Arts – A New Era

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jan 16, 2020 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I have been thinking on the following statements for awhile, and although I would consider this a “rough draft’ of sorts of a larger composition, I also felt like this beginning of the new year and a new decade and a new era really, is a perfect time to release it “as is”:

• I believe that theater, for a community, whether large or small, can lead, can set trends, and can influence great artistic achievement.
• I believe that our Creator wants to release extraordinary creativity and innovation, at levels never seen before, into those people He has placed in the arts.
• I believe that the art of theater can and should be a joyful and life enriching experience for those that produce it, the artists that make it, and all that see it. I believe God is saying “come up higher.”
• I believe that theatre artists of faith want to be a part of redemptive stories, and stories with spiritual dimension, done with such excellence and vibrance, that even the current mainstream model of professional theatre is “wowed”.
• I believe there is still room to do plays new and old, ones we have seen over and over, and ones we have yet to discover, with more excellence and depth than they have ever been done before.
• I want to be a part of what God is doing in the earth in this amazing hour of history.
• I want to innovate and create excellent and divinely inspired theater.
• I want to “go up higher”.
• I want to love theatre artists and theatre producers, owners and directors because God loves them and they are His people. They are also my people. My Assignment.
• I want to have ears that “hear” God’s voice, walk in His wisdom and speak His words.

I got a wonderful book from a dear friend for my birthday last week and I want to quote the author, Cindy Trimm, in the first chapter of her book Commanding Your Morning: Unleash the Power of God in Your Life.

     “One of the fastest-growing art forms today is called the “spoken word”. Throngs of people gather in clubs, schools, cafes, church auditoriums, stadiums, and theaters just to hear the poetic, pulsating rhyme spoken by artists who by virtue of their creativity and talent move their audiences to emotional highs and lows merely by what comes out of their mouths. Like painters creating moving masterpieces in vibrant colors, these artists “paint” on the canvas of the human soul”.

I consider that a great and glorious responsibility. We can impact our art form and we must because our art form has great capacity to impact our world.

Theatre Directors

by Suzanne Rhoten | Oct 24, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I have recently had a desire to connect with other theatre directors, owners, producers, and artistic directors. I’m not sure why… I can only suspect it is a “God thing”. No idea why God would want that. One thing I’m sure of… He is up to something wonderful, and if I follow the “breadcrumbs”, He will reveal it. The thing is, theatre director types don’t typically “hang out”. Too busy, I guess – too focused. Actually, in the last couple of years, I have connected with a few. Not really on purpose… it kinda just happened. Yet, I want to be more purposeful. I want to have conversations with them. The introvert in me said, “write them a letter”. Yay, I like that idea.

I want to meet you, storytellers of the stage. Yes, you unique people who have a passion to make a way for the creative likes of actors, lighting/sound/costume/set designers and playwrights and other theatre artists. You are fearless creators, warriors of a sort, who wield all these artistic elements to craft the framework of a word story into a living, breathing beauty. I see you! 

There are some “chinks” in your armor — scars of battles, criticisms, and rejection, but the terrain is rough, and you knew that coming in. You choose it anyway. 

You direct the focus on everyone else, because you know it’s best for the art. The art you love. And you are happy. You shine and your brilliance is remarkable.

You answered that “call” or “longing”, or was it a “tug” for you, to cast aside more “sensible” choices, and travel the course that brought you joy even with possible disapproval? Yay… you did it, courageous one.

You are “a superhero” and a “rock star”. You are first a dreamer, but your heart tattoo says “dream maker”.

You bring stories to people in such a way that they laugh… or cry… and everything in between. If they forget to say “thank you,” let me say it for them… THANK YOU!

I know that with your work comes the incessant casting, blocking, planning, creating, thinking, and prop scouting, while you are eating, driving and instead of sleeping or while you are sleeping. Rewards are coming.

Your stories matter. They awaken hearts. They provoke empathy. They change atmospheres. They are powerful. 

We love what you do. Take a bow.

Laughter

by Suzanne Rhoten | Sep 12, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Laughter. Theatre audiences love it. People always ask, “is it a comedy?” Hilarity sells tickets. Mirth and merriment are valuable commodities in today’s serious world. 

There is the quiet snicker, the sudden and unexpected “bursting forth” laugh, as well as that prolonged cackle with the snort at each gasp. We love to laugh, and we all have our own unique style. Sometimes watching other people laugh, makes us laugh. It’s contagious. 

We have our favorite theatre ”laughers”… I won’t call names, but you know who you are. You are unashamed, uninhibited, and ready to “let her rip” at even the slightest “funny”. Yay for you. We always want you in our audience. Others may hold back, but they are waiting for you to give them permission, and you are always delighted to oblige. 

Truvy in Steel Magnolias has that famous line:  “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. I do agree. Whether tears of sorrow or unspeakable joy, laughter exposes a heart that says “yes”. It releases hope to a world clouded with “no”.

We are naturally drawn to  smiles, laughter, joy and all of it’s companions. I think it’s because we were created for it.  Psalm 16:11 says: “In Thy presence is fullness of joy”. Wonder what “FULNESS OF JOY” is like? 

A Large Dose of Hope

by Suzanne Rhoten | Aug 29, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I was reading a devotional today and as I read it was as if the word “hope” was highlighted. My next thought was, “actors and actresses need large doses of hope”. The word “hope” means to anticipate, usually with pleasure. The longing and desire for something accompanied by the belief in the possibility of its occurrence.

