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Our industry is a dynamic field full of creativity, innovation, and amazing people. However, the glamour often conceals the immense pressures and unique stressors that accompany working in this high-octane industry. From tight deadlines to erratic schedules and intense scrutiny, stage managers face a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact our mental and emotional well-being.
In this article, I’ll delve into the distinct stressors prevalent in the entertainment industry and explore practical strategies to effectively reduce and manage stress.
Before we discuss how to identify and cope with stress, let’s first understand what stress is and why it exists in the first place. Stress is a natural physiological response triggered by the body when facing demands, challenges, or perceived threats. It’s the body’s way of mobilizing resources to cope with situations that require attention or action. This response, known as the “fight-or-flight” response, releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body to react swiftly. While stress can be a motivator in certain situations, prolonged or excessive stress can have detrimental effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. It manifests differently for each individual, encompassing feelings of tension, anxiety, or overwhelm, alongside physical symptoms like increased heart rate, muscle tension, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Stress can arise from various sources, including work pressures, personal relationships, financial concerns, or major life changes, impacting individuals in diverse ways and influencing their overall well-being.
Identifying stress is the initial step toward effectively managing its impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Recognizing stress allows us to acknowledge and understand the various triggers and symptoms associated with it, enabling us to take proactive measures or course-correct. By pinpointing stressors, whether they stem from work, personal life, or specific circumstances, we gain the ability to implement targeted coping strategies. Moreover, early identification of stress offers an opportunity to prevent its escalation into chronic or severe conditions like anxiety and depression. It empowers us to seek appropriate support, make necessary lifestyle adjustments, and adopt stress-relief techniques, ultimately making space for a healthier and more resilient mindset. Overall, recognizing stress is crucial in initiating a proactive approach to effectively mitigate its adverse effects and promote a balanced and fulfilling life.
Where project timelines are often subjected to constant changes, this fluctuation leads to a perpetual sense of instability among professional stage managers and can lead to a more stressful scenario. Freelancers, in particular, face irregular job prospects, uncertain income streams, and an ongoing struggle to secure their next project. This unpredictability creates financial strain and emotional stress, contributing to an overall feeling of insecurity.
Because our creative work inherently invites subjective evaluation and critique, it can deeply impact our self-worth and confidence. It becomes a significant stressor as we strive to balance creative expression and technical precision with commercial success, often facing rejection or negative feedback. How we receive, digest, and respond to this feedback is important to understand.
The entertainment industry thrives on deadlines. Whether it’s film production, theater rehearsals, music album releases, or television show broadcasts, professionals frequently work under immense time constraints. These tight schedules create relentless pressure to deliver high-quality work within limited timeframes. The constant race against the clock intensifies stress levels, affecting creativity, decision-making, and overall performance.
In the pursuit of excellence to meet demanding industry standards—even though it does not exist—we often reach for perfectionism while sacrificing our own well-being as a badge of honor for staying the latest or working the most hours. The temptation to create flawless content, perform impeccably, or produce groundbreaking work places an enormous burden on us as Stage Managers. The fear of falling short of expectations—personally and professionally—contributes to heightened stress, fostering an environment where mistakes are often perceived as failures or feeling less-than.
The nature of our careers often involves irregular and demanding working hours. Long shoots, rehearsals stretching into the late hours, or sudden changes in production schedules disrupt any semblance of a regular routine. The irregularity not only affects physical health due to disrupted sleep patterns but also poses challenges in maintaining a consistent work-life balance.
Because of this, we frequently spend extended hours on sets, in dark rooms, or touring, leaving limited time for personal relationships. Additionally, the intense focus on career demands often results in limited opportunities for socializing and building meaningful connections outside of work. Prolonged isolation from family and friends can lead to feelings of loneliness and detachment. I can personally relate to this feeling, and it’s hard to overcome at times.
Understanding these unique stressors within our field is crucial for implementing effective coping mechanisms and support systems to promote mental and emotional well-being among professionals.
Mindfulness and Stress Management: Cultivating mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, or journaling can help individuals in the entertainment field manage stress. Practicing mindfulness regularly enables professionals to stay present, manage anxiety, and improve focus amid the chaotic and demanding nature of the industry. Not only to manage it but also to learn to identify it so that you can proactively decrease stress.
