Oh the frustrations we found along the way

So just when you think things are going smoothly, someone comes and steals the laptop with the script on it. Just when you start to rewrite the script, the website does strange things that take hours to fix. Just when you think you can focus on your character, you have to pack up your apartment and move. Just when you are getting really close to someone, they leave on a moment's notice. So I must remind myself of the GOOD things happening right now: We have an awesome team of people that really care about our show. We have donations rolling in on kickstarter. We will have a yard at our new place! And the script might be even better because of this rewrite. Ok, off to pack some boxes. The show must go on.

create space

I had the privilege of hearing writer/director Craig Lucas speak last night at Atlantic Acting School. He said so many inspiring words that I really absorbed and can actually use today, tomorrow, and five years from now. One of my favorite things is to hear smart, creative, people talk about what they have learned in a non-intimidating way.

There are four things that will halt your productivity.
-other people's opinions, the past, drama, worry.

As a director, your job is to create space for actors to arrive at the right decision instead of telling them exactly what to do.

If you think you know something, you can't learn it.

People come to the theatre to see the mess of life. Color, behavior. When they leave, you don't necessarily want them talking about the beautiful sets or costumes, you want them thinking about how they connected their own life to what they just saw.

Surround yourself by talented people just starting out. Don't go after the big names just because they are big names.