One of my most influential mentors at Columbia was Anne Bogart. For those who don't know, Anne is an award-winning theater and opera director, the Artistic Director of SITI Company, and a truly gifted teacher.
I learned a ton from Anne but one of the things I admired most about her was the way she took care of actors. During our weekly Collaboration Class she'd lean forward in her chair the entire 6 hours and never let her focus wane. She listened to each performance as if her life depended on it. And after each play she'd offer feedback that was constructive and energizing. She made you want to be better.
One of the ways she did this was by the language she used. Instead of saying, "That didn't work for me," or "I don't get it," she appreciated the courage it took to stand on a stage and be vulnerable. She'd say things like, "I support that," or "What if we tried this instead?"
Her manner of speaking inspired dialogue and critical thought rather than isolation and ridicule. I learned the way we interact with one another is everything both on and off-stage.
Showing posts with label opera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opera. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Be Happy Where You Are
A close friend of mine is one of the most talented artists I've ever met. She's worked for major theater and opera companies, toured the world, and from the outside seems to live "the life."
Yet, each time we speak she seems to be in a frenzy. She wonders where her next job will come from, why certain directors won't call her back, and seldom seems to acknowledge her accomplishments.
As a casting reader for Broadway plays, I spent years reading opposite brilliant actors -some famous but most were not.
What I discovered is no matter where you are in your career you never not have problems. Your obstacles just change.
As a result, I've learned happiness is not attained through achievement alone. One must first make a concerted effort to be happy wherever they are. And when unexpected events occur, good or bad, you're more likely to show poise because you've already decided to bring your own weather wherever you go.
Yet, each time we speak she seems to be in a frenzy. She wonders where her next job will come from, why certain directors won't call her back, and seldom seems to acknowledge her accomplishments.
As a casting reader for Broadway plays, I spent years reading opposite brilliant actors -some famous but most were not.
What I discovered is no matter where you are in your career you never not have problems. Your obstacles just change.
As a result, I've learned happiness is not attained through achievement alone. One must first make a concerted effort to be happy wherever they are. And when unexpected events occur, good or bad, you're more likely to show poise because you've already decided to bring your own weather wherever you go.
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