It happens. The Fringe is great and we all love it, but there are moments - whole days, even, when you just can't face another second flyering, when the audiences aren't getting your show, when you've had a crappy review, when you feel lonely or homesick.
Here are some positive steps to take to make it a bit more bearable:
At the time of writing, we're not even half way through the Fringe - it's not too late to make changes, experiment or try something new. Leave no stone unturned, but remember to have fun!
Here are some positive steps to take to make it a bit more bearable:
- Have a good cry. We are big fans of crying. According to this website, crying helps with stress relief. But who needs science to know that a good cry can make you feel better? Things will be looking more manageable afterwards.
- Try a new flyering tactic. Bring a prop, change your pitch, change your location. If you find your audiences aren't getting your show, try and find a way to sell them what they're going to get.
- Call a friend. Whether they're at the festival themselves or they're back home, call a close buddy who can just listen for a little while, reassure you that you'll be okay and make you laugh.
- Go for a brisk walk: Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful city - take yourself out of the festival hubbub for a bit and just check out the scenery.
- Eat some fruit, and get some rest. To quote philospher Alain de Botton, "It isn't disrespectful to the complexity of existence to point out that despair is, often, just low blood sugar and exhaustion."
- Fringe Central has a relaxation session, and your participants' pass can get you discounts on yoga around the city. Take some time to chill out.
- Got a great show but no press? The Press Office at your venue or at Fringe Central will be able to help you if you're totally stuck for publicity ideas. Pitch stories about your show to the media! They are all looking for interviews, photo opportunities, interesting Fringey tidbits. Make the most of that (and check out our live tweet of How to be a Media Darling).
- Book yourself into a great show! Edinburgh is a great time to be inspired by top notch performers.
At the time of writing, we're not even half way through the Fringe - it's not too late to make changes, experiment or try something new. Leave no stone unturned, but remember to have fun!