Spring Shows and Youth… Ah… Youth!

This is the first week of Spring and the new season of shows are busting out all over… (I know, that’s supposed to be June, but I couldn’t resist), and every year, there seem to be more and more and MORE shows going on that one needs to try to get to see.

This spring is no different.

Last week, I managed to snag a ticket to the completely sold out run of The Addams Family produced by LYTE at The Palace Theatre. I love that show. I saw it on Broadway with Bebe Neuwirth and Nathan Lane and I thought it was tremendous good fun then, and I’ve now seen it performed by two delightful younger casts and enjoyed it both times. It’s a fun, silly, campy romp that doesn’t ask you to think much, but still delivers with some clever quips and great melodies. The set was FANTASTIC and the costumes were great, but the enthusiasm of the young people on that stage was what made it feel like spring was on the way for me. In particular the performances of Gomez, Morticia and Wednesday Addams – I found them all delightful, but these characters have the best lines in my opinion and these talented youngsters delivered!

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This week, a truly wonderful play, (with music) opens at Original Kids. I really wanted to be involved in this production – and I mean really – you can imagine after seeing it twice on Broadway and twice at the Shaw Festival that I must have a special place in my heart for this show, so you can bet I’ll be picking up my ticket in short order for their production of Peter and the Starcatcher, a prequel of sorts to Peter Pan with many theatrical twists, surprises and ridiculous humour to keep you laughing as you read the script, let alone when energetic youth get to perform it! You’ve probably not heard of this little gem very much, but I guarantee, if you make the effort to head out to the market this week, you won’t be sorry – the script its that good.

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After these two vastly different productions, even more delightful fare is on the way – there’s never any shortage of shows in this town – but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the delicious little production of Anne & Gilbert – the Musical, that I’m working on for OKTC. Again, you’ve probably never heard of the show, but you will recognize the characters, their story and the feel of the music! This Canadian tale takes over from the end of the Green Gables story everyone (should) knows so well and follows Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe on their further education and romantic entanglements. It is going to be running in rep with the original musical during April. This is a new thing for OKTC. They’ve worked in repertory type situations in the past with their Playfest, but not with musicals and not with two shows so closely related. I can tell you, without the staff and facilities of the Shaw or Stratford Festivals at our disposal, we are working quite diligently to make the shows technically blend well into one space – for almost a month. Be sure to get tickets to each show, so you can get your fill of Anne and let us know how well we succeed!

Fingers crossed! And hey, go see a show!

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The Spring Musical… and Facebook memories!

Ever since Facebook started offering a look-back on memories from each day, I’ve been checking the postings and, in general, they’ve all been really fun and up-lifting. Posts of my recently departed kitty-cat do cause some pangs, but I still love looking at pictures of him, so that outweighs the sadness.

The biggest thing I start to realize with all these memory posts are the patterns in my theatrical creations and how they coincide with certain times of the year. Not just my work in theatre, but also my friends and I love when our memories coincide.

For example:

Kerry Hishon’s post about our production of:  Little Mermaid

Kerry Hishon’s post about our production of: Peter Pan, Jr.

My March Break production of Jungle Book:

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And now I’m seeing Kerry posting about a project I know is near and dear to her heart: Peter and the Starcatcher

I haven’t done a March Break show in quite a while, mostly because I really need the break at that point of the year, but I’ve done a few May shows for OKTC in the past year and THIS year, I’m working on a show for April for them, (Anne and Gilbert) and ANOTHER show for June for my school (Xanadu).

Fingers Crossed… I don’t need to cross my fingers, I know they are going to be great. But I also know that NEXT year, my memories will fall at a different point and still be ever so poignant.

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Is it ever enough…?

This time of year is a tough time, for a lot of people. Students are prepping for and taking exams. Teachers are prepping their report cards. Everyone is getting ready for the new semester. Award shows are gearing up to evaluate the work of some of the performing arts and if you started a New Year’s Resolution… by now you probably have had a lapse or given up completely on that resolve. At least, I would have, if I did that sort of thing. I gave up years ago.

