After I write one blog, I spend the next month mulling over thoughts for the next one. Usually I procrastinate until Robin harasses me to the point of exasperation. I attempt to cajole myself with the thought that I want it to be strong, thoughtful, and pithy. Who am I kidding?! What I finally write is a watered-down version of what’s in my head. This month, I’m trying something new….I am writing this well before the due date. It’s not just a blog...it’s an analysis of my own creative process.
At the root of all I do, I want to lead people to find themselves in their creative adventures. In theatre, we talk incessantly about “doing the work.” I’ve really tried to change the verbiage to “enjoying the play.” Through altering our perspective from “work” to “play”, I hope all artists can their perspective and find the joy in expressing their authentic self. By re-framing the artistic adventure from work to play, I want them to enjoy the process rather than fight through a grueling ordeal. I want their art to take flight.
Art is a process and it ought not be endured but embraced.Even when the words are unfamiliar and we have to stop, define, and place contextually ; even when the dance steps are challenging forcing our bodies to move in unfamiliar ways. Even when the material is difficult and evokes darker elements. Even when….even when….even when…... even when it gets difficult and we want to hide from ourselves. As artists, and as people, we are called to examine those difficult edges and allow ourselves to play a little more every day. It’s not easy but it can be fulfilling and energizing and life-changing.
Through the years, my own preparation for “the Play” frees me to explore deeper significance of my work and how it relates to the world around me. My ability to re-frame my lessons, and productions, and performances as Play have allowed me to ask deeper questions, develop stronger visions, access truer connection, and respond more completely to all the artists I work with.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not even close to where I want to be...fully present and alive and authentic: a positive, supportive role model growing along with fellow artists. But I am stronger today than I was yesterday and more aware this month than last. I still won’t be able to master difficult dance sequences, but I have learned to enjoy the ability of my feet to touch the ground in new and unfamiliar ways.
So, I encourage - INVITE! - you to Play without allowing the steps to get in the way of the dance. Look up a new word, try a new skill, write your blog early rather than late….Play….ask the questions...and see what happens next.
-Anita Ross
Executive Director
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