Ask anyone who does theatre for a living about what keeps them doing it and they will likely tell you something about the magic of the stage. Something about how eletrifying it is to become someone else for a bit, to touch the soul of someone with their work, or to collectively create a moment, or moments in time that live beyond themselves. Its a wonderful thing, this beautiful creative creature.
And then come with me to my world and watch the magic, the mystery, the creative beast disappear. In a sea of spreadsheets, projections and marginal percentages, The Phantom of The Opera becomes a list of past and future purchasers. Jekyll & Hyde becomes an income and expense column and The Grinch steals Christmas to build a new and younger demographic.
The magic is gone.
I'm surprised at how few people on the business end of this industry never go to see the shows they work on. In some cases this includes the very people who sell the tickets. The beast has taken away his beauty and the villagers seem to not even notice.
This is why I hold onto improv, the few moments i get to experience the play. I hop in the sandbox and make believe. It keeps me emotionally connected to my creative spirit, my soul. It keeps me alive inside.
I love it and know it connects me to the magic i sell, to the spirit of the stage and inspires me to press on.
Every time.