5 Life Lessons I Learned Through Theatre

1) You Can't Always Get What You Want.

Every actor knows the emotions after an in-tents callback range high and low. It hurts to think about the possibility of rejection yet the idea of stardom is all too tasty. But at this point, it is completely out of your hands. You have done all you could have done and now you wait. After treacherous night sweats and all of the coffee you can stomach, you anxiously search for the cast list, push your way through the crowd gathered around the golden piece of information, and you notice you did not get the lead role. (le sigh.) Okay...perhaps the supporting role? Nope. Um...chorus? NOT A CHANCE! 
And so kids, this is life. All of the effort and desire can ultimately amount to a lesson Mick Jagger tried to teach you long ago. But if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need. (And that's probably a glass of wine, a box of chocolates, and your cat.)


2) The Show MUST Go On.

Even the Queen herself admits to feeling tired and overworked in her recent GQ article, but that does not stop Miss B from bringing joy and belted trills to millions of fans. The week before the opening performance feels like a sick game of chicken between your preparation and the date that's marked on all of your friends' calendars! But when that day comes, and everybody is showing up - it's time to get your gameface and your eyeliner on. No more time for nervousness or hesitation, YOU'RE UP so get to it!







3) If You're Scared - So Are We.

Do not underestimate the average person's capability to notice a general discomfort or lack of confidence. If it is time for you to hit the high note to close out Act One, you better BELIEVE you WILL hit that note. Any moment of doubt or resistance can turn a powerful closing note into a meh-worthy awkward shift to intermission. When you present yourself to a group of people you must enhance your strengths to make up for your weaknesses. No one is perfect (besides Beyonce) so use those acting skills to create the smart, successful, talented being that's right beneath the surface. OR listen to Julie Andrews for a little pick-me-up.






4) TAKE RISKS.

Theatre classics are important references to specific points in time and can grant you the opportunity to take risks unlike ever before by banishing convention. Being the Marketing Director at Performance Network Theatre allowed me to witness the reconstruction of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. Traditionally The Glass Menagerie is set in a small Southern home with a rather annoying family you desperately want the main character to escape. The direction of Tim Rhoze, set design by Monika Essen, lighting design by Daniel C. Walker and truly amazing heartfelt performances transformed this regular repertoire piece into an imaginative experience anchored by Williams' stunning language. Maintaining the original integrity to any transformational project is key, but find those areas in which you can push the limits and your product we be well-rounded and unique! 

5) Passion + Compassion.

Many times you must play a character whose decisions are questionable, but it is your job to defend your character. There are always two sides to the story and everyone has a different interpretation. When you are placed in a confrontation, remember the person on the other end may have legitimate frustrations as well. Take a strong stand for what you believe is right but remember there is always room to bend, collaborate, and find compassion. 





That's all I have folks! I shall continue posting as I get closer and closer to graduation!! Thanks for reading.