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In times like these, it’s wise to heed these four words from Mr. Lincoln.
It’s also wise to heed in the good times.
That’s what’s amazing about live theatre. It’s ephemeral. It’s here today. Gone tomorrow.
Let’s lean into the emphemerality of life. Let’s embrace it.
We’ll get through this.
Because…
“This too shall pass.”
“This too shall pass.”
“This too shall pass.”
“This too shall pass…”
After answering the two essential artist questions, now ask yourself, “Who’s It For?”
Take for example, producing a play.
“Who’s it for?”
People who like theatre, especially intimate theatre?
Fans of this playwright?
People who love plays, movies, etc…that might be similar to this play?
People who might be interested or support this subject matter? For example, if you produce Tracers by John DiFusco, you can reach out to Veterans. If you produce Mary Jane by Amy Herzog, you can reach out to caregivers.
People who like live performance (theatre, concerts, etc…)?
Your close friends and colleagues. Wouldn’t they be excited to know that you’re producing something you’re passionate about? Won’t they bring their friends too?
You can keep going and going…
This exercise should inspire, not paralyze you. It should give you confidence that an audience definitely exists for your art. You know there are fans out there. People you want to reach. People who inspire you to produce with excellence.
And by the way, you might just get a much bigger audience than you ever imagined.
Jack Canfield, bestselling author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul book series, lives by a simple formula that any Stoic would love.
E + R = O
E stands for Event.
R stands for Reaction.
O stands for Outcome.
We can’t control E, the events that happen to us in our lives. We can only control R, our reactions to those events. Thus, if we want to change O, our outcome, we must change our R.
This echoes Marcus Aurelius’ wonderful advice, “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
It’s inevitable that when you’re making your passion project, all kinds of E’s will come up. Don’t judge them. Instead, immediately notice your R’s, your reactions to those events. Are they positive or negative? How do you feel when you think them? Will they help move the project forward?
If not, change them. You’ll feel better. You’ll take productive actions. And in the process, you’ll change your outcome.
“Don’t Let Your Music Die Inside You.” – Wayne Dyer
You have music inside. We all do. Art that needs and wants to be expressed. If you don’t, it will die. And a part of you dies.
Don’t let it happen.
Let your music out!
Play the notes.
MOMENTUM: (in physics) the force or speed of an object in motion; the increase in the rate of development of a process
I remember going to Six Flags Great America with some college buddies. Brian–total physics maniac–spent the whole day marveling at this one, particular roller coaster. He kept repeating to himself and anyone who’d listen, “It’s momentum. It’s all momentum!”
Physics aside, what excited him was the ride’s design. How, after the initial energy needed to put the coaster in motion, it kept going. And going. And going. All the way to the end. And the only force needed to keep it going was momentum.
Find your passion project. Get it in motion. And let momentum become your friend.
A good producer knows their priorities. And fully respects other’s priorities.
A great producer inspires one common priority…a passion project that everyone is excited to work on.
Everyone has priorities in life. You have yours. They have theirs.
And we live in a world where anyone can reach us at anytime.
But just because they can, doesn’t mean you instantly drop your priorities for theirs.
You’ve got meaningful work to do.
Get to it.
Then you can respond.
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca
I know the Coronavirus is top of mind right now. Here’s a great post by Seth Godin: https://seths.blog/2020/03/thoughts-on-a-virus/ Give it a read.
Rather than freak out and be glued to the news (what mainstream media would like us to do), focus on the few, simple actions you can take to prevent it’s spread while protecting yourself and others. Trust that while difficult now, we’ll get through this. And know that with the world being as inter-connected as ever, you have the opportunity each and every day day to make an impact. To spread good viruses.
Like…
The virus of leadership.
The virus of passion.
The virus of generosity.
The virus of service to others.
Don’t wait. The world needs your good ideas. Your good viruses. Now more than ever. Spread them.
Being a producer is about taste. Not necessarily good taste. But specific taste. To develop that taste, you need to first devour as much art as possible. It can be anything that interests you–books, plays, music, short stories, films, poems, articles, podcasts, tv, etc….Then, reflect on the art you’ve just consumed. Finally, and most importantly, share what you think is worthwhile with others. It’s in the sharing that you’re taking a stand. You’re putting yourself out there. You’re saying, “Hey, I’ve read or seen this and I think it’s worth your time.” That takes guts. That takes generosity.
Welcome to “Fellow Traveler” where I highlight a few things I really loved that month. Maybe it develops into its own online newsletter, but right now, consider it a bonus blog post. Thanks in advance for reading. I’d love your feedback and welcome your own “picks.”
Here goes…
FILMS
BOOKS
ARTICLES
PLAYS
PODCASTS
P.S. – Why the name “Fellow Traveler”?…We’re all traveling on our own artistic journey. The journey to find and manifest the art we’re passionate about. Let’s travel together.
The Vs. Studio Blog