Put Your Bum in a Seat: How Getting Yourself to the Theatre Will Transform Your Work.
I often hear theatre artists say that they hate theatre. They don’t feel like going. They’re sick of it. They don’t like anything they see.
Full disclosure: I have 110% been there and said those things. And I still struggle with those feelings.
Sometimes when you’re hard at it, grinding it out, going to the theatre is a royal pain in the ass.
That being said, I believe firmly that regularly getting yourself to the theatre will transform your artistic practice and your business savvy for the better.
Writers have to read. Theatre-makers have to see theatre.
So, if you’re feeling uninspired, blocked, desperate for your work to be programmed, frustrated that you don’t have an audience or itchy to make a new show, this week I'm offering you 5 reasons to get your bum to the theatre:
Inspiration (or a healthy fire under your bum)
Remind yourself where you're headed. If envy or jealousy arise, consider them indications of what you want.
Engage in the scene
Get to know who your peers are. Meet them. Celebrate them (online or in person). Consider how your work fits in -- very useful on funding applications.
Scope out venues
Learn who programs what and who on their staff you can reach out to about development opportunities and programming. Figure out which venues your work is best suited to.
Scout for collaborators
Search for your dream team. Take note of what designers you like. For shows with awesome marketing/PR/websites who is producer, graphic designer, photographer? Make your shortlist. When it's time to enlist collaborators, you'll be prepared.
Expand your toolbox (STEAL)
Watch everything analytically, including the audience. What wows you? Think critically about what really works and what doesn’t. Steal what works and avoid what doesn’t.
Still don’t feel like seeing anything?
Go see stuff that is outside your niche. Get your bum to the West End or a comedy show, go see a dance piece or Shakespeare, live-art, choir, chamber music, cabaret, jazz gig, or visual art!
Keep yourself open to steal the stuff you love. It will fuel your work with energy and the unexpected.
Top tip: Book a whole bunch of tickets at once. You’ll get cheaper tickets and then they’re already in your schedule and you just have to turn up.
Make it your church. Get yourself to one art event each week.
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