In the world of performing arts, especially when you’re young, it’s easy to feel the pressure to have it all figured out — to know your "type," master your craft, and start building your brand. You might feel like you need to be exceptional now, to stand out, to have a perfectly curated résumé before you’re even sure who you are.

In the world of performing arts, talent is your ticket in. Your skill, your presence, your artistry—they’ll get you noticed. They’ll land you the audition, the callback, maybe even the job. But talent alone isn’t what keeps you working. What truly sustains a career in this industry is who you are when the spotlight isn’t on you.

In the performing arts world, we’re often told to keep pushing forward — to train harder, chase the next role, perfect the next routine, and keep our eyes firmly on our goals. And while that drive is a big part of becoming a successful performer, it’s just as important to take moments to slow down, look around, and look back.

In the performing arts industry, success is often portrayed as landing the lead role, booking a big job, getting representation, or going viral. And while these are incredible milestones, they’re not the only ways to measure success — and they may not be the right benchmarks for you.

As performers, it's easy to focus on memorising lines — making sure every word is delivered perfectly. But true acting doesn’t live in the words alone — it lives in the space around them.
The pauses.
The thoughts.
The emotional shifts.
The reactions.

As performers, we spend a lot of time embodying other characters’ emotions — joy, heartbreak, rage, wonder — but how often do we pause to check in with our own feelings? This week’s wellbeing focus is all about emotional self-awareness — learning to recognise what’s going on inside you so you can stay grounded, focused, and emotionally healthy on and off the stage.

School holidays are the perfect time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the world outside the stage lights — but that doesn’t mean letting your skills go cold. The best performers know how to stay show-fit and soak up real-life experiences that make their acting, dancing, and singing more truthful and rich. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your break:

As a young performer, your world is full of movement, music, emotions, expectations, and constant feedback. You’re asked to give so much of yourself — to be expressive, adaptable, disciplined, and brave. But amidst all the rehearsals, classes, auditions and performances, it’s easy to lose track of how you’re feeling, off-stage. That’s where journalling becomes a powerful wellbeing tool.

Rejection is part of every performer’s journey—no matter how successful they are today. Even professionals and Hollywood superstars face it regularly. Not getting the part doesn’t mean you aren’t talented, capable, or worthy of a career in the arts. It just means that this particular role wasn’t the right fit at this particular time. And that’s okay.

As a performer, your body is your instrument—but your mind is what drives your expression, your passion, and your presence. That’s why one of the most underrated but powerful things you can do for your wellbeing and your craft is to get enough quality sleep.

In the world of performing arts, starting young can feel like a necessity. From dance classes to vocal training, acting workshops to early auditions — many children begin building their skills before they even hit double digits. And yes, there is real value in that. Early training helps young performers develop discipline, confidence, and technical excellence. It lays a solid foundation for future success, and may even provide incredible professional opportunities within your childhood.

One of the most powerful tools an actor or performer can develop isn’t found in a script — it’s found in everyday life. Great characters don’t just come from imagination; they come from observation. Watching people closely — how they move, how they react, how they speak — is how you turn a character from words on a page into a living, breathing person.

It’s natural to look up to mentors, teachers, industry professionals, or talented peers—but it’s important to be cautious about idolising them. Putting others on a pedestal can blur the line between healthy admiration and idealisation. This often leads to unrealistic expectations, disappointment, or feelings of inadequacy when their flaws or limitations inevitably appear. No matter how successful someone is, they are still human—with their own struggles, insecurities, and mistakes.

In the performing arts, your body is more than just your physical presence—it's your instrument. Whether you're dancing, acting, singing, or doing all three, your body’s health, energy, and resilience are essential to your success. One of the most powerful ways to care for that instrument is through the way you fuel it: with food.

In the performing arts world, it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the fast pace of competitions, callbacks, solos, and the constant stream of social media highlights. The excitement of winning, the rush of being seen, and the validation that comes with standing out can feel like the ultimate reward—and it often is, in the moment. However, when your focus narrows solely to collecting trophies, chasing applause, or trying to outdo your peers, you risk losing sight of something far more important: the deeper purpose and long-term vision behind your training.

In the world of performing arts, perfection can sometimes feel like the ultimate goal. We watch polished performances on stage, in film, or online, and it’s easy to believe that great performers never make mistakes. But the truth is, everyone—even the most seasoned professionals—makes mistakes. It’s part of being human and part of the learning journey.

In the world of musical theatre, dance, and singing, the journey never really ends — and that's one of the most exciting parts of this career.

Even the most successful performers in Broadway, film, or concert stages continue to train, grow, and refine their craft. Why? Because staying curious and open to learning keeps your performances fresh, your skills sharp, and your passion alive.

Here’s how you can embrace the mindset of lifelong learning:

As the temperature drops, your body needs a little extra care — especially if you're dancing, singing, or training regularly. Cooler weather can increase muscle tightness and joint stiffness, which raises the risk of strain or injury.

In the world of performance — whether in school productions, youth theatre, or early professional work — you're likely to meet a wide range of personalities. Most people are supportive, but sometimes, you'll encounter subtle forms of bullying: exclusion, gossip, backhanded compliments, or silent treatment. This kind of behaviour — often called covert bullying — can be hard to spot, and even harder to call out, but it can still take a real toll on your confidence and wellbeing.

Following on from last week’s Performance Tip “Shine Together and Not Just Alone”, a truly compelling performance is never the result of one person alone. No matter the size of your role — whether you're delivering a key monologue or simply walking across the stage in a silent moment — your presence, energy, and intention contribute to the overall story. Theatre, film, and any form of ensemble performance are collaborative art forms, and their strength depends entirely on the commitment of every performer involved.