Most actors and theatre creatives have high hopes of being recognized for the good work that they do. To be successful literally puts them “in the spotlight” (or their costumes or set designs). Whether that kind of recognition is a “tolerated” sidelight or a “hoped for” result, depends on the personality of the actor/designer.  Regardless of the level of notoriety or fame, each performer or designer has hopes of having opportunities to do that work they love and the accolades and applause become icing on the cake.

There are hopes too, frequently unspoken, of being at the top of their profession, working consistently, doing important work in film or on stage, winning awards, and maybe even being a celebrity. It could happen. It’s fun to hope. It keeps us going.

There are a lot of things along the way, though, that can dash those hopes, bring discouragement, rejection, and even cause some to abandon their once hopeful dreams. Romans 13:13 is a great reminder that the “Source” of hope has great plans for you:

Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with super-abundance until you radiate with hope! (Romans 15:13 TPT)

I love how this reminds us that those hopes we have came “installed”. And what actor/actress could not benefit greatly from “uncontainable joy and perfect peace”?

I will say that I have seen my hopes shift over the years as I have matured and sought more alignment with God’s will and purposes. But I have never felt like I gave up anything. Quite the opposite. If anything, it has been more like: “really God? That is a lot bigger than I think I can do…” or, “God, I think you must have the wrong person”. A couple of years ago I “heard” something that rocked me so much I said “God that is CRAZY”. My eyes fill with tears as I type this. I will tell you about it someday, because He said it and He will do it. I trust Him.

So here’s the thing. Actors and other creatives, often have super-high hopes… and it’s fun to watch some of them achieve their dreams. But what if we put our trust in the Source of hope, look to Him, who, after all, planted it within us, there is a power available that goes way, way beyond any “boot strap” power that you or I could muster. There is a dose of hope available to us, in a divine fountain, with possibility beyond imagination. It’s got your name on it.

The Seeing Place

by Suzanne Rhoten | Aug 1, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

One of the things I love most about theatre is the opportunity it gives me to see into the life and experience of someone else. It’s a chance to look into the window of someone’s life and even share it with them for a “moment”. It brings understanding of where they have been and what has made them who they are.

On the surface, we may be quick to judge a person we come into contact with or a character on stage. Maybe they said or did something we did not like, or perhaps are far removed from our own experience, but onstage we get a chance to be reminded that they are in the middle of their story and their “mess”. Some parts of it might actually feel a bit familiar, yet even good comes when you can’t relate at all. There is hope for a good ending, and like “real life”, it may not come, but there is value in the story told because someone saw it and they were moved.  

As their story unfolds, we might get a glimpse of their “why” or the “how” of their “what”. Sometimes there is more context onstage than we get in “real life”. I love the gentle breezes of understanding, the feathers of empathy that float about the room. The unexpected bursts of laughter are always fun, but the tears, reminders of life, are welcome too.

It’s interesting that the ancient Greek word for theatre, the place of the performance, meant “the seeing place”. I love that; it certainly is true. There is the “seeing” of the action on stage… the physical realm. But there is deeper “seeing” as well. The emotional undercurrent that happens when subtle expressions and body language tell a story different from the one revealed by words. Also, there is the “seeing” of the spirit, where the action reveals an unspoken story of courage, or loss, or resolve, or love, or family bonds.

At last, there’s the “takeaway”.  Mine may be totally different from yours, yet precious all the same. We leave the “seeing place” with a common experience, a little treasure tucked into our heart that reminds us that life is holy and your own story is yet to be told.

Facing Any Giants?

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jul 11, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

This poem came across my Facebook feed a few days ago. It was written by a friend I met a couple of years ago when we both regularly attended a weekly prayer meet-up in a local coffee shop.

It arrested my heart.

Thank you, Paul Eckenberger of Ennis, for allowing me to share it here (as it appeared, unedited):

“There’s too many giants walking around. Dream Killers, Blasphemers, Joy Stealers. There’s too many giants walking around. The streams prepared your instruments. The smooth, round, cold, zingers. Maybe 11 or 12 skippers maybe more, maybe more. You were supposed to be a giant killer. You were supposed to be a stone slinger. They fed you their passive line ringers, they ended your passion, heart singer. You were supposed to be a giant killer.”

I have always loved the Biblical account of King David’s life. He was not a perfect man, but he was a very courageous man. In the face of the taunting and bullying of this giant named Goliath, he remembered Who had delivered him, as a shepherd, from “the paw of the bear and the paw of the lion” (1 Samuel 17).

What does this have to do with theatre or acting, you might say? Well, a lot actually. We absolutely face Dream Killers, certainly Blasphemers, and, yes, many Joy Stealers.

But we, like David, were never meant to sit idly by and let them take captives… like Goliath intended to do. David KNEW who his Deliverer was and that He was way bigger and more powerful than this giant Dream Killer he was facing. David was willing to trust the One he knew as he moved toward the giant with his humble weapons. He stood up for his people, and their dreams; he said “no” to the blaspheming giant.  

We can, too.

Let’s be brave, my heart-singing friends. Let’s put the giants on notice.

Actor’s “Perfect World”

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jun 20, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I’m currently reading a very good book, The Creative Habit, Learn it and Use it for Life by Twyla Tharp. (By the way, I do not have any affiliate connections at this time. I do not make any commission from linking books or any other products.)  

Twyla Tharp, one of America’s greatest choreographers, does not approach creativity from any spiritual standpoint. The first sentence on her book jacket cover quotes her, “creativity is not a gift from the gods….”, so it was surprising to me that she often says things that are very spiritual.  Unlike Ms. Tharp, I do believe creativity most definitely is a part of the human DNA, bestowed on each one of us by the One who created us in His image. I have found myself saying “YES” out loud several times in this reading and I have only finished half of the book.

