Theatre is a Team Sport

There are some things in life that we pursue on our own.  I penned a blog some years ago about 10,000 hours of practice.  The idea is that to become really accomplished at anything requires sustained effort and a commitment to practice for many many hours.  Think about learning to play an instrument, or learning to speak a language.  There are many sports that require an individual to train on their own- track, gymnastics, ski racing all come to mind.  But there are many sports and activities that require collaboration.

Theatre tops the list.  At this point in the process, there are so many elements that come together to achieve the final result.  The set has been built, the lights have been hung and the light cues are being set.  The costumer is perfecting the looks for each actor.  The props mistress has constructed the props and is organizing them backstage.  The band is practicing their scores.

And when the actors hit the stage they are totally relying on each other.  If someone misses a line or an entrance, the other actors must adjust.  If, God forbid, there is a wardrobe malfunction, other actors must cover and someone backstage will scramble to assist.

It makes me think about the fabulous series, Ted Lasso, in which one of the star players had to learn the hard lesson about passing the ball.  It’s tempting for some to feel that they alone can get through and make things happen.  But that does not happen onstage, nor does it happen on the soccer pitch.

It’s one of the most thrilling things about live theatre.  Anything can happen.  Actors learn to live in the moment and to embody their character so whatever happens, they will stay in character.

For those of us who have played team sports, we know that some of our closest friendships have come from our time playing together as a team.  As Jenn Langhus so beautifully expressed in her recent blog, Theatre Girls For Life , the relationships that we form are precious.

So we invite our audiences to come into our magical space and to watch artistic collaboration at its best.  No matter what happens, we expect our audiences to be on our side, cheering us on.  We can't wait to see you in the theatre.