WELLBEING — Maintaining a Wholistic Life Perspective

MAINTAINING A WHOLISITIC LIFE PERSPECTIVE

Being a young performer can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also become overwhelming if performance takes over every part of your life. That’s why it’s so important to prioritise balance. This means making space not just for rehearsals and performances, but also for school, friendships, family time, and hobbies that have nothing to do with performing.

One powerful way to maintain that balance is by building friendships outside your studio or performance space. While it’s great to connect with others who share your passion, friends from school, sport, youth groups, or other interests give you the chance to unwind, talk about different things, and just enjoy being yourself. These friendships offer perspective and support, helping you stay grounded and reminding you that there’s more to your identity than performing. They can also provide stability when challenges arise—having other supportive spaces to turn to makes a big difference.

In addition, developing life skills through experiences outside of the performing arts will help you grow into a well-rounded, adaptable, and more employable artist after graduation. Skills like communication, teamwork, time management, leadership, financial literacy and even something as simple as barista skills are essential in any career—including the arts, and can actually expand your realism, understanding and performance as an actor. Whether you’re collaborating on a group project at school, exploring the world around you, volunteering in your community, or working a part-time job, these experiences prepare you for the real-world demands of a professional career and help you stand out in a competitive industry.

A balanced routine supports your mental health, helps manage stress, and allows you to enjoy being young—not just a performer. Activities like reading, playing sport, gaming, or simply relaxing with friends give your mind and body a break, helping you return to your craft feeling refreshed and inspired.

Remember, performing is just one part of who you are. By nurturing all areas of your life, you build resilience, stay motivated, and bring more depth and joy to your performances. Balance isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for long-term wellbeing and success.