After every chapter she has interesting exercises that spark imagination and help the artist to “scratch”, as she calls it, to get the creative “juices” flowing.  I decided to do one of these exercises, right here, on paper, with you.

This particular exercise is called “Our Perfect World” (pg. 135) and it goes like this… She introduces this idea of what her “perfect world” might look like with her creative gifts in full bloom on a daily basis. As a choreographer who has been making beautiful dance for the likes of The New York City Ballet, The Joffrey, London’s Royal Ballet and many others for more than thirty years, what would her perfect world look like? I smiled very big as I read her list. Just a regular “perfect” day in rehearsal.

There were only eight things on her very simple list, but as one who has the common work of producing a product for an audience on a stage, I related. What most captivated me about this exercise was that I have been thinking along these lines for years, but with a little different bent. If you read my “Actor’s/Artist’ Prayer”  posted several weeks ago, you know that I quoted the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus taught the disciples to pray for “on earth as it is in Heaven”. For many years I have been wondering what theatre would look like, Ms. Tharp’s “perfect world”, or what does theatre in Heaven look like? Come on, do you really think we will be sitting around on clouds all day? I think not.

Wheee… I feel like I am embarking on a breath-taking ride at the amusement park. Let’s do it. I’m going to start this list, but I’m wondering at the same time, what you would add to it. So feel free to comment with some of your thoughts.

• In rehearsal, and in production, everyone would have bionic memories so that every line came out just on cue, fully memorized, every time. That way, the good stuff, the fun part, the brilliance, the creative sparks, and the genius spontaneous surprises could start flying right away.
• That writers, came with beautiful and monumental new works and we could collaborate and help them “see” their work onstage for the first time, while at the same time we are enriched by bringing their words to life and their first production to our community.
• As part of the above, I see people, actors, writers, composers, designers and all types of creative people seeing themselves rightly… no timidity, no self-depreciation, no feelings of insecurity and, at the same time, no puffed up, arrogant, prideful types are even in the neighborhood. Just people who are willing and eager to create and cheer on others to do the same.
• Fear banished from the premises!
• Such generosity as never experienced before. Artists willing to give of themselves generously, writers and directors, musicians and patrons, with all fear gone, just happy to be there with attitudes of “what can I do to help?”, knowing that we are all part of something bigger than a night at the theatre. And patrons lining up to watch and clap and laugh and cheer and even partner with the creative great work.
• An environment of safety, honor, validation and acceptance. Jesus may have encountered flawed and broken people, but He loved them all and never left them that way.

The way that the author ended her description of this exercise is with this sentence that made me scream a very loud “YES!”…

“What are the conditions of your perfect world? Which of them are essential, and which can you work around? You may discover that you are not that far from heaven.”

Wow!  In looking around me, I can see that she is so right!

Ok, now it’s your turn…

Actor’s Creative Process

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jun 6, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Every actor, over time, and with experience, develops his or her own way of getting to that performance-ready moment. There are certain steps that one should go through in preparing and in building a strong character and compelling story. Some actors may skip, overlook, or leave undeveloped aspects of foundational preparation that would be of great benefit. While you may have others, these four are essential:

1. The script tells you who you are, where you are, and gives all the clues for the story you are telling… what really can be a giant treasure hunt. Of course, you need to know this material forward and backward so that you can “forget it” when the curtain rises or “action” is called, and just BE. 
2. Research is the “digging” for more information that is not given in the script, but may be referred to, such as a time period, or historical event or anything mentioned in the script that might help you get a better understanding of some element of the story. Also, research the playwright and his/her story about the play, what inspired him, and any insights he may give on the back story (his or the play’s). The more information you have, the more opportunity for a thunderbolt of inspiration.
3. Character is your person, your part. Who is this person and how can you best bring them to life? All the things that you have uncovered in the script and the research will add to the many bits of this person’s uniqueness. I know actors who are such great “people watchers” that they “collect” voices, walks, traits and habits of people they have met or observed. Then when they have a role or character to develop, they go through their “collection” for something that fits and gives their character captivating traits.
4. Costume can be very important to the work of many actors, less so for others. In some productions an actor may have a lot of control over their costume(s) and this becomes an extension of the character development. Whether you make the choices or you must adapt to someone else’s selections, it is still a very important part of the role to be played and the story being told.

The basic elements above are part of the structure that should be in place first in order for the real magic and creativity to happen. If the foundation is firmly in place before the rehearsal process begins (or before the first day of shooting), you are then freed up to explore your relationships and the deeper layers of the story.  

For example, once an actor knows the lines instinctively, he or she can then let go of the script and be free to explore the relationships with eye to eye contact and physical interaction with the other characters. Bringing all the above foundational elements into your performance, with the other characters doing the same, where connection and relationship are happening organically, is fertile ground for unexpected brilliance.

A strong cast, all working in concert to tell a great story, where all have done “their homework” as described, can set an energy into motion that will bring their audience to the edge of their seats… for two hours… on opening night.

Actor’s/Artist’s Prayer

by Suzanne Rhoten | May 16, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

May 2nd, two weeks ago today, was the National Day of Prayer. Here in Ennis we gathered downtown for a community-wide prayer. One of our local pastors, who leads this prayer gathering every year, had asked various members of the community to pray over different segments of our city life such as city government, first responders, churches, businesses, schools, etc. I was asked to pray over “arts and entertainment”. I’m sharing that prayer with you today so that we can continue to pray it together.

Father, I pray today as Jesus taught the disciples to pray: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” (Lord’s prayer) What does that look like Lord, to have heaven come to earth in the realm of arts and entertainment? We say “yes” to the possibilities. 

