Author Archives: thevsstudioblog

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do, say and think.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Memento Mori is an ancient practice of reflecting on our own mortality. Reflections manifested in all art forms–paintings (like the image above), songs, writings (the Stoics and others), etc….even Walt Disney made his own personal MementoContinue reading “Memento Mori”

What happens when you find a play you’re passionate about and commit to producing it with excellence? You create an incredibly meaningful experience for a whole lotta people. You start the virtuous cycle. You create a meaningful experience for yourself. For the playwright. For the cast. For the designers and crew. For the audience. OrContinue reading “The Virtuous Cycle”

I bet you got… …one magical play inside of you. …one phenomenal role you’re dying to play. …one meaningful experience you must create. I’m betting on you. Now go bet on yourself.

I try to watch Mark Duplass’ brilliant SXSW keynote speech at least once a year. You should too. In the meantime, here’s the cliff notes version… The Cavalry Isn’t Coming. The Cavalry Isn’t Coming. The Cavalry Isn’t Coming… YOU are the Cavalry.

If I were being interviewed on a popular podcast, any podcast… Interviewer: “If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your twenty-one year old self?” Me: “Go Make Art With Your Friends.” Interviewer: “What advice would you give yourself now?” Me: “Go Make Art With Your Friends.”

Tom Hanks Golden Globes speech should be required viewing for any artist. Especially actors. Two big takeaways…be on time and come prepared with strong choices. Reminded me of a workshop I was in many years ago. Taught by a very famous, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. (Bonus points if you can guess who.) It’s day one. Playwright’sContinue reading “The First Lesson”

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, is extremely popular right now. And with what’s going on in the world, it’s easy to see why. If you want to read more, I highly recommend the Big Three –Continue reading “What Can You Control?”

Yep. That’s what Shawn Askinoise found. I highly encourage you to check out his book and his chocolate. Shawn was a super successful defense attorney living in Springfield, Missouri. He loved his job. Then suddenly in his late forties, he didn’t. He prayed this simple, silent prayer, every day for for five years, “Dear God,Continue reading “Meaningful Work Through…Chocolate?”

ART: Doing something that might not work in service of others. I’m paraphrasing the great Seth Godin here. Seth is someone you should definitely check out by the way. I love this definition because it empowers you to be artistic all the time. Not just when you’re acting, writing, painting, etc…doing something “artistic”…but in yourContinue reading “An Inspiring Definition of Art”

Meaningful Work + Meaningful Community = Artistic Happiness. Welcome to the very first blog post! Thought I’d share the fundamental principle of The Vs. Studio and leave you to think about it. I’ll definitely expand on these themes throughout the blog. Thanks for being here.