a sense of amazement. Amazed that I was there. They did this. I met them. We accomplished all that.
I won’t let post-show blues sully such an amazing time.