 

We know that we are created in Your image (Genesis 1:26), that we too are creative beings. Father, you have wired us to create, to dream and design, to innovate and invent, to discover, to lead with new ideas, to set the trends and even blaze a new path. May we, through our artistic expressions, creatively communicate Your heart of love, mercy, and grace to a world that needs You. 

 

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to participate in Your divine plan. Whether it be story-telling on stage, screen or page, if it be dance, painting, sculpting, music, accounting or agriculture, I pray that You breathe on our works of love. May they bless and bring vibrance to our community.

 

We call out to You for vision and revelation of Your plan for the arts and that which entertains. Father, let us not be satisfied with earth-bound ideas of arts and entertainment, limited by the voices of our culture, but instead, Father, that we would reach for what eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man what You have prepared for those that love You. (I Corinthians 2:9)

 

We pray that our artistic expression would be filled with joy and welcome Your presence.  

 

May Your name be glorified in all creation.

Amen

Is It Time?

by Suzanne Rhoten | May 2, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which was planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Did you find yourself singing those words? Many think of the melody created by Pete Seeger in the late 1950’s, later adapted and recorded by The Byrds. But it was King Solomon, noted for his remarkable wisdom, who is the author of the words. (Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3:1-8 King James Bible).

The passage, and the song that made it memorable, are deep with meaning that can benefit every creative. There is a time and a season that will be best for your purpose. By the way, the Hebrew word that was translated purpose means “pleasant desire, valuable thing”. Understand that the right timing or “season” of your life can be key to your “valuable thing.”

I can remember a casting director that explained the importance of hard work and patience, but also the supreme value of correct timing of an opportunity. Getting your “break” too early, or not at the right time, she explained, could mean you never reach your goal. Or worse, never get a big opportunity again.

Here’s why. Maybe you have a great audition and you land a principle role. Your first big chance to get something meaty on your resume. They may be willing to take the risk on someone a little green, but is that what is best for you? At this time?

When your “valuable thing” comes your way, will you be ready? Or is it your optimal timing? If you get ahead of yourself and do something you are not artistically ready for, you may not do as well as you might with more training. Such a choice could have long term effects. Conversely, the material or project may be substandard, and therefore will not show you in a good light. Here are some other timing issues to consider:

Are you developed enough to go the whole distance? For example, plays take A LOT of rehearsal, films sometimes shoot in remote locations. How’s your confidence level? Could a bit more experience, training, or counseling get you into a better place? Or what about your life circumstance? Some personal situations would warrant a delay or more patience.

How is your stamina? Is your body/mind in shape?

Do you have reliable transportation?

If you are young, how is your maturity level? Even the not-so-young “artistic type” has been known to let their emotions rule over them. It may be the emotion needed for the scene, but do you know how to turn it off at the right time?

Maybe starting small with a season of “planting” before you expect “to reap that which was planted.” Increments of building sometimes make the best talent shine.

None of this is to say don’t pursue your goals full on, nor is it suggesting you turn any offers down. But some actors do. There are those who have a strategy for achievement that does include declining offers.

This idea of timing may help if you don’t get that role you really wanted. It’s not over. There will be other opportunities. In the big picture of things, you want the right thing at the right time.

Consider that your artistic endeavors may have seasons of delay, seasons of building, times of planting, some of losing, others of laughing, and even those of weeping (maybe happy tears).

Over the course of a lifetime of work, a season is not a long time and they all are working together for your good. Embrace the journey… a good time to dance.

Tell Me A Story

by Suzanne Rhoten | Apr 11, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I love telling people, when asked what we do: “we tell stories… on a stage.” Although there are people who don’t have personal experience with theatre, onstage or in an audience, everyone can relate to the telling of a story.

The essence and power of a story can be profound. Since our first childhood bedtime rituals, we have been captivated by stories. They draw us in and can influence, propel, and change us.

Stories connect people, stories inspire courage, stories give us an opportunity to see things differently. They create mystery, they narrate history. Stories told can generate emotion and provoke us to action. Stories remind us of who we are, where we have been, and where we want to go.

Many stories have been passed down by the telling from father to child. Others are written in books or drawn on walls. Many today are told on a screen, in a dance, a song, or a play.

Stories are especially loved when told by those we cherish around noisy family tables and by best friends in quiet voices.

Have you ever noticed how a child will hear a story or watch a movie and begin to pretend and play the story out? They will act out new stories that include things they have seen us do. A desire, deep in our DNA, to be a part of a grand and glorious story.

We’ve all done it. We want the wonderful stories that inspire us to be our story too. If we are brave enough, maybe we can step into that story. The truth is, just like we got inspired by someone else’s story, we can inspire others with ours.

I love the stories God tells in His Book: Joseph’s story (Genesis 37-50) of enduring belief in a dream, although rejected and betrayed; Rahab’s story (Joshua 2-6) of discerning what was coming and taking great courage to save her entire family; Gideon’s story (Judges 6-8) of hiding fearfully in a winepress, yet God had another story for him as a valiant warrior, and Gideon said YES.

Jesus told stories (parables) everywhere he went to point the way to all who would seek it. St. Paul, the apostle, brought many people into the kingdom by telling his story. I love how the bad parts of it did not disqualify him.

These stories can encourage us to endure, challenge us to go higher, and to hope in Someone greater.

The potency of “story” is that in the hearing or seeing we can extract treasure. In the telling, especially our own, we can give to others and multiply the gift.

What is your story? Someone is waiting. Be brave.

No Fear

by Suzanne Rhoten | Mar 21, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Have you ever been way out of your comfort zone? I thought so. Me too.

New things, new places, and sometimes new people, can jolt us into a very uncomfortable place. Deadlines can be rough. Risking a different direction… scary. Putting yourself “out there” creatively can be overwhelming. What would you add to that list?

