Fueling My Soul As An Artist

There are so many things that we can do as actors, musicians, dancers, writers- any type of artist to improve ourselves and our craft.  Take classes, practice, audition, read books.  All of this is extremely helpful and important.  Without classes, how can we improve, without auditioning, how do we get the exposure we need to work?  Recently though, the biggest thing I have found that helps me grow as an artist and gives me the most inspiration is going to see other shows and performances, both on Broadway and from my peers. 

Last week I saw Cyrano de Bergerac during its first preview.  The show blew my mind; I was ecstatic that I had the opportunity to see it.  Hodges was so incredibly talented and committed through the show, I felt like I was truly transported back to 17^th Century France and was completely enamored with him.  Watching these Broadway artists do what they love and transport the audience to a completely different place and time period makes me so inspired and reminds me why I pursue what I do.  The set was imposing yet so elegant, and the way they poured their hearts out as the characters brought tears to my eyes.

Watching a show on Broadway is great because not only am I enjoying an incredible show, but I’m looking at where I want to be and where hard work and talent will eventually get me.  But it’s important to enjoy, attend, and embrace seeing my peers performing in smaller venues in Off Broadway shows.  It’s so nice to see other friends of mine working and getting the opportunity to do what they love and showcase the reason they came to New York.  The thing that I love about New York is that everyone comes here with a huge dream and works their butt off trying to make it a reality.  No artist shoots for mediocrity, and it brings me so much pride and joy to belong to a group of peers who are making that happen.

My friend is an opera singer, and I attended a recital of hers on Saturday.  The show was filled with both emerging and professional artists, and it gave me chills and such inspiration seeing talented performers doing what makes them happy.  Opera isn’t something I would typically go to see, so being exposed to an art form I rarely appreciate was eye opening and impressive.  I couldn’t believe that such powerful voices were coming out of my tiny friends!  My other friend recently wrapped up an Off Broadway run of The Jungle Book, and I felt really proud watching her perform at the amazing Playwrights Horizons Theatre.  These shows and more make me proud to be a member of a group that is doing what they love as artists and making their dreams a reality.

I believe that it is crucial to expose ourselves to what other artists are doing in order to enhance our own growth.  Classes are great, and promoting your own work is vital, but to fuel your own soul as an artist and create a healthy outlook on what we are working towards, attending other shows and performances is an irreplaceable outlet and wonderful way of spending an evening.  

--Jacqueline Chambers

Image Courtesy of Jeffrey Hornstein

Comments

[Idealniche]

You are awsomely right, the first hand information has no substitute. We can't learn by the recorded work of others. For real learning we have to see their performance live, how they act, where they do mistake, where they jerk and where they feel confidence. This is only possible if we see our seniors live over the performance podium

[Jennifer Miranda]

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[jay]

Another thing that helps out tremendously that 've found out is .To spend time out in nature i'm currently working on script for a short film and .Whenever i hit a wall i go for a nature walk.It's like once i get outside my senses act up .My intuition flares up i become excited like a child almost.I feel so good to its hard to describe but the creative juices just flow .My imagination goes wild ,crazy wild going to shows helps to.Also seeing actors talk about what they do .Flares it up as well but nothing is as effective as being out in the wilderness and enjoying nature .It's the best medicine for the soul