We are all bound to make mistakes. Sorry. But them’s the rules. The artist who says “Sure sure sure, I get it, but you’re not understanding me” is always going to fall way behind the artist who says “Ah, I see now! Thank you for pointing that out.” Humility is important. And, as Michael HealeyContinue reading “Willingness to Be Wrong”
Tag Archives: vulnerability
Take a Note
Celebrated Canadian playwright Michael Healey led a webinar through Citadel Theatre recently. Many things stood out to me but one thing I thought I’d share is his note on taking notes. In the writing process, we have to be able to take notes from others. You create a play in order for an audience toContinue reading “Take a Note”
Offers vs. Actions
In my relatively short time working in the theatre industry and crafting stories in collaborative settings, I’ve come to notice a common bad habit. We assume that being open to criticism and willing to discuss issues with others is enough, but we don’t address the obstacles people face in seeking that help. If an individualContinue reading “Offers vs. Actions”
Conflict Avoiders
I’m trying to be more wary of people who can’t handle any form of conflict. Differences in opinions/perspectives are inevitable. When living or working closely with people there’s bound to be disagreements. So we all have to practice the skill of facing conflict. Facing conflict requires an internal strength that I’m realizing some people justContinue reading “Conflict Avoiders”
Leaning into Discomfort
Now is the time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Systems need to be broken in order to allow room for all of us. And the breaking of systems will make people who benefit from them uneasy. That’s part of the process. What that looks like, for me, is asking myself hard questions, and notContinue reading “Leaning into Discomfort”
Out of Sight
In the process of being vulnerable (and creative), there will always be information and ideas that remain hidden. Directing a play, for example, requires one to be on high alert for that which is unseen. An actor may suddenly say a line in a way that completely unhinges the entire scene, and if you payContinue reading “Out of Sight”
Small Acts
We underestimate the power of small gestures. I believe all we want is to feel seen and heard. That’s what Oprah says, anyway. And that feeling of belonging can come from unassuming moments of interaction. A touch on the arm, an understanding smile, a free coffee (that one’s a doozy for me, let me tellContinue reading “Small Acts”
Conspiracies
Lately my posts have focused on big concepts, like sensitivity and witnessing, which may just come across as a tad didactic. Oops. But I do think those things are important to talk about when discussing the creative process and what keeps us artists goin’. I would say I’ll focus in a bit today and writeContinue reading “Conspiracies”
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