When I was in elementary school we went on a field trip to the state capitol. Our whole 4th grade class climbed this narrow metal circular staircase that went way way up to the very tippy-top of the capitol rotunda. We then tentatively crept single-file OUTSIDE onto a narrow itsy-bitsy walkway that went around the circular spire thingy.

I started to feel uncomfortable (and dizzy) as we climbed up high on the metal spiral staircase. Then it was my turn to step outside, with the wind blowing, onto the narrow walkway with only a railing between us kids and a long fall down. I passed out. The next thing I knew, Mr. Benson, our teacher, was carrying me back down the spiral staircase.

The fear of that windy walkway OUTSIDE, with the skinny metal railing, just took my breath away.

All those feelings come rushing back to me at times. I feel the discomfort… and the fear of  what might be just ahead. I still try to avoid high windy places, but I have determined that I will not give into fear. I choose to be brave.

Fear is not part of our identity. We were created for better things.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) says: “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Fear can make us lose our minds. Other versions use the word self-control or discipline. We do have better options than fear. Instead of rehearsing the day at the top of the capitol rotunda (or others like it) I choose to rehearse what God says about me and how He made me.

Music can be a powerful tool as well and for me it’s a song on Rhea Marshall’s More of You CD entitled “I Will Not Fear” which is essentially this powerful verse put to music. Nothing empowers and changes mindsets like God’s Word hidden in your heart.

All creative people, all those who are allowing His giftings and callings to bring change and opportunity, are going to face discomfort and fear. But we can press past it.

Go ahead: take the new direction, write the book, audition for the part. He’s your biggest cheerleader and He will never leave you or forsake you. He has every hair on your head numbered. He has angels looking after you, and people like my 4th grade teacher, Mr. Benson, who are full of God’s love to carry you to safety when things take your breath away.

Actors: Shine

by Suzanne Rhoten | Mar 7, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Sometimes actors, who may be so convincing and brilliant in a role played on stage or film, may not be so comfortable in a situation where he or she might be making a speech or giving a talk – as his or her self. Do we find it easier to play a role of a character we have created than to let our own personality shine? Do we hide there? Do we even cherish and honor those characters we play more than we do ourselves?

Actors struggle with this. I see it all the time.

I often get to hear stories of patrons who are moved or touched by a performance, a character, or a play and it’s story. Recently a dear friend and a long time season ticket holder was talking about a specific actor and the work she had seen him do over the years. “But I’ll never forget that first role I saw him in,” she said, and she named the play. “It changed my life.”

Wow, I thought… that is big.

My friend went on to tell of how the role this actor had brought to life had reminded her of her father and as she saw the actor portray this character, she, for the first time, understood her father and saw him in a fresh way that deeply touched her.  She saw him on that stage, she saw his pain and his challenges. And it set her free.

Now, sometimes it can work the other way too. I have also been notified, which I also appreciate, by the way, of a play, a character, or circumstance that someone found unsettling. It touched a nerve, it brought up unpleasant memories, it even offended. That can and does happen, too. When you tell stories, the stories of real people, it entertains, it stirs, it challenges, it cheers, it brings up memories and emotions, happy and sad. We love the happy, but must risk the range of emotion to understand ourselves and others.

This reminded me of a favorite quote about the arts by Richard Eyre, “Change begins with understanding and understanding begins by identifying oneself with another person: in a word, empathy. The arts enable us to put ourselves in the mind, eyes, ears, and hearts of other human beings.”

The honorable work of an actor, on stage and screen, large and small, affects change. Like the quote above suggests, it’s the actor who makes the empathy possible with his/her creation of character, making it easy for us to identify with them.

So to the actor, go ahead and shine, in character and out of character. Your work is valuable. You are valuable. Think about this: the first artist and person mentioned in The Bible (Bezalel) to be “filled… with God’s spirit with wisdom, understanding and ability in every kind of craft to design artistic works” was an artist, specifically chosen by God and called to a divine purpose. (Exodus 35:30). You are too.

Actors: Look for the Love

by Suzanne Rhoten | Feb 14, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

This was the advice given to me by my favorite and long time acting teacher Cliff Osmond.

So on Valentine’s day I will pass this wonderful insight along to all my actor friends: look for the love in the material that you are working on. Whether you are doing scene work in class, or in an audition situation, or you have been cast in a play and are developing your character, look for the love.

Sometimes the love is obvious although it manifests in many forms. There are other times, because of what may be going on in a given scene (or monologue) filled with conflict, love may seem to be nowhere in sight. It’s there, keep looking.

If you didn’t care, if you didn’t love, why would you even be fighting? Wouldn’t you just walk away? And we don’t always say what we mean anyway. Find the love. Play the love.

Love makes every story richer, every character more intriguing.

My add on to my acting teacher’s wisdom: The Passion Translation says it beautifully… “There are three things that remain: faith, hope and love – yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.”  (I Corinthians 13:13)

Actor’s, Writer’s & Creator’s Overwhelm

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jan 24, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

We all experience those times in our lives when the busyness and responsibilities just want to overwhelm us. We each have our own story but we need the full engagement of our mind, will, and emotions for the important creative work. Yet there are often one hundred other things that so urgently need our attention. The idea of getting quiet to do the character creation or script research or finish that chapter of your book, (or Act II of your play) or paint the painting. It just seems like too much… you can feel the circuits “shorting out”. It hurts because that creative work is the thing you love and the important thing you are wired for, your destiny is there.

At times it feels like chaos is all around you. You finally get focused, and start to make some progress on something then your agent calls and you need to send a taped audition before the end of the workday….. eeek! You feel the frustration rising, but you have to stop, because that call is actually part of the creative work you have been hoping for and working toward.

