About 10 minutes ago, I got a text from my friend Lenny telling me that my mom just came into his store and bought a copy of the anthology of short plays that I am published in. Granted, I didn't do as much as this guy, but I'm pretty excited none the less. I think the most interesting thing about how I ended up here is that it was the direct result of networking. I would have never known about this anthology had I not met the editor when I was judging the Sam French Off Off Broadway play festival that year. How did I meet her?
I just struck up a conversation because she was a fellow judge sitting next to me.
In the world of theatre, you never know who you're sitting next to. This guy was at one of my shows and chatting folks up at the bar after and I didn't even realize it until he left and someone told me who he was. I once almost told B.D. Wong his name wasn't on the list for a reading because I thought he was spelling his last name Bd until I looked up. It really is a small world and there are a lot of opportunities out there . . . if you reach out and grab them. Had I decided to keep to myself that night at the festival, I may never have met Barbara or found out how to submit for this anthology. As producers, make sure you're taking advantage of every opportunity to meet someone you can and see shows!
My show is still running two more shows, and a great show I saw yesterday afternoon called Exodus, has one more showing so check it out if you can and next time you're in a lobby sitting next to someone, say hi. You never know who you might make friends with and who knows maybe some day those relationships will land you here.
Excelsior!