BWW Blog: The MFA Schedule- No Need to Stress

By: Feb. 27, 2019
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

BWW Blog: The MFA Schedule- No Need to Stress

8am: Production Meeting
9am: Studies in Acting class
10am: Playscript Analysis class
11am: Directing class
12pm: Period Design Styles class
1pm-4pm: Playwriting class
4pm: Head to Triad Stage for rehearsal
6pm: Dinner
7pm: Head to Sprinkle Theatre for different rehearsal
10:30pm: Homework & Pack for NYC trip
12am: Sleep?

That's just a quick look into my schedule at UNCG as a MFA Directing student... Things have slowed down a bit since the beginning of the semester (just directing one show now), but it's an easy schedule to look at and begin losing your mind.

I recently had a friend ask me how I get everything done with all that I have going on already. When I started answering that question I realized that yes, life is pretty crazy and how am I not stressed out of my mind? But somehow I have figured out a good system that works for me.

I'm a visual learner and I find it helpful when I am incredibly organized. It takes a lot of time at the beginning of the semester to get syllabi, rehearsal schedules, and other life happenings in my calendar, but it's worth it.

This semester, I bought some craft paper and made a giant calendar that is held on my wall with gaff tape (I'm a theatre person. Gaff tape is essential). I can see the entire semester on one wall. It's really quite beautiful if your brain is similar to mine. Then I wrote everything down: classes, rehearsals, deadlines.

BWW Blog: The MFA Schedule- No Need to Stress

Once I figured out where I had available hours to do homework or even sleep, I identified those and figured out which tasks needed to be completed in that space. Based on that process, I was able to then put that information in my phone's to-do list and calendar. So now, I don't spend time on making to-do lists, I just spend time doing what needs to be done.

So what about my social life?

Well... I like to think that my social life happens during rehearsal. I'm sure many of you can relate. But most times, I choose to do homework or sleep instead of hanging out. I also gave up Netflix this semester... I know I sound crazy, but it works for me.

I have this really cool opportunity to learn more about creating art and then I get to put it into practice. Then outside of classes and rehearsals, there are more opportunities. For me, I get to work with Broadway artists in NYC, write plays from sponsored research trips, make invaluable connections... If those opportunities are what I experience at the cost of Netflix or hanging out every night, giving them up is not difficult.

The way I go about grad school works for me. I understand that others may not work the same way. And that's okay, but these are the ways I not only keep up, but also thrive without experiencing too much anxiety! It may seem crazy to have to schedule in the times I relax, but this level of organization gives me more freedom to enjoy my downtime.

Ultimately, I ask myself these questions:

What experience do I want in school?

Are my current priorities supporting my goals?

What sacrifices do I need to make in order to manage stress?

When I honestly answer those questions and then take action, I find myself enjoying school, learning, and truly living in the moment, rather than stressing about it.

 


Join Team BroadwayWorld

Are you an avid theatergoer? We're looking for people like you to share your thoughts and insights with our readers. Team BroadwayWorld members get access to shows to review, conduct interviews with artists, and the opportunity to meet and network with fellow theatre lovers and arts workers.

Interested? Learn more here.




Videos