This is when I run to my Creator and Savior and cry “help!” I am reminded of His words in Proverbs 3 (The Message version) “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

As most of you have, I’m sure, I have cried many tears over the years. I remember a specific crisis time in my family where we were all crying tears over a brother and his circumstances. I was comforted by a scripture I came across by “accident:”

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalms 56:8)

Later, when doing an important audition like the one I described above where I was very distracted, I needed to get focused by pulling away from my overwhelming busyness. I got quiet and tried to “listen for God’s voice.” I was instantly reminded of His promise in Psalm 56:8… I needed tears for that audition… and guess what… He poured them out for me, right out of His bottle full of my tears. It was sweet.

Considering Accomplishments

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jan 10, 2019 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I always get excited about the new year and like a kid that stretches to find one last gift under the Christmas tree, I feel the tingle of hope and joy for what the “wrapping” of the new year will uncover.

I like to pray about what to focus on in the coming months. What new goals may need to be set. Is it a time to refocus and reset? (I wrote a blog last year called “Do you need a Relaunch, Reset or Redesign?” Or maybe just continue on the current path. We so want to be a part of something important, accomplish big things, and be a blessing in our endeavors.

Usually there is a time of reflection as well. A look back, even if just a glance, at where I came from, progress made last year… How about you?

Often, we feel negative emotions over goals that (maybe once again) we didn’t meet, boxes on our datebook still left unticked. There’s that project we designated to be the main focus of our attention for last year, and it is still not fully complete, because we got stuck on one aspect of it.

The thing is, before we spend too much time in the realm of disappointment or frustration consider this… Maybe you have not counted some super important, even much weightier things you DID do that weren’t even written on your list of “Things to Accomplish in 2018.”  

There was that young person you did not realize was experiencing hard things at home that you gave confidence and hope as they were mentored through a project….or their first on-stage role.

That co-worker you took the time to help by lending them your car to go out of town for the weekend to visit family.

And don’t forget the reason you did not accomplish the one goal was because you started that class and it took so much more time than you thought.

Of course, by now I hope you are remembering “accomplishments” that are personal to you. In the big picture those “distractions” may just be the answers to your prayers. Those are the blessings, the important endeavors that last for eternity, not the busyness that we so often mistake for goals to be reached.

Go ahead and feel the hope for the new year. There is so much opportunity out there and you don’t even have to make a list.

The Story That Began With “Yes!”

by Suzanne Rhoten | Dec 20, 2018 | Life Lessons From The Stage

All over the world this week there are stagings of the Christmas nativity scene. Be it children merely standing in position, or actors bringing the story to life, from small stagings to extravaganzas with live animals, with music and without, the event that changed the planet is told over and over again. The characters are all there: the angel Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. This “play” is probably done more than any other, the story treasured and familiar.

As a child, my sisters and I made a nativity scene one year with our Barbie and Ken dolls. I made the costumes out of scraps of fabric and my sisters made the stable out of a cardboard box. We presented it on Christmas Eve to our family and I remember my parents telling our grandparents the next day how great it was.

But there was more drama in the story than is usually “played” in these makeshift stables. Mary and Joseph, according to the “script” (Matthew 1-2 and Luke 2), had hard things to understand and accept. There were angelic visitations and dreams that, although very real to them, may have been difficult to explain to families and friends. Their laws mandated a drastic sentence, yet they quietly avoided that outcome. There was shame to be overcome, a journey to make, Herod’s infanticide to escape, and many years of separation from their families. The shepherds in the fields and the wise men from the east had supernatural encounters as well.

The story of this well known “cast” has been told now for centuries, and the events are considered unusual and out of the norm of what we expect normal life to look like. We tend to think these people were different, special somehow, yet when we look closer we can see that these were normal people, like you and I. God came into their lives, and in each case, their hearts were positioned to say “yes” to the plan set before them. It was hard, there was much to overcome, but the “trusting of God” was there. The “listening” and “obeying” was there. Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men bearing gifts, all willing, however hard, to say “yes”.

So as we see the nativity stories told this week, whether it’s children dressed in sheets, adults in song with live camels bearing wise men, or dolls in a cardboard box stable, let’s ask ourselves… would we be willing? Will we say “yes” to what He is calling us to do?

Acting: A Family Affair

by Suzanne Rhoten | Dec 6, 2018 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Over the last few years we have gained many eager and talented young actors into our talent pool. Part of that has been the incorporation of Phoenix Repertory Players into our schedule, which included some of our adult actors working with their company in the spring production and some of their young talent gaining roles in the shows we are doing in our Theatre Rocks! season. While we have always felt a family vibe, the infusion of this young talent has given our
theatre family a new dynamic. That’s what connection does.

We have also seen how beneficial it is to all the actors of all these age ranges to work together and learn from each other. The (sometimes) older, more seasoned actors set a fine example of talent that is excelling and polished to the (sometimes) younger, “eager to learn” actors, but less experienced. In the same way, the young creatives are full of life, enthusiasm and high expectation. They are not so concerned about “how they did”, but just excited and ready to do it again. They are pliable and willing to try new things as actors taking risks to just be out there,
onstage, emotionally exposed. It is a great reminder to a seasoned actor, don’t lose your “inner child” or the willingness to take risks.

