The Silver Lining Effect

It's been two weeks since that "Diva" Sandy upstaged most everyone in the NYC area one way or another.  We have colleagues that are still trying to manage without power; we have friends, relatives, teachers and kids from our Broadway JR workshops and pilots whose life has little resemblance to what it was a few weeks ago. The "silver lining" effect that immediately followed this event is worth the healthiest of standing ovations.  You've read how neighbors banded together and the unspoken acts of generosity keep on coming.  Even in our relatively small world of educational theatre, the texts, calls and accommodation offers from six states away have been incredible.

When we as children's musical theatre directors take time to reflect and assess our performances, we look at what was good and what needs improvement.  Hurricane Sandy's performance spoke for itself, but the silver lining effect extended from near and far and is a performance of note.  I just left AMLE, the national middle school conference where I met teachers from across the country and Canada to talk with them about Broadway JR. Their instinctive questions were how could they and their kids help.  They talked about donating performance proceeds in the same sentence that they inquired about the cost of a show kit. They talked about connecting with other casts whose shows were cancelled by using social media.

So the "silver lining" effect is obviously intuitive to those of you who spend a majority of your time juggling what it takes to give kids the experience of musical theatre.  So take time to accept the pat on the back for what you do well.  To many of you, it is a strength you don't give yourself credit for. Tenacity, selflessness, generosity, unconditional support and the ability to inspire. Yup, we all know any quality production with kids uses all of the above.  Thanks for sharing.