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”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Not Up To Us
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.
Sunk Costs Will Sink You
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”
Pedestal
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”
Hello…Is This Thing On?
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?”
To Be Interesting, Be Interested
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”
You Can Handle The Truth
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”
Today
“Make each day your masterpiece” -John Wooden The legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, learned this expression from his father, a farmer. It was listed on the “7-Point Creed” his dad handed him and his brothers when they graduated elementary school. Wooden credits it for much of his own drive and success in life. MementoContinue reading “Today”
Essayons
Essayons is a French term which means “Let us try.” It’s also the motto of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. No matter what’s going on in the world and in our lives. No matter the uncertainty. No matter the odds. No matter if the art or change we seek to make will work. NoContinue reading “Essayons”
Self Talk
One of the main reasons we love John McClane in Die Hard is Bruce Willis’ portrayal. He imbues the character with humanity at every turn. McClane’s not a superhero. Not super human. Just a regular guy, with street smarts, who’s in an extraordinary situation. Who chooses to be brave in spite of remarkable odds andContinue reading “Self Talk”