I love the way multi-generational casts not only sharpen one another but they are a true
reflection of real life, daily life. And although many of us have an adult dominated work
environment, we have to admit we experience great levels of all ranges of emotion in a multi-generational setting.
Then there are the “ahh haa” moments. The big moment when the lightbulb goes on. We’ve all had them, I suspect. I do believe that when you have experienced one yourself, especially in a given field, you more easily notice when others are having such a moment. It’s really fun to see
a young actor have that experience. I remember my own when I first performed a Joan of Arc monologue in a contest. I was nineteen. Bill had his own such moment in a speech competition doing a comedy routine at age fourteen. It’s an awakening of something inside of you that you
know you were wired for, and you know you must do more of it…

As an actor, or any creative (in any business), there are always those around you that need a word of instruction or encouragement. You might be just the one that helps someone feel accepted, that they belong, and have found their “tribe.” Or you might be the catalyst for someone’s “ahhh haa” moment like my girl friend’s mother who helped me choose a monologue
and then directed me as Joan of Arc into a winning, life changing moment. Or Bill’s teacher who encouraged him to enter the speech competition (or the fellow student who challenged him to try.)

That’s what connection is all about, and we were created for it.

Acting: The Silent Moments

by Suzanne Rhoten | Nov 15, 2018 | Life Lessons From The Stage

There are two types of silent moments that I want to consider – those on stage and those off stage. BOTH will make you a better actor (this can be translated to non artsy business as well).

Let’s start with onstage. Less mature actors often do not take advantage of “silence” and “pauses.” You may have a monologue of two paragraphs or two pages, but either way, look for places that you can pause and break it up. Pauses and silence bring mystery (Bill vlogged about this a few months ago) and weight to a scene. Even though an answer is given to a question or a response to a comment by your scene partner, explore the “pause”, the moment to reflect or hold.

Be aware of how you talk… and how people around you talk. Watch for their pauses. When people stop to think, they sometimes pause to grasp for the right words or they stop because they are through… Then remember another thought and start talking again. Sometimes people pause because what they want to say is hard to get out; maybe they think the person they are speaking to will not receive it well and there is that hesitation by the speaker. Less mature actors will just put one line in front of another often too fast. Don’t do it. Pauses and silence are weighty and they increase attention and the tension of the moment.

Now moving to offstage. We live in a very “noisy” world. I would encourage creative people to develop a habit of getting quiet on a regular basis and developing and using their imagination. Sometimes it may be focused on a particular project or idea, other times it might be just “listening for our Creator to speak”.

Also, before an audition (or perhaps an important sales or client meeting). Get quiet and rehearse some wins you have had in the past. That great audition you had that won the leading role. That super talk you gave at the sales meeting. Spend a few minutes reliving those great moments in your mind when everything went right.

This is when I would pull out my journal of these specific moments so that I can “rehearse” them. These will encourage your spirit and counteract the “accusing voices” that often come to bring negative and defeating thoughts. I love Jeremiah 33:3 which says, “Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand.)” God wants to tell you stuff… cool and amazing stuff that will enhance your gifting (that He put in you) and cause you to shine! This most often happens when we get quiet… on purpose.

Words are often part of the “noise” of the day. Add some contrast, mix it up, get everyone’s attention, and create a little drama: BE QUIET. Whether for a few seconds (to highlight an important moment in your work), or a few minutes (to settle and redirect your spirit), or for a few hours (if done daily it can reset your life), pauses of silence can be gold.

Thoughts On Agnes of God

by Suzanne Rhoten | Oct 25, 2018 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Today I’m gonna talk about Agnes of God by John Peilmeier. I know it sounds like a “pro-mo”, but I might as well blog about it because I can’t quit thinking about it. For those of you who have seen it, I know you are probably still thinking about it too. See if any of these thoughts resonate with you. I would love to hear your feedback.

Agnes of God is one of those shows, that as it comes together in rehearsals, the cast and the crew realize that this piece of material is “very special,” and as a result, a certain reverence fills the air.

I’m not gonna be a “spoiler” ‘cause it’s a mystery, so I’m only sharing the thoughts that don’t give it away:

• It’s a meaty drama, which I love. (There are some laughs, you know Bill, he will find them.)
• The music, which includes melodic latin chants, sets such a perfect mood.
• Part of our mission, as a non-profit theater, and which is dear to my heart (and Bill’s), is to offer roles for actors that stretch and give them opportunity for achievement. (We aspire to continue to attract actors of the highest caliber, and this show is a gem to have on one’s resume.)
• The script is brilliantly written, thought-provoking and deeply touching.
• I am very fond of stories based on true events.
• There’s mystery and suspense.
• The director is brilliant. (Even if I AM related to him.)
• The acting is brilliant. Again, so many comments agreeing with this. Watching these women work is stunning.
• The set is unique and very beautiful!
• I love that the story of Agnes, as it unfolds in all of it’s gritty truth, has a profound effect on those (Dr. Livingstone and Sister Miriam Ruth) who have come to love her. God’s love, no matter how broken or flawed the vessel that contains it, is always life-giving.
• The patrons are loving it. That makes me happy!

I am reminded of this quote by Richard Eyre:

“Change begins with understanding and understanding begins by identifying oneself with another person: in a word, empathy. The arts enable us to put ourselves in the minds, eyes, ears, and hearts of other human beings.”

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

And if you have not seen the show, I hope you will.

Acting: Audition Tips

by Suzanne Rhoten | Oct 4, 2018 | Life Lessons From The Stage

Auditions. Some actors don’t mind auditioning, some actors even enjoy auditions… yes, it’s true. But most actors don’t really like to audition and some, even some very good actors, hate auditions and suck at auditioning. So let’s face the facts… actors need to audition. It is part of the craft and you CAN get good at it. Of course you can! You’re not gonna be right for every part, but every audition can be a learning experience and can give you insight for next time. So look in the mirror and repeat OUT LOUD after me “I enjoy auditioning and I’m good at it.”

