Gratitude in Show-Biz: Why Thankfulness Matters for Theatre Performers

With the thrill of Halloween gone, and the joy of Christmas on the horizon, it's now that special season of preparing for the Thanksgiving feast and all that comes with it. Now that it's "Turkey Lurkey Time," many of us are starting to take a moment to appreciate life's blessings. And rightly so.

In the world of theatre, at any level there is an underlying sense of urgency. A constant need to compete, to do more, to be "go-go-go" at all times, lest you be caught unprepared. It's a field that prides itself on always wanting more, always wanting harder, always just wanting. Despite their separation from "hustle culture" industries like tech or finance, the performing arts have perfected their own version of this recipe for burnout.

And while passion and desire for growth are both important in the entertainment business, we often forget to slow down and appreciate the beauty of our own art in our quests to "make it."

So why does thankfulness matter in show-biz? What does gratitude get you in the arts? Let's chat about it.

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You'll Appreciate Your Work More

Gratitude starts with what you already have, of course. When you take a moment to recenter your thoughts about your craft, and shift them towards thankfulness, you'll find that you become a bigger fan of yourself. Reflect on the projects you've completed, the milestones you've hit, and the community you've cultivated along the way. By reaching for the past and greeting it with thankfulness, we validate to ourselves the credibility of our achievements. This doesn't just turn our outlook towards the positive, it strategically wires us to move with confidence as we find value in what we've already done. It gives us a hopeful glimpse of our future endeavors, by finding appreciation in what has passed. And this isn't just generic inspiration, either.

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Your Community Will Notice the Difference

A simple and sincere "thank you" in an audition room can immediately get the folks behind the table on your side, and an attitude of gartitude in rehearsals can make you a friendly presence that your fellow castmates want to be around. Humility is a trait that is often overlooked in theatrical communities, and it's an unfortunate reality that comes with the territory. But, by carrying humility and gratitude with you, you not only set yourself apart from other candidates in an audition room, but you also play a crucial role in making a space where others feel safe to create, not compete. Some of the best art happens in collaboration, where individuals support each other to make something bigger than themselves.

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You'll Have Room for More on Your Plate

While not unique to those in the performing arts, "busy" has become a badge of honor that's worn with a weary sense of pride. Having "a lot on your plate" transforms from a scheduling inconvenience to an entire personality, complete with high levels of stress and low levels of enjoyment. When we keep an impossibly full schedule in our efforts to keep up with a fast-paced world, we often don't see the opportunities that we are just too booked to notice. Practicing gratitude for what you already have on your plate is a great way to manage your schedule effectively without going overboard, and it opens up the time for you to reflect and appreciate what you already have. Keeping things intentionally open can be the difference between taking on a project that deeply resonates with and changes you, or never having the time to even consider it. So try to be grateful for what's on your metaphorical plate first, before going back for seconds!

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Between career-practical and emotionally-impactful effects, gratitude can be a powerful tool in the world of theatre. Research even shows that "gratitude interventions" (like gratitude journaling) can have a positive effect on us, and can help us feel more satisfied in our work. So this year, try to slow down, give thanks, and appreciate the craft at every stage.

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?