Stroke Me, Stroke Me

Lately I've been thinking about the development and collaborative process of bringing a new play to life. Since I am in the thick of that process, it is natural that I am consumed by these thoughts. I often wonder how the heavy hitters do it and what could be learned from them. What is typical and expected during the development process? What is deemed unacceptable? What could I have done better? Who could have helped me to improve the process? Some of the answers are coming to me yet others elude me. I know, in the grand scheme of things, I am small potatoes. However, I am eager to learn and willing to work to perfect my craft so that one day my small potatoes will become something substantial like a potatoes dauphinoise or, at the very least, loaded potato skins. (Odd metaphor. Maybe I'm just craving potatoes.)

One thing that I have learned in the 30+ years I've been involved in this art form is that theater artists have an innate need to be praised. This generally ends up being a problem for me at some point. When working on a show, I tend to shift into writer/producer/director mode and find myself focusing on the tasks of getting a quality production up on the boards. If things are going well, I don't tend to be overly effusive about it. If things need attention, I can be pretty vocal. Invariably, with every production, I have an actor or designer approach me and ask me specifically if they are doing a good job. Then I feel like a shit because I haven't told them how well they are doing.

I have had a lot of people ask me how the development of A Gift of Undetermined Value is going. Generally speaking, my response is, "It's been really hard." Depending on who I'm talking to, I might provide a little more detail about why. Thankfully, I have a lot of friends who are writers and/or professional theater artists and they talk me down from the ledge, dispelling my ever-growing notion that I am insane to think I can do this. During those conversations I've come to realize why this particular journey has been so tough. Nobody is telling me when I am doing something well. People have been quick to criticize, complain or snicker but they aren't so quick to be complimentary. That is a tough and bitter pill to swallow and, perhaps, it is one that I need to take. It is also a lesson learned - everyone deserves praise from time to time and a good, positive stroke can go a long way.

You put your right hand out and give a firm handshake

Talk to me about that one big break

Spread your ear pollution both far and wide

Keep your contributions by your side

And stroke me, stroke me