Years ago I took a commercial audition workshop in Dallas. Flying in from Los Angeles, a well known national commercial actor, Squire Fridell and casting director Dennis Gallegos came to impart “commercial audition success” to a group of Dallas actors.  One part of that workshop was watching a video of some recent auditions that the casting director had brought with him from L.A. The unique thing about this audition tape was that the actors auditioning on it were actors and actresses we had all seen on TV doing commercial roles, as well as other major roles, many many times. That conference room, where the workshop was being held, was full of Dallas actors with their chins dropping to the floor, mouths wide open, as we all watched the L.A. actors, whom we all recognized as successful working actors, doing mediocre and unimpressive, to very bad, auditions. Some were flustered, quite a few unprepared, they were having bad hair days, and gosh, some were just pitiful. It was stunning and liberating all at the same time. Lesson seared into my brain: “YOU’RE BETTER THAN THAT!”

That tape alone was worth the pricey admission to that workshop!

Now it’s true that those actors most definitely have some great auditions, and Mr. Gallegos may have picked the one “Auditions from Hell” tape that he had on his shelf. But it helped all of the students in his workshop to see that we are way too hard on ourselves, and that the lie, “I suck and everyone else is brilliant” is just that – a lie.

So here are my top audition tips. Whether you are doing a “live” audition or doing a digital taping to send, these are things that you can do to increase your “marketability” and chances of getting the part:

1. Get your head right. Find things to like about auditioning. If you are sending it digitally, you are not having to drive all over the place and you have control and can control which “take” to send. Of course if it is “live”, there are advantages to that as well. They get to see your personality and you have more of a chance to “sell yourself.” Anything more relational is better. Either way, whatever your attitude is, it will show to those watching.
2. Make a list of, and review your best wins. This is another point in “getting your head right.” Review your best feedback and your vision for “if you get the part.” Recently an actress we work with had an audition where everyone at the audition was clapping for her! I would encourage her to journal that and go over it, remembering that moment before she goes into her next audition. The video mentioned above was on my list. You can also write down your own little pep talk… “I’m an actor/actress, I was born to do this. I am gifted and wonderful and…”.  Review your “wins” before you go in to “read” (or make your tape).
3. Arrive a little early and be prepared. Follow any directions that have been given by your agent, or if you are self-represented, any that were posted. Don’t stand out for the wrong reasons.
4. Get your copy and go off and practice it out loud… don’t hang out in the waiting room. It’s ok to tell the assistant to the casting director that you will be outside or out in the hall, etc. It also shows a good work ethic. The casting people want you to be good… they are FOR you. The only people who may not want you to get the part (haha, cause they want it)  are in that waiting room. Don’t hang in there and chit chat about your last role. Focus on getting this one.
5. Give it your all and have fun. Hey, remember why you are doing this. Trust what’s in you (and your Creator that put it there). If you are doing your daily preparations – you are ready.
6. When you walk out of the audition, or hit “send” on the email, let it go. Have something else planned to do and put it behind you.
7. Did you get some good feedback? Or did something great happen? Add it to your list to review (see #2 above).  Make some notes on things you want to do differently next time. Like, what did you learn? Then walk out and let it go. Done. Move on. If they call you, it will be wonderful. If they don’t, it could be for a lot of reasons, many of which have NOTHING to do with your skill as an actor/actress.

Say it again, OUT LOUD – “I enjoy auditioning and I am good at it.”

12 Elements of a Culture that Fosters Creativity

by Suzanne Rhoten | Jun 7, 2018 | Life Lessons From The Stage

I’ve thought a lot lately about the “culture” of organizations. I’ve only recently even used that terminology as I have read articles on this subject and heard it spoken of that way. Companies and business people are talking about the importance of their “culture” and the relationship it has to productivity. In our organization, which is a non-profit arts organization, specifically a theatre, I can testify that I have seen a direct relationship between “culture” and productivity… we like to call it creativity.

Before this realization, I just thought of “our culture” as a collection of comments by actors and other creatives we work with. Comments like, “I love working here, it’s different”, or “it’s like a family here”. Just a few days ago a young actor who was in a recent show with a large cast told me, “I found my people.” That one got me choked up.

So how does this “close-knit, family type culture of creativity” develop? From where does it generate? Here are twelve ideas about what makes a (theatre) culture into an atmosphere that fosters creativity, backed by 30 years of experience doing it.

[This first statement is at the top of the list for a reason, because it has the most impact, but the rest could be in any order.]

1. Seek and give honor to God, who made us creative… in His image. He is worthy.

2. The overriding belief that everyone has purpose and destiny. Look for it, and call it out.

3. Be honest, even when it’s costly. It really saves you in the big picture.

4. To quote author Jon Gordon (The Power of Positive Leadership): “Sometimes you are the star…sometimes you help the star.”

5. Creatives do their best work from a place of vulnerability where they feel free to take risks. An atmosphere of emotional trust and safety is important. This starts at the top, be trustworthy, and encourage that in others.

6. What we make together has value.

7. Doing it only for the standing ovation is not enough. Find a deeper reason.

8. Don’t build a company/organization/theatre… build people. The rest will come.

9. Always be looking for growth and treasure in each other. Celebrate it.

10. Sow excellence, reap excellence.

11. Creativity thrives in an atmosphere of joy and hope. Make that happen.

12. Once your culture is established… be a vigilant guard over it.

Every one of those statements or ideas reminds me of faces and of the people who exemplify those qualities. Just as I arrived at the theatre tonight, two of our actors were trimming trees and edging the sidewalks. Amazing! They wanted to surprise us. Yes, these are my people!

What are your thoughts?

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