Headlights and Headaches

This is a lesson in overworking in the industry and the unfortunate outcome of a wonderful experience.

During the spring semester of my sophomore year of college, I volunteered to assist with costumes for Belmont University's large-scale production of Beauty and the Beast. As someone who had always been involved in theater, this opportunity seemed like the perfect way to deepen my involvement, shifting from being a performer to working as a costume assistant. My responsibilities included tasks like hand sewing, quick machine alterations, dealing with numerous button and zipper mishaps, and tackling the dreaded whisk costume, which, despite the hours of frustration, turned out looking fantastic.

The experience exposed me to my own limits, which I believe is one of the most valuable insights I gained regarding my future career. I was dedicating 5-7 hours a day to the theater, in addition to attending classes and completing homework. As we moved into the real production weeks, the demands intensified, and the work became more stressful and last-minute. It wasn't uncommon for me to finish a late-night show at 11 and then wake up early the next day for a matinee, followed by another night show.

The excitement of walking into the theater and witnessing a beautiful show coming to life was beyond words, but the relentless schedule and physical exhaustion left me vulnerable to illness. Almost three weeks later, I found myself incapacitated with mono, and I spent the next month in and out of the clinic.

While I can genuinely say that I would love to pursue this kind of work full-time, this experience has taught me about the immense dedication and sacrifice required in the industry. It's not just about the creative aspect but also about the physical and mental endurance needed to ensure a show runs smoothly. This fine balance between passion and overexertion is a lesson that will stay with me as I consider my future in the theater industry.