Archive for January, 2010
It’s a famous lyric, I’m sure you all filled it in, and even sang it, in your heads, if not allowed.
And yet, we do need more than love, even for the things we love most. I always thought for writing what I needed most was discipline… which I equated with writing every day.
But, I’ve come to realize that I don’t work that way… I just don’t write every day. But when I do, what I need more than anything is ENTHUSIASM. When you’re really excited about what you do, the time just flies by. Check out Chris Rock’s riff on a “career” vs. a “job” and where similarly touches upon what I mean.
What helps create that enthusiasm? Time… AWAY from a project, so you can come back to it fresh.
Here’s to the long weekend, replenishing our minds and bodies, and getting in touch with that enthusiasm again.
–Sue
January 15th, 2010
Some writers use as many words as they can, I use words sparing — approaching dialogue like poetry, appreciating the music of language.
On the way back from the post office today, I saw two older gentlemen crossing the street to get to their car. The one holding the crumpled tissue in his hand says to his friend, “This is knocking the kishkehs outta me, this nose!”
They both shook their heads in unison. I walked away smiling–not at the poor guy’s pain, but because that’s a line of dialogue so specific to a certain age/ethnicity/religion. With that one line, you can know so much about this guy.
You can even get an idea about delivery, intonation, syncopation — all from 8 words…
The power of language is amazing!
–Sue
January 14th, 2010
You can feel it… when you’re upping your game, when you’re pushing to get to the next level.
I definitely feel it — and I realize the game I’ve been playing is too small. I’m ready to blow the doors off.
–Sue
January 13th, 2010
I’ve been sharing some of my newer work with a chosen few… It’s a departure for me, the way this play is playing out.
Some responses are good… others are lukewarm at best. Since it’d been a while since I’ve put something so new out there, I realized just how vulnerable I am as an artist.
And I’m also remembering how important it is to, above all else, trust myself.
–Sue
January 12th, 2010
America’s Favorite Plays is dedicated to deciphering where the tastes of regional theatres and their subscribers and patrons lie.
Mr. Teachout distilled his information from Top Ten Produced Plays, a list TCG puts our yearly, which was indeed a fascinating read.
Taking a few minutes to pour over the stats listed for all 16 seasons (dating back to the 94-95 season), a very interesting fact emerged.
My favorite play of all time, the play (and playwright) that really made me understand that I wanted to be a playwright, “The Glass Menagerie” (written all the way back in 1944) is produced a third of the time. (Of the 16 seasons, “Menagerie” was listed 6 times… simple math yields a 1:3 ratio.)
When I first read the play in 10th grade (about two seasons before these stats were tabulated), I was moved by the poetry of the language, the complexity of the characters, and the intimacy of the story. More than anything, I felt like I was in the very capable hands of a master.
And as the data shows, it’s apparent theatres and audiences around the country feel the same way.
–Sue
January 11th, 2010
Look at the top of this ad carefully… highlighting the producers of the show. It’s part of a new marketing initiative to expand the audience for FELA.
Arguably not the easiest sell, I think it’s a great move. What’s the use of cache if you can’t/don’t use it to champion a project you’ve not only invested time and money in? But even more importantly, what most theatre producers pour into projects they’re involved with is LOVE! Especially with a project like FELA, I’m sure there was a deep and personal connenction for all of these performer/producers on multiple levels.
I hope their cache turns into cash-o-la at the box office.
–Sue
January 8th, 2010
I’m very blessed. I have many people in my life who are open and honest enough with me so they can “tell it like it is.” My best friend, Lea, is one such person.
We’re both in seemingly different places in our lives right now, with seemingly different situations, but since we’re alike in so many ways, it’s easy for us to see where the other is coming from–and to draw the parallels to our distinct situations.
Theatre does the same thing. Most of the people in the audience are not experiencing the same exact situation being played out on stage, but at the end of the day, we’re all similar and need similar things in our lives… therefore we can draw parallels from what we’re seeing mirrored in our own lives.
It’s amazing what you see when you choose to embrace what’s in front of you.
–Sue
January 7th, 2010
Ever find yourself dancing when no one’s home? It’s a guilty pleasure… just like singing in the shower.
But for many, dancing is a way of life. The challenge (as it is for any artist) is keeping it fresh.
Enter 1 Dance a Day, a daily blog with, you guessed it, a dance (or tip for keeping it alive) is featured daily.
The wonderful conceit of this idea is that they are hoping to inspired dancers and readers to use their ideas… nurturing generosity and inspiration in the process.
–Sue
January 6th, 2010
We’ve been communicating and crafting songs, my composer and I… and in the process, negotiating.
It’s during these negotiations that I’m seeing where “I” and my ego end and where collaboration begins.
Our mutual respect for one another, and for each other’s work is helpful — but what’s more helpful is expecting that there will be disagreements, since we’re each bringing a different perspective to the table.
The best part? All of this makes the work stronger — since it becomes bigger than either one of us.
Here’s to making beautiful music together!
–Sue
January 5th, 2010
There’s a directive in Judaism to “repair the world”, Tikkun Olam. I try to fulfill this task through my writing, a theater in New York is doing it through their box office sales.
As reported in Crain’s this morning, and on their own website, the Jewish Theater of New York has opened their doors to those who need theater most in these challenging economic times. Anyone on foodstamps or Medicaid with a Benefit card can simply show his/her card at the door and pay only $5 dollars, instead of the normal $50, per ticket.
What an inspiring and amazing way to not only reach out, but to offer a helping hand!
–Sue
January 4th, 2010
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