Always Remember What Motivates You In The Arts

We all need a reminder sometimes, of just what makes us tick, that drives us to want to succeed at what we are working on.

The Art? Fear of failure? Pride?

In an ideal world it would always be about the Art. But, in truth we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to the point, where we as creatives, worry about everything. Of course we don’t intend to put pressure on ourselves, but when we worry about what we perceive to be others expectations of us, we do.

We need to focus on what we are doing and our path, but this is easier said than done. Constantly, we see what others have achieved and we start to question our own achievements, rather than being proud of ourselves and what we aim for in the future. Why should it take others to validate us to give us self worth? Of course it’s a lovely feeling to get praise now and again, but it’s NOT the most important thing in the world.

Think of all the reasons why you love what you do..I know it’s a simple philosophy and the best part is it works. Write them down and then read the list, you will be amazed at how many wonderful points you have. This can unlock your consciousness and remind you of all the amazing reasons you enjoy a career in the Arts. 

Be bold and be kind 🎭

Guest Blog-From Theatrefullstop Founder Lucy Basaba

I was honoured when I was asked by Fran to contribute an article to her blog. We met last year when she very bravely trusted me to direct a recording of a monologue she had written. From that very moment a friendship blossomed, and it has been great to see how Fran has grown as a theatre maker, founding her own theatre company.

I am the founder and editor of a theatre website called Theatrefullstop. Theatrefullstop started life as a lone blogger writing her thoughts on the latest theatre happenings in the Fringe theatre scene. I’d read a few reviews prior to writing my very first however had been brought up to think that theatre reviewing wasn’t something that I was entitled to do. What I’ve learned along the years is that this is not the case. If you have the passion for theatre, you already have that unique perspective, your own voice. Theatrefullstop started in July 2013 and celebrates 4 years this year. In that time I’ve been able to build a small but dedicated reviewing team. Team members have left, whether that be to pursue careers in the arts or have returned to their native countries, however we all still keep in contact, with members returning and contributing occasionally.

In 2015 we won the Young Person Recognition Award at the UK Blog Awards and that was a fantastic confidence boost as we were being celebrated for something that had been created out of a passion for theatre. Fast forward to 2017 and this year has already witnessed the first Pub Theatre Festival; a festival giving emerging theatre makers the platform to showcase their work at an established pub theatre venue. It was a lot of fun organising the festival (and a lot of work too) and it was great to watch the 14 companies chosen. This year will also witness the first Theatre and Technology Awards; an initiative celebrating the artistry and creativity happening technologically both on stage and off. There are 11 categories and voting is now open so please vote if you can!

What’s been great about theatre blogging is the people I have met along the way. I started off writing and now I’ve found that another passion of mine is organising events. In terms of advice that I can give in terms of starting up a blog; use a blog platform such as WordPress and don’t pressure yourself into writing a lot of reviews in a short space of time. See a show a month, a show a week if you’re up to it and before you know it you’ve built up a portfolio of reviews. Once you’re comfortable with that and figured out a routine, you can focus on a variation of content such as interviews, videos, features etc.

To find out more on Theatrefullstop here: http://www.theatrefullstop.com/

Relax and Replenish…Make Time For You

Sometimes, you feel that you have come to a point where you are lethargic, frazzled and extremely tired, in both mind as well as body and start to panic. I can’t be tired, I have so much to write, rehearse, promote..

Sound familiar? I have a feeling it does. We all feel we have to be on auto-pilot in the Arts as every second counts. It is not the end of the world, to take time to relax and do absolutely nothing, for at least a couple of hours. Trust me, I know it will feel odd, when it seems you should be sorting out everything under the sun, but it is VITAL to make time for you.

Here are three ideas on how to unwind and relax:

1. Read or listen to an audio book you have been meaning to, for what seems like forever.

2. Listen to music, in fact listen to your playlists that make you smile.

3. Pamper session– I am talking the three F’s- a facial, favourite food and favourite film.

Hope this has helped inspire you to have some well earned you-time, please never feel guilty for putting yourself first once in a while. 

Remember, being kind extends to yourself, as well as others.