But as I come to the close of this semester, I get to enjoy the final efforts of my students in their performances. It can be a really fulfilling time for all of us, even if they don’t quite realize their full potential. I’ve had the privilege of watching them progress through the semester, and I hope, I’ve given some good pointers along the way to stimulate improvement in their skills and creative process.

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Today, I had the joyful experience of hearing my vocal students perform their final pieces. We had an excellent artist in our accompanist Marque Smith, and the students definitely benefited from having him there to play for them. The selections they chose for their exam songs were almost exclusively from the world of Musical Theatre and they were all very high quality choices. This, by itself, was a pleasure to listen to for the course of almost 2 hours. Their support for one another was delightful and each of the students rose to the occasion and have all improved over the course of this semester.

Just to tantalize you, some of the selections were:

Memories, Steps of the Palace, You Don’t Know This Man, Nothing, Don’t Rain On My Parade, Burn and many more beautiful pieces.

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Regardless of how well they did and how beautifully they progressed this year, I can’t help feeling that it wasn’t enough, that I could have done more. I have these kinds of thoughts every semester with every class. I have these kinds of thoughts with every show and with every project. Sometimes, I even have this kind of thought when I make dinner.

I’m sure I’m not alone. The end of anything is tough – semester, year, show, job… whatever. I guess we are supposed to wonder if we did enough. Maybe that’s the point.

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People who inspire… a series: Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher passed away in December of 2016.

This affected me – far more than I thought it would. It affected me on the level of losing Robin Williams, and almost to the level of losing Jim Henson. This was big.

Over the past month, I’ve been thinking about Carrie frequently and asking myself why her loss was so great for me and obviously for so many other people. I don’t really have an answer, but I have some thoughts.

First – Carrie was a hero. She wasn’t a heroine. She was a hero. For so many reasons and to so many people. But to my young eyes watching her on the big screen in 1977, she was MY hero for being a strong, smart, woman – who happened to be a pretty princess. More importantly, she was a chick who got shit done. I always liked that.

I enjoy Disney films and Disney princesses (Leia is now owned by Disney, but sure as heck wasn’t in 1977!), but I never really wanted to be like them. I wanted to be like Leia. I wanted to be like her in my everyday life. I remember dressing as her for a costume party when I was young and trying OH SO HARD to get my hair to make the cinnamon buns on the side of my head. You need LOTS of hair – or other magical hacks to get that much hair on the side of your head. I had lots, but it still wasn’t enough. Regardless, I wanted to be a chick who got shit done!

Carrie Fisher as Leia

Second – Carrie was funny. Really funny. Sensually funny. Sarcastically funny. Witty. Glib. All of that. And she just kept it up and didn’t censor herself. I found that inspiring. I still do. Thank heavens for youtube and video footage of her interviews on talk shows and other such events. I’ve been watching a number of those and still have a tab open so I can watch some more.

Third – Carrie didn’t give up. She didn’t give up on herself, her family, her career, her mental health… any of it. And she didn’t give a FUDGE if anyone didn’t like her for it. She just did what she needed to do. I love that about her.

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I could probably continue to elaborate why I love her and why I miss her, but I know that many of you felt the same when she left us. I’ll just say, that she inspired me when she first broke on the scene in 1977 and just because she’s left this particular location – doesn’t mean she will stop inspiring me.

I know her loss has affected others – like A nun’s life  who wrote another great article about the profound affect that Carrie had upon her.  Like the author, I rewatched Carrie in the original Star Wars on the night of her passing and I continue to marvel at her gift to us. I will always thank her for being a great lady, who got it done.

Thanks Carrie.

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2016 – a Year in Review – what a year!?!

Last year, I was inspired by my friend, Kerry Hishon to do a year in review… and this year I waited with baited breath for her post. It didn’t disappoint. So now, I am going to attempt another of my own to reflect on the highlights from year that was… and what a year it was.