Physical Wellness: Prioritizing physical health is crucial. Regular exercise contributes to overall well-being and serves as a stress-relieving outlet. I know it’s so hard to find time in our busy schedules to practice physical activity, but any small level of activity is a great place to start. Incorporating physical activities such as yoga, dance, or even outdoor activities can help alleviate stress and promote better mental health. Adequate sleep and balanced nutrition play a part in maintaining energy levels and enhancing resilience against stressors, too. What we put into our bodies affects how we feel and think.
Effective Time Management: We, as stage managers, are great at organizing production schedules, but sometimes we forget to do the same for our personal lives. Find a routine that works for you so that you can find time for the things you enjoy in life while also being able to accomplish the goals you set for yourself.
Learn to Say No: Set boundaries and identify personal limitations to prevent burnout. Learning to decline additional projects or commitments when already stretched thin is an important and hard lesson to learn for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Saying No does not mean you aren’t committed.
Embrace Change: Developing resilience and adaptability in our industry characterized by constant change is important. Otherwise, you might go mental. Those of us who can pivot and adjust to evolving circumstances will navigate the uncertainties more effectively. Flexibility in approach and mindset helps us to manage the stress associated with the unpredictability.
Creativity as a Release: Engaging our hobbies or creative outlets unrelated to work serves as a healthy escape. Pursuing artistic or recreational activities outside the professional sphere can act as a great stress relief valve, allowing us to recharge creatively and mentally. Try it!
Open Communication: Fostering transparent communication within teams and with supervisors can mitigate stress triggers. Encouraging an environment where professionals feel comfortable expressing concerns or discussing challenges promotes a sense of support and understanding.
Promoting a Positive Culture: Cultivating a workplace culture that values mental health, well-being, and work-life balance is crucial for the long-term success of teams. Implementing initiatives such as mental health workshops, flexible work arrangements, or wellness programs demonstrates a commitment to supporting employees’ overall health and reducing stress levels within the organization. Read my article here for a deep dive into how to build culture.
Mental Health Resources: I encourage everyone to access mental health support, go to therapy, or locate counseling services tailored to our unique challenges as stage managers. These approaches can provide successful coping strategies and an outlet for discussing and managing stress. Seeking professional help when needed is an essential step towards maintaining mental health. It’s not a weakness; it takes courage and strength to ask for help.
Networking and Support Groups: Building a network of peers and mentors within the industry is invaluable. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, or finding support from those who understand the industry’s challenges can provide a sense of community and reassurance. Support groups or forums can offer a space to discuss everyday stressors and gain perspective. Consider joining the Half-Hour Seminar for Stage Managers here, where we are building a network like this.
Our work as stage managers presents unique challenges that can significantly affect mental health and well-being when we do not pay close attention to the impact they have on us. By acknowledging them and implementing proactive strategies, we can better navigate the pressures and demands of our careers and work pressures. Prioritize yourself through self-care, seeking support, setting boundaries, and fostering a supportive culture.
Remember, we all react and respond to stress differently. By recognizing our individual stressors and employing these coping mechanisms, we can thrive while preserving our mental and emotional well-being in this vibrant industry.
Feature Image Credit: Tutu Mucky. Scottish Dance Theatre. choreographed by Botis Seva. February 2017
Also by Bryan Runion:
“Why should I care?” How Empathy and Curiosity can help us see “The Big Picture”
Bryan Runion is a professional Production Stage Manager whose credits include: Drawn to Life (Cirque du Soleil and Disney), Netflix’s Stranger Things: The Experience, Duel Reality (7 Fingers), La Perle (Dragone), The Voice of Tolerance (The Ministry of Education, UAE); Mastercard Experiences (Mastercard); Everybody Black (World Premiere), Queens (La Jolla Playhouse), Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy (The Old Globe), TEDx (Chula Vista), Mark Morris Dance Company, Joey Alexander Trio, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (La Jolla Music Society), The Bridges of Madison County (Arkansas Rep). Bryan earn his M.F.A. at The University of California, San Diego and his B.A. at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and The Stage Managers’ Association.
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