The Post-Show Blues

Months of arduous work went into the performance.

There were intense rehearsals, countless production meetings, and plenty of sleepless nights worrying about what could go wrong.

But when the show is over, that’s often when the real challenge occurs for cast members.

There’s a phrase in theatre called the “post-show blues” — and whether we know the first thing about acting or not, it has likely impacted us at some point.

The post-show blues refers to the feelings that come with the end of a period of exhausting work, when we feel both emotionally drained but also nostalgic for the shared experiences of the past weeks or even months.

For many of us as coaches and executives, the end of a season or hectic business cycle leaves us feeling empty and without a cause — as so many of us have been entirely consumed with our work for an extended period.

While these feelings are perfectly normal and a reflection that we were truly all-in on our product, allowing them to fester for too long can be counterproductive and detrimental to our own mental health.

So, what are some strategies to navigate the post-show blues?

1. Take at least a couple of days to relax

So much of our identity for the past few months has been tied to our work, and having more time on our hands can leave us feeling a bit directionless. It’s important once it’s over, though, to not overwhelm ourselves by immediately adding other tedious assignments. Taking a few days to do something fun and enjoyable is often the first step to getting back on track.

2. Catch up on what you’ve missed

Our hard work has likely come with some tradeoffs. We may have neglected other work duties, time with family or friends, or completing some other project. View the new free time as an opportunity to get up to speed on what we may have missed out on.

3. Evaluate what you’ve learned

It can be difficult to think clearly in the days after a major production as emotions continue to run high. But in the weeks to come, we’d be wise to consider the greater lessons of our recent experiences and think about how these may serve us long term. If all we think about is how hard we worked and how the project is now over, we’re likely missing some real opportunities for reflection and long-term growth.

4. Stay in contact with those you shared the experience with

There’s a good chance if we’re a little down or directionless, other team members may have the same sentiments. Keep in contact with them, re-live some of the highlights and laughs of the journey, and continue to build relationships that go beyond our work.

5. Find the next mountain to climb

Many complete a challenge and then struggle to find an identity after. But the truly elite don’t become satisfied with their accomplishments or cling to what they’ve just done. They instead seek the next opportunity while looking for ways to further improve their skillsets.

Ultimately, strategies will vary from person to person on how to navigate the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with the end of a production cycle.

But formulating a tangible plan and coming up with some practical action strategies moving forward can help get us back on track sooner rather than later.

When the curtain closes, the show may be over. But with the right mentality, we can make the next production even more impressive.