January

Like so many years in the past, my January began slowly. I was in recovery mode after a very eventful December. Isn’t everyone’s?
But in all seriousness, I directed, (and choreographed) and epically funny production of The Trials of Robin Hood by Will Averill. It had a tremendous cast and crew who adored the process, the product and each other. They, and I shed many tears upon the closing of that gem.

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But, I didn’t have much time to recover, as I was already busy choreographing a delightful production of She Loves Me. It was a bit of a bucket list show for myself and my friend, Kristina, as she and I had been talking about our love for this gem of a show for many, many years. It was also one of the first productions I ever saw on Broadway. My work on that also partially inspired a past blog I wrote on the Copywrite of Choreography…

And if that wasn’t enough… I began work on another Original Kids production of Once Upon a Mattress – GTKY, an edited version of the full musical that was made for young performers. No rest for the wicked, right?

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Once Upon a Mattress – Gorgeous Set Design!

 

February

February saw many more rehearsals, the start of a new semester and the beginning of my work to support a production of The Little Mermaid at the high school where I teach. I had been tasked with choreographing a few of the numbers, (the biggest ones, yes…) and creating a number of puppets to add dimension and magic to the whole production. This took ages… and ages… and though many people offered their assistance, it became quite apparent, that because I cannot open up my brain and show others the workings of my thought process, that trying to explain what I think, I might want to do and translating that into discussion for how a person might help me realize that… is a futile effort.

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Mini-octupi…. Mr. and Mrs. They were adorable.

 

March

March was pretty restful – in the sense that I didn’t travel anywhere and March Break and Easter were all in that month… but there were rehearsals and rehearsals and, oh yes, more rehearsals!

I also managed to sell some items that I wasn’t needing or using anymore. This allowed us enough savings to put money together to replace our aging refrigerator. That was a joyous experience. You don’t know how important that one device can be to the overall happiness of your kitchen – until you change it.

April

By April, I had a number of projects in very good shape, lots of teaching on the go and my husband had a pile of combat related projects that he had been supporting. It came to the point that we had to choose how and where we’d support the different productions we’d been helping. He got to see Heathers and I didn’t, I got to see Mary Poppins and he didn’t… that sort of thing. But it was an active time of year that kept us hopping, leading up to …

May

In May, we took students on an amazing trip to Walt Disney World! I’d been trying to make this happen for my students for years and we finally had approval and everything worked! It was a tremendous trip. The kids were great, the parks were great, the weather was – hot! But we had a superb time visiting and learning and pointing out to our performing arts students all the skills that they had, or were learning, that were being used by cast members all over Disney World. It was truly incredible. I look forward to doing that again.

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June

June is the winding down time of the year for teaching, but it is also like a break neck race to the finish to get as many things crammed in as possible before the exams and the clean up and commencement.

This year, my seniors planned a Drama Nite, to showcase their talents and perform for family and friends in our school’s courtyard. It was a great evening. It was a HOT evening with a lot of sunshine and the threat of thunderstorms, but I was immensely proud of the final product and the work my kids did to make it happen. They really pulled together on that project.

Aside from all that, I began rehearsals and planning for a dream show, that I will tell you more about later.

July

July had us travelling. My husband and I went to Great Britain for three weeks. We were primarily in Wales, Cornwall and a few days in London. It was a wonderful trip. A gift from my parents that meant a great deal to the two of us. The portion of the trip to Cornwall was planned by my husband as he has done the research into the history of his family and discovered that his lineage is entirely from Cornwall. He enjoys research, planning and lists. He’s exceptionally good at them. What we discovered he doesn’t enjoy, is driving on the left-hand side of the road. I, on the other hand, don’t mind it. I really enjoyed driving in Great Britain. I found it quite sensible and easy. The navigation, I left to him. He was exceptional at that.

By the way, I love Cardiff. I really do – and if you do, (or if you haven’t been there, go!), you can show the world how you love Cardiff, buy purchasing items from http://ilovesthediff.com

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Mevagissey… where my husband’s ancestors are from…

 

August

August saw us visiting family, friends and attending special events. We had four weddings through August and September. It was wonderful to celebrate with special people.

