Wednesday, March 18, 2009

God is a Director

My testimony is closely tied to my experience in theatre.  Last night I had a realization while watching a dress rehearsal of my latest show, Little Happy Secrets.  I was wondering what my role had been as director.  What had I accomplished?  What good did I do?  I felt very much like I wasn't needed for this project, like much of what was good had come from the actors and the writing, and I was the weak link getting dragged along with the production.  I was feeling pretty down about my role with the show (although the show is fantastic).  

I realized that what I was doing to myself I often do to God.  I get caught up in how "awesome" I am and what I can do "on my own."  My pride gets me in the way from acknowledging the Lord's hand as the director of my life.  I discount Him and give myself the credit, just as I did while watching LHS last night (discounting myself and giving the actors the credit).  

How do I solve this??

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

From Class

Every time you do theatre, there are restrictions or limitations.  If you look at the restrictions as being censors, then you will get discouraged.  However, if you view those limitations as allowing you to be more creative, the limitations are incredibly freeing!

This idea is especially applicable here at BYU.  There are many restrictions placed on us as theatre practitioners here.  The plays that we do cannot have curse words stronger than hell or damn.  Content wise, we cannot do shows dealing with homosexuality, etc.  These limitations may feel like censorship, but if we shift our paradigm, we can see these limitations as freeing us to focus on other kinds of theatre and do them extremely well.  Or try more experimental work in form and presentation.