Ah, the Monday after a show weekend. It’s like you forget how to function without wearing dance shoes for hours, singing all day, and putting on gallons of make-up. But, all good things must come to an end. PSD, aka, Post-Show Depression, is an illness all actors face at one point or another, and becomes more severe depending on how the show turns out. After six years of doing musical theater, I have learned a few ways to help relieve the pain of PSD.

 1) Cry

Yeah, it’s okay to sit and cry for a bit. It’s sad when you have to end a chapter of your life that was really fun. Plus, you’re exhausted, and sometimes it’s good to let out any frustrations and exhaustion through some tears. Watch Les Mis if you need help to get the water works going.

2) Sleep

There is no way that you go enough sleep this past week (or month, depending on the run of the show). So, sleep! Your body and brain will thank you after you catch some much earned zzz’s.

3) Distract yourself with the chores/homework that you blew off 

I’m in the middle of doing this myself. Just like sleep, you and I both know that you blew off something important stuff this week. While your mom might understand you blowing off doing the dishes for a few days, your teachers might not be that understanding. I spent some quality time in the studio today catching up on my art project for my drawing class, and tonight, I will be catching up on some math. Not the most fun, but it’s a good distraction.

4) Stay in contact with your cast mates

Just because the show ended doesn’t mean that you have to stop talking to your friends! You just spent the last few months bonding with these people, so give them a call! Hang out! Share show memories, and repeat step one if needed.

5) Sign up for another show

No two shows are alike. Each show holds new things to be discovered, and while the last show might have been wonderful, who knows what’s in store with the next one! Come on, you know you want to! You can’t keep the theater person off the stage for too long before they go a little bonkers.

To anyone going through PSD, it does get better. While sometimes I miss shows, even from a few years back, there’s always a new adventure to look forward to. So let PSD run it’s course, but don’t let it keep you down for too long! Something will be coming, and though you don’t know what it is, I bet it’s gonna be great.

Until Next Time,

Abby