Not everything in our year was happy, of course. Many sad things happened, but the only one I’m going to mention is the passing of our beautiful and loving cat, Willow. He left us in August. That kept us busy for a good while. And we still think of him, daily.

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Mr. Pooperhead. The best cat ever.

 

September

By all accounts, September was pretty normal. There were rehearsals, for that project that was alluded to earlier. There was the return to school and all materials that are associated with that. There were two large purchases – a vehicle for each of us. Original Kids rehearsal starting up and general life. It all seems like a blur. Good thing there’s Google Calendar to help to remind us of what we have done!

October

October is where life started to ramp up! The Performing Arts kids at my school planned and performed our best Haunted Hallway to date – sold out! Our theme was a graveyard and their characters were the best so far, and so was our transformation of the simple drama room, into a spooky environment. They built a tree, used shadow puppetry and had tombstones, dead leaves and corn husks to help mark the path of our visitors to the event.

We also hosted The Young Americans at our school in October. It was a pretty amazing event. I have seen their work and been a part of the experience in the past, but no one else at my school had. My colleague deserves an immense shout out for her organization of the whole event. She hadn’t been involved in any visit by them to another school before and yet she took the task on and planned the whole thing with style and grace. It was an incredible experience for our school and our kids. I look forward to when we can host them again.

Also in October, my production of Silverwing took to the stage at Original Kids. It was a wonderfully weird little play that the kids completely embraced. They performed beautifully and expertly this adaptation of a Canadian novel, that really was a film adaptation. More playwrites need to learn that taking a novel and just putting into play format does not really make it a play. Usually, it just makes it an awkward film script that needs an editor. Sheesh.

November

In November I started to get memory posts from Facebook about doing puppet workshops with TAG at Original Kids with Kerry Hishon… so, I just showed up and did more workshops! No, not really. But clearly there’s a theme to how my year goes because right when I was scheduled to do workshops for Kerry this year, my memory feed reminded me that I’d done these sorts of workshops for her in the past. Isn’t that interesting the way life has patterns? Speaking of patterns, in September of 2016, Brock, (that’s my husband) and I, went to see an Opening Night performance of Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers SIX YEARS TO THE DAY from the Preview performance of our life changing production. That is life repeating itself. Ripples and spirals…

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Their 3M…. Not ours…Ours was better.

 

December

December saw me moving stuff – literally – in a moving truck, into The Arts Project to set up for my bucket list production, (that I alluded to earlier) of Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer. I saw this show in New York City in 2008 on a trip with Original Kids and I was amazed by it. It has stuck with me and sat in my brain ever since. I have been waiting for the perfect situation to come along so I could direct this play. In July, Brock and I extended our stopover in Dublin, so that I could visit some of the areas where the play is set. We were in a pub that is mentioned in the script and met the owner. She said she used to be friends with the playwright. The first part of December was about set up, final rehearsals and the Opening Gala. The second week was about savouring the whole thing before it disappeared into thin air, and the final weeks of the month were filling time between remembering the sweetness of the process and production and real life. Sure, there was a holiday assembly and a pretty sweet Coffee House in there, plus some Christmassy celebrations and a wedding anniversary, but since the show is set on Christmas Eve… it permeated almost every waking moment of December. It is a production of which I am immensely proud. I am pleased that I had wonderful friends to help me make it a reality.

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The Seafarer Boys… at their best. I love them.

 

 

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An Open Letter to Lin-Manuel Miranda

Re: Your Self-deprecating Tweet

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*Lady rolls down her car window at 181st street*

“Congrats on HAMLET!”

Me: “I WISH I wrote Hamlet!”

Lady: “Yay HAMLET!”

*drives away*

#myday 

34.4K retweets… 114K <3

Dear Lin-Manuel,

I am loathe to point out an error on the part of someone as talented and brilliant as yourself, but on this point, I must correct you. The Lady who rolled down her car window at 181st street is quite correct in her congratulations. You have written Hamlet and you need to accept any and all congratulations on your achievement. You have written the American, 21st Century Hamlet. The comparison between your work and the immortal Bard’s is apt. The poetry, drama, conflict, resolution and catharsis are all evident. Both works are brilliant. Both explore the human experience in their entirety. Both contain flawed and interesting “heroes” and “heroines”. Both conclude tragically.

