BWW Blog: 'You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don't Take'

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." -Wayne Gretzky

Posted in my classroom is a sign that reads, "You miss one 100% of the shots you don't take." I love the sports analogy and thinking about the theatre as a sport. Surely the training, athleticism, and grit required on any field are also required (dare I say 'doubly, if not triply') for a career in the theatre.

Training, athleticism and grit encompass so many characteristics, but the greatest common denominator is courage. Courage is one of those great qualities we all love to talk about, yet it can feel very uncourageous when we are faced with difficult situations and challenging tasks. In the theatre everything can feel difficult and challenging. And in those situations we have two options: to be paralyzed by apprehension and fear or to be daring and act.

Many times in my career I have witnessed the courage of others. And their bravery has given voice to my own.

When I was an undergrad I had a fabulous directing professor - Rod Caspers - who shared that he staged GODSPELL as his Master's thesis project. Deep in the material, he realized that his concept required a reordering of the scenes in Schwartz's famous musical. Naturally, he needed permission from the great Steven Schwartz to do this. At this point in his career Mr. Schwartz was already a decorated and in demand writer. How would Rod even get in contact with him? Did he need to go through lawyers? Rights houses? And even if he could get in contact with Mr. Schwartz would he have the daring to ask. But even so, Rod courageously sought Mr. Schwartz out, asking him if he might reorder the book so his concept could be more fully realized. Mr. Schwartz instantly gave his gracious permission and blessing.

The answer is always a definite 'no' until directors have the courage to ask.

Later in my life, I desperately wanted to direct LEGALLY BLONDE. If I am like any fictitious character it's Elle Woods. There is a need inside of me to share her drive, relentlessness, and awakening. So, when Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) announced they would be mounting a production of the show I decided I needed to act. For 90 days I wrote a-letter-a-day to the producer stating reasons I should be given the reigns. So many times I would begin writing only to think how stupid my 'letter writing campaign' was or how my letters probably went in the trash. But, to my surprise, they weren't! Although I was not named director, I was named associate director and got to help tell Elle's story nonetheless. A total 'win'.

The answer is 'doubt' until a growing artist has the fortitude to inquire.

And finally, late last week, I heard a song that has moved me deeply, "Some Days". It's sung by the incomparable Audra McDonald, but was written by Steve Marzullo. I don't know him. Thinking boldly, I decided to ask my Facebook community if any of my 'friends' did. It's safe to hide behind computer screens these days, but I sure did feel a nervous anxiety in asking a question that might appear amateurish and 'green'. Much to my chagrin someone did know Mr. Marzullo, so nervously I penned him a note asking where I could purchase his sheet music. Swiftly he responded, offering the song in multiple keys, free of charge and imploring me to 'have fun!'

The answer is always the blankness of a computer screen unless you connect, sync up, and jump!

I have found that we are all artists on this journey - together - and because we travel as one we are quick to lend a hand to help one another out. After all, we have all been scared, nervous, and anxious in the face of this amazingly magical thing called the theatre.

The answer really is always 'no' until one asks. The asking in-and-of-itself is artistic. The result is really of no consequence. Certainly there are appropriate and professional ways to go about requesting information, music, rights, permission, advice, etc, etc, etc. But, if we allow the difficulties and challenges of this business to become paralyzing factors that silence our questions and inquires then we forget the bold, inquisitive, connected tissue of our 'show people' heritage.

It's lineage that demands we seek and share.

It's a rich tradition that asks us to toe the line - literally and figuratively - when it's really difficult, challenging, and daunting. But ours is also a history that proves the ones brave enough to ask will not be paralyzed by fear but empowered to live out all the yes's the wonderful and wicked stage embodies. It's a history that demands we take 100% of the shots.

And that is always a win.

To post a comment, you must register and login.