What's Your Why? Behind The Curtain

Thank you for joining me on my journey as I share with you my love for the arts. This passion started at a very young age for me. It has carried me through my awkward adolescent years, my college days, my marriage and how our children are raised. To work in the arts, whether it is visual, performing or behind the scenes, it is not for the faint at heart. You work hard, long hours. The sacrifices are huge, but the pay off is even bigger. I have been extremely lucky to have a supportive family and husband who has never tried to hold me back. Instead they have encouraged this path and have even come along for the ride.

This has not been an easy journey. There is a lot of doubt and competition in this industry. The pace is fast, but truly magical. The camaraderie between the crew and the performers is exhilarating. There is so much creativity and team work. The industry is interesting. You can work by yourself, building, painting, creating and then be thrust into a group atmosphere as you start to put the pieces together for the production. It truly is the best of both worlds. To be able to work as a team and independently satisfies all qualities for me.

There is so much to learn in this industry and just when you think you’ve got it it changes. You must always stay one step ahead, be flexible and lead with grace. The burnout factor is huge. But when the curtain rises on the show that you have spent countless hours on, the feeling is so satisfying. There is no time for boredom. Chances are once one production goes into tech rehearsal or preview week you are already looking for your next gig, if not before then. You are only as good as your last show, so reputation plays a huge role in not only finding work but keeping it. You must show up on time, with the right tools and be willing to work hard around some of the most diverse personalities.

The funniest thing to me is when the stronger personalities come out. I have had many experiences where department heads, crew, performers, musicians and management throw the biggest fits. What we have to remember, especially as local crew/management is that when dealing with tour groups, they are tired. I mean beyond exhausted. Chances are they haven’t been home for longer than a few days and then gone for weeks/months at a time. They are lucky if they get a break from the tour bus. Their stress level is high. It is no excuse for being rude but it helps to understand where they are coming from and then approach the situation differently.

I worked one particular show years ago where the road crew had lost respect for each other. The trust was gone and they each just needed a break from one another. It happens to all of us. Experience teaches you how to get through the tough times. It is something that I have incorporated into my daily life. When I lose it out of frustration or fear I quickly apology and then excuse myself for a moment to regroup. We must always allow ourselves time to regroup, even if it is only for a glass of water. It is ok, it will be ok!!

Through the arts I have learned so much about creativity, team work, fear, compassion, friendship, independence, artistic freedom and art form. I would never change my path as it has brought me here, to this place where I want to help enlighten people who find what we do a mystery. I want to lift the curtain and share my life’s experiences and break down a barrier that some find the arts intimidating. I hope you’ll join me as we explore the “What’s Your Why? – Why Arts”