You will continue to receive validation for your work, and the plaudits your production have garnered thus far are clearly correct. I’ve come to this conclusion from simply listening to your work and seeing snapshots on the Tony’s and YouTube. I have tried to see the show, but as so many are aware, tickets have been scarce.

I must also add, you have not just written Hamlet, but also Cyrano and JC Superstar. You have captured the imaginations of millions whilst doing honour to those who have composed before you. You have inspired others to greatness with your great love of your art and your generosity of spirit is evident to anyone who is willing to hear it. Your message that Love is love is love is love is love is love is needed. And I for one, hope it will be heeded.

I look forward to your next adventure and have no doubt that more ladies will shout about your achievements from passing vehicles. I roll down my windows and blast your scores for anyone willing to listen!

 

Keep creating!

Ceris Thomas

p.s. Hamlet also died in a duel he maybe should have avoided….

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April Instagram Challenge(s)!!!!

Here I was, getting all geared up to put myself through a Doctor Who challenge on Instagram for April when Kerry Hishon comes up with a challenge for Creative Types for TLTDAY to sponsor for April!!!

What’s a girl to do?

Both, I guess! Here’s Kerry’s exciting list of Creative Challenges for April – we do hope you will join us and hopefully follow all my Doctor Who posts as well!!! It’s going to be an Instagram kind of month, I think!

 

#CreativeApril Challenge! 

We are excited to announce that we are bringing back a creative challenge for you: The TLTDAY #CreativeApril Challenge on Instagram!

Last year we ran the #top10challenge in March. Since it was the first time we’d created our own Instagram challenge, we started with baby steps: a 10 day Instagram challenge right in the middle of March. Now we’re upping the ante and going to try a full month of Insta-inspiration! Again, the focus is creativity and the arts, and it’s going to be FUN!

Please put your Instagram name in the comments if you want to join in, so we can follow you and others can follow you, too! Use the hashtag #CreativeApril so everyone can find you. Show us your creativity… anything goes! Read on for more details and how to get in on the fun!

April 1: Fool Us!

It’s April Fools Day, but we ain’t foolin’! In tarot, the Fool is the first card in the deck and symbolizes a new beginning or a journey. Sounds like a great way to begin this challenge. So we’re going to play “Two Truths and a Lie.” Introduce yourself and tell us two things about you that are true and one that’s a lie. We’ll try to guess which is which in the comments!

April 2: Happy Saturday

Share with us something that makes you happy today!

April 3: Feeling Magical

Abracadabra! Share something with us that you think is magical. Rabbits in hats? Stars and cosmos? Sparkles and ice cream? (Why not?) Bring that magic out and show it to us!

April 4: I’m Gonna Wreck It!

Some of the most creative work comes out of destruction. Show us something destructive or that you’ve destroyed, and tell us how you’re going to build it back up again.

April 5: OOTD

We love creative fashion and costumes, so today, share with us your “outfit of the day” and something creative about it! Where did you get it? Is there a story behind it? Is it formal, functional, fabulous (or all three?!).

April 6: A Colourful Life

What’s your favourite colour? Share it with us and let us know why it’s your favourite.

April 7: Thankful Thursday

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Share something you’re thankful for today.

April 8: Foodie Friday

I don’t know about you, but the TLTDAY team loves food. Today, share with us a delicious dish that’ll have us drooling. Bonus points if you share the recipe!

April 9: Spring Cleaning

It’s time to chase away the winter doldrums and start fresh. Today, get your clean on or declutter some junk from your place that’s holding you down. Share a before and after pic of your work!

April 10: Home Sweet Home

Do you have a special place or area in your home devoted to creativity? Show it to us so we can be inspired!

