Take the pledge to nurture the creative spirit!

I just got off the phone with my best friend of many years. We taught together, fought for arts programs together, raised kids at the same time, mentored one hundred plus student teachers together, brainstormed hundreds of musicals together. We still laugh over the humorous stories of our shared experiences, even though it is now mostly on the phone from ten states away. His three-year-old grandson was recently visiting, (mind you, the heat index in Florida is 100 degrees!) and Larry walked into the kitchen to find little Aydan comfortably sitting equipped with binky and blankie in front of the refrigerator with the door open.  A calm and creative solution to the heat.

Isn’t that what we hope to do with musical theater and every student we come in contact with? Lay the groundwork for creative thinking and simply light the fire!

To quote the 80’s Aussie rocker Nick Cave:

“An artist's duty is rather to stay open-minded and in a state where he can receive information and inspiration. You always have to be ready for that little artistic Epiphany.” 

I just returned home after working with125 music teachers in Charlotte, N.C in an all-day musical theatre workshop. There is no doubt in my mind that there will be many “artistic epiphanies” in those classrooms after I witnessed the combination of enthusiasm, experience, passion for teaching and love of children of these participants.

So begin your school year, your fall season or your semester production allowing the kids “creative space”.  Let them wear the director’s hat occasionally.  Let them block some scenes from their understanding of the story. Let them design the opening night lobby display. Your production will take on a fresh inspired look and the youthful, creative juices that got you into this business will fuel YOU!    CR