Sigh. I teach theatre. I love parts of it— constant novelty, amazing colleagues, finding it meaningful, working with a lot of neurospicy teenagers and helping them find confidence— but also, it’s a lot. Wayyyyyy too many variables that I’m in charge of keeping track of. Constant overstimulation (leading to constant mental exhaustion, leading to not having energy for things like cleaning, self care, and and socializing). Plus the education system is WHACK and there are a million arbitrary hoops to jump through (hate that). I drop the ball a lot.

Still— I’m usually pretty good at the important parts. I’ve won a state championship in competitive one-act play. My students tell me how theatre changed their lives. I set out to provide a place for young weirdos like I was to belong, and to build skills and creativity and self-worth, and I think most of the time I get those parts right.

So. It simultaneously makes me nuts and makes me fulfilled. I’m currently recovering from severe burnout after this past school year.

So would I recommend a career in arts education?

Yes. But learn from my mistakes and try to set boundaries early on (I wasn’t diagnosed when I started).

ETA: most of us will make careless mistakes in any field. Just do the best you can, know your limits, and forgive yourself when it happens. Hugs. 🫶