Stay In Class

Hey Friends,

I wanted to share with you some thoughts about ongoing study and why it is so valuable.

I once coached a student for her audition which helped her land a leading role in school. I didn’t see her again for a few weeks before her parent called me to ask why their daughter wasn't feeling confident about the role she had landed. Rehearsals had become scary for her, she became very timid onstage and the director didn’t know what was going on. This is the difference between hiring a Coach, and hiring a Teacher—you have to stay in class.

Training for the Broadway stage is no joke. People watch TV shows that foster new talent and from your couch you might say, “ I can do that!” or “I want to be famous!” or “That doesn't look hard!” Well, would you say that to a Pro ball player or to a surgeon? NO! People don't just decide to go to Yale or Julliard or Penn State (can’t leave out my alma mater WE ARE!). Performers need to train like an athlete or a surgeon. The way our brains learn is through repetition and contrast.

There is a discipline that an artist needs to cultivate by showing up. Our whole careers are about showing up.

Being self motivated.

Building rituals around your training keeps things moving steadily forward. You build a vocabulary, technique, muscles and a safe place to take risks. Ongoing study builds confidence that you can't access fully without the building blocks to have substance behind your confidence.

If you want to be competitive in this business…stay in class.