Something Borrowed, Something Blue and always something new!

Take a minute to pat yourself on the back.  Most likely you either have begun a new school year with students, started a new season with your after school drama program or launched your companion education programs to coordinate with your mainstage season.  “And they’re off!” as they say.

That last big breath before we begin or resume our artistic projects in the fall is full of past practices, new challenges, (yes, a decreased budget is a challenge), brilliant new inspirations and never ending hopes.  Hopes that we can have an impact and make life better for those around us through theater and kids.

Our daughter announced to us last night that she is getting married.  That same feeing of past, present and future that I always feel as I start a new school year with kids washed over me in a flash.  The conglomeration of advice I “borrowed” to instill the best in a child, the “something blue” traditions from our family, and the desire to incorporate something “new” on a daily basis, came into focus with that news.  The curtain closed on any reprises of childhood and she’s off to open her own show.  Reviews forthcoming.

So as the shiny new sneakers appear in your teaching area, open the new chapter with the best you’ve got.

• Highlight your BEST practices and give the others a rest.

• Review in your mind the most memorable performances you attended this summer and let that inspiration refuel you.

 • Enjoy the reward of collaboration and brainstorming.  Talk to people and exchange crazy ideas.  Share your thoughts on MTI Showspace.  (Customizing ideas to your program is an addiction of mine!)

• Always allow room for the “mystery ingredient”: something new.  It can be from an eight year old or your school custodian.

• Make no excuse for depleted staff or budget.  Know that your opportunity for presenting a new beginning has the ability to turn on a kid’s creative brain forever.

CR