Life as a performer—and as a human—is full of highs, lows, and moments of doubt. The rush of auditions, rehearsals, and deadlines can make you lose sight of what really matters. That’s where your “why” comes in: your purpose, your guiding star, the reason you get up and keep going even when things feel hard. Having a clear purpose is vital for mental health. It reduces stress and anxiety, builds resilience, and gives direction. By knowing your values, setting goals, and engaging in meaningful activities, you can stay grounded, motivated, and more satisfied in life.

Your voice is one of your most valuable instruments, and like any instrument, it needs care to last the distance. Many young performers push too hard without realising the long-term impact – which can lead to strain, fatigue, or even nodules.

When you think of a warm-up, you probably picture stretches, cardio bursts, and maybe a few vocal or breathing exercises. These are all essential—but there’s one warm-up many performers forget: warming up your mindset. At NAPA, we believe a strong mental state is just as vital as strong muscles. The way you step into rehearsal or onto the stage has everything to do with the energy you carry. That’s why we encourage a simple but powerful practice we call Gratitude in Motion.

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 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, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Production and competition seasons can be one of the most exciting times in a young performer's life—costumes, rehearsals, music, and the thrill of the stage! But with the excitement also comes long days, high energy demands, and lots of commitments, both at school and in the theatre. That’s why it’s so important—for both young performers and their families—to prioritise balance and wellbeing along the way.

In the fast-paced world of the performing arts, it’s all too easy to compare your journey to that of others. With social media showcasing only the highlights of other performers' careers—auditions, wins, agent signings, and big roles—it can seem like everyone else is achieving more or moving faster. But remember, comparison often leads to self-doubt, anxiety, and unnecessary pressure to conform to someone else’s timeline.

As a performer, your mind and body are your primary tools for creating art, and taking care of both is essential to sustaining your creativity, focus, and overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to nurture both is by integrating mindfulness practices into your routine. Mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the moment—something that’s especially important in the world of performing arts, where the pressure to constantly deliver and meet expectations can often lead to stress, burnout, and mental fatigue.

Injuries can be one of the most frustrating parts of the performing arts journey — but they can also be an opportunity to reset, rebuild, and return stronger than before. Whether it’s from overuse, acute trauma, or one unfortunate landing, how you recover makes all the difference.

Audition season can be an exciting, yet challenging time for any young performer. While it's natural to feel nervous or excited about your own audition, it's equally important to remember the power of supporting those around you. A positive, encouraging environment can make a huge difference for everyone involved.

Every performer experiences seasons of feeling “stuck.” Maybe you’re recovering from an injury, facing creative blocks, struggling with motivation, or simply not seeing the progress you expected. It’s frustrating—but it’s also completely normal. The good news? These moments of stillness can be opportunities for growth, reflection, and renewal.