Author Archives: thevsstudioblog

It’s a powerful question. Next time you’re talking to an artist friend or colleague or someone you’ve just met, slip that question into the conversation. Notice their reaction. Often they’ll stop dead in their tracks. Then, if they do come up with an answer, it’s usually fascinating. A story about their first time on stage.Continue reading ““Why’d You Get Into This?””

It’s not your fault… …your computer crashed before you saved your script. …your lead actor won’t learn their lines. …your main funder backed out at the last minute. …your production designer is way late with their set. …your costume designer went way over budget. …your director won’t return your calls and texts. …your show didn’tContinue reading “It’s Not Your Fault”

Binx Bolling, the main character in Walker Percy’s brilliant debut novel, The Moviegoer, is on a “Search“. Like Binx, maybe you’re on a “Search.” A search for your passion project. And it can be frustrating. Agonizing. No end in sight. But unlike Binx, who’s mired in existential angst, trust that your search will end. BecauseContinue reading “The Search”

Some Monday morning motivation for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdTMDpizis8. Couldn’t get the rights for the play you wanted to do? Good. Find another one you like even more. Lost your lead actor to another project? Good. Find someone even more right for the part. Funding hasn’t come through? Good. Embrace your limitations and get creative. Reviews areContinue reading “Good”

Today’s the 40th Anniversary of “The Miracle On Ice.” Arguably the greatest upset in Olympic team sports competition. Certainly for an American team. Two things immediately come to mind. One is Al Michael’s “Do You Believe In Miracles?!!” call for the final minute of the game. Give it a watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYscemhnf88 It’ll send chills upContinue reading “Again”

Your why for doing something doesn’t need to be neat and perfect.  It doesn’t need to be some kinda thesis statement.  Or Power Point.  Or catchy, one sentence tag line.   Far from it. It just needs to mean something to you.  And hopefully radiate passion to those you enlist on your artistic journey. MaybeContinue reading “Messy”

What a dangerous question for the performer to ask the audience member. Or for the writer to ask the reader. Or the artist to ask the recipient. Do you really want to know?  Are you looking for constructive feedback to make your work better? Or are you just looking for approval? A friend of mine–brutallyContinue reading ““So, what did you think?””

David Schwartz in his book, The Magic Of Thinking Big, writes, “The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief. Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success…Big ideas and big plans are often easier—certainly no more difficult—than small ideas and small plans.” This isContinue reading “Think big. Act SMALL.”

To hell with that. Choose yourself.

Dear Passion Project, I was just wondering if you’d…uh…maybe, like…uh…be my Valentine? I know you prolly have a lot of people interested in you. But uh…I promise, if you’ll be mine, I’ll be yours. I will be true to you. I will give you all my attention, time and energy. I will leave no stoneContinue reading “Be Mine”