“Do I Mean It?”

As the artistic director of Vs. Theatre Company, there are two questions I always ask myself before deciding to produce a play:

(1) This very well could be the last play we ever do. Is this the one I want to go out on?

(2) With the resources at our disposal (e.g. theatre space, finances, etc…), can we do the definitive version of this play? It’s art and by definition, one has no idea if it will work. But I need to feel like we have a fighting chance to do a world class production. We owe it to the play, the playwright, the artists and the audience.

If the answer to either of the above questions is “No”, I pass. It’s that simple.

I shared this producing philosophy recently with some colleagues after seeing 52 Pick-Up at the Hollywood Fringe. (A great show by the way. The two actors, JJ and Ann (she also wrote it), are dynamite together. Don’t miss it.) My friend and talented artist Matt, overhead the conversation and politely asked to interject. Below is our exchange (some paraphrasing):

Matt: “I love this philosophy. But if I may, I would add a third question.”

Me: “Sure. What is it?”

Matt: “Do I mean it?”

Me: “….”

Matt: “If you answer yes to the first two questions, then you’re gonna produce the play, right? But as you know, it’s a ton of work. The timing has to be right. Other stuff…So to move forward with a production, you kinda have to challenge yourself…Ask yourself if you mean it….Do you really mean your ‘Yes” answers to the first two questions.”

Me: “Yes!”

Such a great third question. (Thank you Matt.)

And one that has universal application.

Before setting out to do anything, ask yourself, “Do I mean it?…Do I really mean it?”

If yes, then proceed.