How to Handle Talent, My Own and Others: See A Play Once A Week

I saw Sarah in We Are Burning (FringeNyc) at Collective Unconscious in their new venue on the corner of Church and White Streets -- she was great, and it, as always, is beautiful and amazing to see very good actors move through that space.

Once again, unless I'm in rehearsal or performance, I'm going to do my best to see a show once a week.

Now that I've acted, I can cast a more critical eye one what goes on up there -- and usually I see exceptional work. I see the bar set high. I see professional models of how to be . . . it's easy to compare myself, and feel diminished, but . . .

is my resolve any less? Is my experience in the theatre less strong, important, overpowering? Is how I feel -- watching, writing, dreaming, being up there -- any less real?

No.

It's not my job to be as talented as these people (and they are talented). That's not what I'm here for.

Talent is what the Universe gives you. The question is -- what do you give back? I am here to be the very best actor I can be, and these people are there in front of me for a reason: to be my guides, my inspiration. Set my goal to continually approach their level of performance. Perhaps I'll never acheive it -- that is perfectly fine. That's not what I'm here for. Watch how beautifully, consistently, an actor thinks ahead with each line -- a seamless chain of thoughts driving the dialog -- alive & connected in each moment without any anticipation whatsoever of what's coming next. These are my models and my guides.

I am resolved to watch and learn and grow as a result. I thank that they are here from the bottom of my heart. Whatever I'll eventually become, it will never happen without them.