The saddest I routinely see students is at the end of closing night of a show. (This applies to final concerts of the year, too.) I think it’s beautiful.
I think it’s beautiful because of the deep and real emotions they have developed related to the performing ensemble/company. I think it’s beautiful because they are able and willing to express these emotions.
And I think it’s beautiful because every show comes with a closing night. This is an experience that we all have, over and over again. With shows, with relationships, with jobs and careers, with our very lives. Everything ends, and the feelings are powerful.
Learning to feel, discern, and express those feelings is just another gift the arts give to students.