Monday Musing, 11/19/18

Hello Apprentices--

As this holiday season begins, I’m reminded that for many of you this may be your first major holiday away from your family. This is bittersweet, to be sure. Part of what you sign up for when you pursue the theatre life is that we work when the civilians play. We are often a big part of the holiday traditions of OTHER people. Deck the Halls is a great example, actually. In just a couple short years, that show has already become a tradition for many of our local families.

So even though your run of holidays always at home may be ending, that also signals the beginning of something else. Of your professional life. Of your agency, your ability to decide what your priorities and values truly are. Don’t shy away from the pain; allow it to clarify your thought. Allow it to simply be SENSATIONAL, in the literal sense of that word. Pain is a sensation. Creation is painful. Transformation is painful. Those sensations need not be negative, and definitely need not cause you to shy away from the growth that is barreling towards you, ready or not.

Likewise, the value of something is intimately linked to what it COSTS. And I do not use the word costs merely in its financial sense. You will find that the true cost of something is the time you invest. Expertise COSTS time. Intimacy costs time. Traditions cost time, because a tradition only becomes tradition through repetition.

It’s ok if this particular batch of holidays is more bittersweet than sweetly joyous for you. That is as it should be, in fact. Take that moment to look back and appreciate, but then also take the time to be here now. In Sarasota. Among your new friends and colleagues and community. And to note those things that may become your new traditions. Those things that may expand your understanding of and appreciation for your holidays.

That cost will be worth it.​

Have a great Thanksgiving this week, and a great tech for Deck the Halls, and great performances of Gentleman’s Guide. Relish being a part of someone else’s tradition.