April 11: Make A Wish

What are you wishing for these days? Share with us one of your wishes or dreams… and brainstorm up a way that you can take a baby step towards achieving that dream!

April 12: Beauty In The World

Today’s prompt is simple – show us something you think is beautiful.

April 13: Very Superstitious
Inspired by a favourite song by Stevie Wonder! Today, show us something superstitious. Rituals, your rehearsal process, ghosts, a lucky talisman…

April 14: Inspiring Words
Stories, monologues, speeches… what gets your mojo flowing?

April 15: TBT

It’s Throwback Thursday! Show us a pic of you as a tot doing something creative!

April 16: Poetry Slam

Share a favourite poetry piece, or try your hand at writing a poem!

April 17: Your Lucky Charm
Share something lucky! Could be an object, a person, a place… bonus points if it’s green!

April 18: Play It, Sam
Share your favourite play or film, maybe a quote… or misquote!

April 19: Lights, Camera, Acting!
We’re leaving this one intentionally vague. Show us what you can do!

April 20: Something To Fight For!
Put up your dukes! Show us something worth fighting for. A cause, a friend, a role, or even a real (or “reel”) life fight!

April 21: And The Award Goes To…
Share your favourite actor/actress/performer, living or not, award-winning or not! Why are they your favourite, and what award should they win?

April 22: Dress Rehearsal
Time to put on your best dress! Show us your costumes, dress up, cosplay… let’s see those fancy pants!

April 23: Sing! Sing A Song!
Today’s all about music. Show us your favourite singer, lyrics from your favourite song, images from your favourite musical… or get brave and make us a video of you singing or playing music!

April 24: Furry Friends

Pets, stuffed animals, puppets… share with us something (or someone!) furry and loveable today!

April 25: Travel Tuesday

Got plans to get out of town and go somewhere? Or are you dreaming of white sandy beaches, amusement parks, or foreign lands? Share some travel pics with us and send us a postcard with “wish you were here” while you’re away.

April 26: A Day In The Life

Sometimes our lives are not so creative and inspiring every second, but it’s always cool to peek behind the curtain and see the day-to-day doings of peoples’ lives. Share with us a moment of your day, magical or mundane.

April 27: Work In Progress

What creative project(s) are you currently working on? Share your work in progress with us and tell us about your creative process.

April 28: Black & White

Today, you can share anything you like… but in black and white!

April 29: May Flowers

It’s not May yet, but it’s close enough! Share some beautiful flowers with us today… maybe by the time this post goes up, they’ll have invented smell-o-vision for Instagram!

April 30: Closing Night
Party time… it’s a celebration! Let’s throw an Insta-party! Confetti, tunes and party hats are HIGHLY encouraged!

 

How do I get in on the fun?
You should definitely save the image above — or like it on Instagram (follow The Lovers, The Dreamers and You on Instagram at @tltday)  — so you have a reminder of the prompts. Then use the prompts to inspire you! Take photos, upload them to Instagram, and be sure to tag them with #CreativeApril! If you are not on Instagram, then join in the fun on Twitter! We’re @LoversDreamersU over there.
You can also follow anyone from the TLTDAY team on Instagram, they are:
@matty.what
@midnightluke
@kerryhishon

How do I get the most out of this experience?
You will get so much out of the #CreativeApril challenge if you reach out to others participating: like and comment on their pictures, and add them as friends! Write something meaningful as your caption too. Share your creativity with images AND words!


What if I miss a day?
No worries! Just catch up whenever you can.


Can I post the challenge graphic on my Instagram?
Yes, of course! That way you’ll have it to refer back to. Don’t forget the hashtag!


We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Follow along with us at @tltday on Instagram!

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Six Ways to Refocus When You are Trying to Write… But Want to Rebel

Six Ways to Refocus header

I am going through a serious case of writer’s block. I’ve got various creative projects that I need to work on and right now, all I want to do is jump in the car and drive someplace where it isn’t cold.

These prompts are aimed at writers, but can be adapted and used by anyone currently suffering from “artist’s block” or feeling stagnant, stuck, or otherwise blah.

