In Praise of Classes and Workshops
When I relocated to London in 2016 I found myself in a new city, facing big changes in my career.
In Toronto I’d been gigging as a theatre actor, 6 days a week, for several years (read an interview I did about burnout and this transition here).
In London I was creating and touring my solo shows and doing voiceover work. And even though I wanted this change, I didn't anticipate that my work life would be quite solitary and my social life very limited.
I was lonely.
Further to that, with more time on my hands, I had perspective to see there were parts of my career I was keen to brush up on, skills I wanted to hone, knowledge I wanted for my toolbox...
So, I started signing up for workshops and classes in London — something I hadn’t had time to do in Toronto — and oh baby, let me sing their praises!
6 Reasons to Get Your Ass to Class 🏫
Add to your toolbox & challenge yourself
Do stuff you wouldn’t necessarily be hired to do, stuff you’re not “good at” or not confident doing. With guidance, support and practice you'll improve. And then, you can get paid to do it too!
Meet allies, build your community and network
Meet people with similar interests, at similar places in their lives. Your connections with them will lead to more connections and interactions with more like-minded people.
Deadlines & accountability are motivating
There’s nothing like that healthy fear of embarrassment or tinge of competition to focus your energy on something you’ve wanted to do but haven’t been able to get down to on your own.
Accelerated learning curve
Paying for someone else’s expertise saves you time and gets you results faster than teaching yourself.
Investing in yourself is badass
"When you pay, you pay attention."
It’s a powerful action to invest your own money and time in yours. Committingitting to learning = committing to evolving.
Humbling (or an antidote to resting on laurels)
Taking a class outside your comfort zone can be a wonderful way to put yourself back in the “beginner’s mindset” and give you a fresh perspective on your work.
If you’ve got the time and the cash, I truly can’t recommend this kind of investment in yourself enough. If you don't have cash, hunt down free or subsidised workshops -- they're out there!
In case you’re curious, I’ve taken professional classes at the Free Association (improv), City Lit (dance and writing), Actors Centre (film), The Place (dance), City Academy (TV writing), and too many workshops to list, on everything from choreography to rural touring.
My foray into taking classes also inspired me to start teaching. It’s been a privilege and joy to work with my students -- yet another benefit of my renewed appreciation for learning.
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