Last updated on Jul 15, 2024

Here's how you can bounce back with a positive mindset after a major theater failure.

Facing a major setback in theater can be a daunting experience. The curtain falls, the audience has left, and the silence backstage is heavy with the weight of disappointment. Whether it was a performance that didn't resonate, a production fraught with technical issues, or any other failure, it's a moment that can test even the most seasoned theater professional. But it's also a moment ripe with opportunity for growth and resilience. In the world of theatrical production, where the show must go on, learning how to bounce back with a positive mindset isn't just beneficial—it's essential. This article will guide you through the process of recovering from a theatrical misstep with your positivity and passion for the craft intact.

1 Accept Reality

Accepting the reality of a failed theater production is your first step towards recovery. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions—disappointment, frustration, even grief. Acknowledge these feelings without dwelling on them. Understand that failure is an integral part of the creative process. It's not the end of your career but a chance to learn. By accepting what happened, you create a foundation for moving forward with clarity and purpose.

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Elizabeth Karr

Producer at Discovery Productions
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Don’t dwell on it, but do learn from it. Failures are a part of moving forward. It happens to all of us. When you’re faced with a failure, theatrical or otherwise, absolutely do a postmortem to determine what went wrong. Identify to the best of your ability what caused the production to fail. Not enough planning? Not enough budget? Hiring or personnel mistakes? Not enough oversight? Too much micromanaging? Too much multitasking and inability to delegate? Creating art is a delicate process, filled with nuance & a zillion decisions. But when we look closely, we can identify an area where things started to go amiss. I find it helpful to identify what I would’ve done differently. Then take it with me to the next production. Onwards & Upwards!

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Scott Hornstein
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I think we grow up with the notion that if we are talented, smart, "good", that our career trajectory will be a hockey stick. Many of our "heroes" are those whose lives haven't been tarnished by reality. The reality is that life just isn't like that, and it's those that get back up who get the most out of life.

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Sean Perlmutter

Make Talent Your Hero ✶ Partner at Pivotal Twist ✶ Build your culture, refine your leadership, and develop your people with the power of story.
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Accepting reality is vital to a healthy life, regardless of your endeavor. But, just as "pain is inevitable but suffering is optional", a performance that doesn't meet expectations is inevitable, but failure is optional. That's because you're in charge of what qualifies as failure. So it's possible to *never* fail. Like Miles Davis once said, "There are no accidents." You can choose not to classify it as a failure. It's merely feedback. Reframing a situation like that empowers you to go after the next one with clarity and gusto. And what if you did everything right and it still disappointed? (Ticket sales, tech issues, disengaged audience...) Accept reality. Without self-recriminations. Onward! The world needs your special brilliance!

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alfredo bremont

Human Resources Professional, on the art of being.
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to bounce back from a failure 1) consider the failure as a learning process in fact it was not a failure but rather to make you understand that you can do a lot better than what you believe you could, think about the character you are representing forget those eyes that are watching you interpret what the author is hoping to communicate you are the vehicle you are the emotional living the feeling the one that translates transmites the message to the audience, they are there to learn not to judge from the entertainment that in reality is a message of wisdom on a simple public form

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2 Seek Feedback

After you've come to terms with the failure, actively seek out constructive feedback. Approach your cast, crew, and if possible, your audience members to understand what went wrong. Listen with an open mind and resist the urge to get defensive. This feedback is invaluable; it provides insights that you might have missed and highlights areas for improvement. Remember, every piece of criticism is a stepping stone towards your next success.

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3 Reflect Deeply

Take time to reflect on the feedback and your own observations. What lessons can you take from this experience? Reflection is a powerful tool that can transform a negative experience into a source of empowerment. Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts and progress. Through reflection, you can identify both your strengths to build upon and weaknesses to address in future productions.

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Jay Hayden

Artist, Administrator, Aesthete.
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I always ask: 1) What is the best scenario I could have gotten? 2) What is the worst scenario? 3) How do I aim more for the best scenario next time? It happens. We just never share when we fail. Being in an industry dominated by image, our peers are loath to say "I DIDN'T book something!" - I think we should say this more- celebrate failure, acknowledge it as a learning process.

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4 Plan Ahead

With reflection comes the opportunity to plan your next steps. Create a clear, actionable plan that addresses the issues identified. Set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself and your team. This plan should be a roadmap that guides you through the process of rebuilding and improving your theatrical production. Having a structured approach will give you a sense of control and direction as you work towards your next performance.

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5 Stay Connected

Maintain connections with your theater community. Reach out to colleagues for support and advice. Their experiences and perspectives can offer comfort and guidance as you navigate this challenging time. Networking within your community can also open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, which may lead to future successes in your career.

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6 Cultivate Positivity

Finally, cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the possibilities ahead rather than dwelling on past failures. Surround yourself with positive influences—people who uplift you and reinforce your passion for theater. Engage in activities that boost your morale and creativity. By fostering positivity, you set the stage for a resilient comeback, ready to face new challenges with confidence and enthusiasm.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can bounce back with a positive mindset after a major theater failure.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept Reality

2 Seek Feedback

3 Reflect Deeply

4 Plan Ahead

5 Stay Connected

6 Cultivate Positivity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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Here's how you can bounce back with a positive mindset after a major theater failure.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Accept Reality

2 Seek Feedback

3 Reflect Deeply

4 Plan Ahead

5 Stay Connected

6 Cultivate Positivity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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