1)  Free write.

I have a secret blog that I write in when I’m feeling frustrated or stuck. Sometimes just getting your feelings out can really help. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Nobody has to see it but you. Just write – paragraphs, run-on sentences, lists, mind maps. While you’re at it, try changing the font style or colour for fun. Who says you can’t write in pink?

2)  Write by hand.

Close your computer, grab a notebook or piece of paper, and do some writing by hand. It forces you to slow your thoughts a bit. Draw little pictures or designs in the margins while you’re at it.

3)  Shock your system.

If you’re overheated, drink some cold water or jump in a pool. If you’re freezing, take a hot shower or make some hot chocolate. Yes, all these suggestions have to do with water of some sort. Your body is made up of a ton of water, and most of us don’t get nearly enough in our systems. So rehydrate. You’ll feel better.

(Going to a coffeeshop and getting a latte totally counts. It requires getting dressed and getting out of the house, so if anything, you get double points for this one.)

4)  Productive procrastination.

I’m sure you have another task that you could do in the meantime while you’re trying to force yourself to write. Why not go do it for a bit? Maybe you need to reorganize your closet, finish a knitting project, or snuggle your cat. Set a timer for an hour and go do that for a while. Then come back and try writing again.

5)  (Re)mix it up.

I’m normally one of those people who needs silence to write, but today that’s just not helping. Go on Spotify or Pandora or Bandcamp and listen to some new music. Search for music to represent how you’re feeling. I’m liking the “Electronic Concentration” playlist on Spotify right now.

6)  Stop judging yourself. Now.

I know you’re doing it… that’s most likely one of the reasons why you aren’t writing anything. You’re probably thinking “I could do ______ but it’s stupid” or “I could write about ______ but it’s already been done before.” Your voice is important. Your thoughts are important. Your story needs to be told and heard. So write something… even if it’s just a sentence. You took a step in the right direction!

 

Got any great ideas for taming your writing rebellion? Share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

 

Photo Credit: Creative Convex

 

Kerry Hishon is part of the TLTDAY podcast team. She’s a director, actor, writer, and stage combatant. Check out her blog at www.kerryhishon.com.

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Choreography and copyright…

I’ve been thinking about copyright and intellectual property for quite some time now… I create a great deal of things, on a regular basis, so I’m always thinking about how and where I receive inspiration.

Sometimes inspiration comes directly from the script or the music, sometimes from something entirely unrelated from the project, like a work of art, or something I’m reading. I once created a piece based upon the sculptures of Rodin – I started with just the shapes of his work, but I got so involved in his work that I went further and read about how and why he’d created those particular sculptures in the first place. The knowledge really fed into my creative process and helped me to realize the meaning and message of the completed piece.

So, when I’m creating something, who’s creation is it? OR, perhaps a better question would be, what percentage of the final piece is mine and what percentage belongs to my inspiration? OR, does it really matter? At the end of the day, I’ve created something entirely new that may then be of further inspiration to others and begat more work.

Romantic Atmosphere

 

But, when it comes to who gets to control the piece/creation… there’s the question. If I’ve created something that was originally fed by a script, the choreography came from me (and possibly some research I may have done), but the story and the music is the intellectual property of those who originally wrote it. Do we now share this? Should we? How would that work?

As far as the companies who grant royalties are concerned, it belongs to the writers of the play – but they didn’t send the me the choreographic notes for the original production – I did that. They didn’t even provide a paragraph that described any choreography, and frequently the music changes and undergoes revisions over time, so I am left to do the homework to learn the music and decide what MY story will be in the choreography. So, I think that it belongs to me. Set to their music and story.

Kansas City - Oklahoma!

This is a question that I ponder frequently and I’ll continue to ponder it. I wonder what your thoughts are? Sure, we need to support and protect copyright, but with the advent of YouTube and other social media platforms, I feel there needs to be further exploration of who exactly owns what, and what can and can’t (should? shouldn’t?) be done with creative work.

Comment below with any ideas you have.

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