Author Archives: thevsstudioblog

“Success is peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” -John Wooden For life and for anything we’re trying to do, it’s vital to know how we define success. It should be our own, personal definition. It mightContinue reading “Success?”

The observer effect is a common principle in quantum mechanics. Basically, it states that the mere observance of an object changes the actual object. You can read more about it, including Schrodinger’s famous cat, HERE. The Stoics advocate behaving as if someone is always watching you. Someone you admire and respect. Seneca called it havingContinue reading “Act Like Someone’s Watching You”

“I criticize by creation, not by finding fault.” -Marcus Tullius Cicero It’s easy to know what we’re against. There’s a long list. And it’s the first step towards progress. But it can’t end there. We must know what we’re actually for. What specific changes do we want to make? What new systems do we wantContinue reading “What Are You For?”

I recently spoke to an actor friend who organized a Zoom play reading. “I had no idea how much work goes into producing,” she said. She came away with a deep respect and appreciation for the job. She couldn’t imagine producing an actual run of a play. Let alone also acting in it. Unless someoneContinue reading “No One Knows What It’s Like”

We don’t get to decide how our art is received. If it is received. Who exactly will receive it. That’s entirely up to the audience. All we get to decide is if that idea in our head is worth spending precious time, effort and energy to create.

In finance, a sunk cost is defined as a cost that’s already been incurred and can’t be recovered. Classical economists argue that when making a rational decision, sunk costs should not be taken into account. They are bygone. All that should be considered are current alternatives and future consequences. Sounds great in theory, but humanContinue reading “Sunk Costs Will Sink You”

Be wary of putting anyone on a pedestal. They have many flaws and will let you down. Be wary if anyone wants to put you on a pedestal. You have many flaws and will let them down. We’re all deeply flawed. We’re also capable of doing incredible things. Beautiful acts of kindness, generosity, bravery, andContinue reading “Pedestal”

Making art can be a very lonely endeavor. We often feel like nobody’s out there. Nobody cares. Nobody wants to hear from us. That’s ok. Keep going. Embrace the freedom that comes from dancing like nobody’s watching. You’re on your way to making something amazing. I, and many others, can’t wait to see what youContinue reading “Hello…Is This Thing On?”

We love watching people immersed in their craft. Fully engaged in what they’re doing. Entire television channels (The Food Network, HGTV, etc…) were created and organized around this principle. This is especially true in our acting. We must be completely interested and totally engaged in whatever we’re doing. Whether it’s playing an action, doing behavior,Continue reading “To Be Interesting, Be Interested”

There’s an old adage: don’t ask a question if you’re afraid of the answer. But to get better, to grow as an artist, you need a few people you can trust. People who get you and the change you’re trying to make. If you have them in your life now (they are rare), cherish them.Continue reading “You Can Handle The Truth”