One Producer in the City

Wanna PLAE?

Last week, I announced the applications for PLAE and I will be hosting a PLAE info session to tell you all more about the course and provide some free introductory lessons on some of the topics we'll cover. These topics will include:

• Bringing a business past the point of idea to execution
• Building a community of advocates for your work
• Effective time management and delegation
• Creating an accountability system
• Finding and establishing realtionships with power partners

You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the course, the work we'll be doing, and meet other entrepreneurial artists. Space is limited, so be sure to email us soon to reserve your spot. 

The details:

When: August 20th at 7pm

Where: Location will be emailed to those who sign up. 

Cost: Free

Look forward to seeing you there.

Excelsior! 

 

This week's A.P.T.- Valerie Hager

This week's A.P.T. is Valerie Hager who has a show in Fringe this year called Naked in Alaska. Below is an interview with Valerie about her process by Theatre Beyond Broadway's own Malini Singh McDonald. Enjoy!

Excelsior!

P.S.- PLAE is coming up in September. Be sure to get your application in! 

I love an autobiography. I love when people share their truth. I love to listen to how people get through a difficult time. 

I met Valerie Hager after a performance of her one-woman show, Big Man, at Stage Left Studio. I was instantly blown away by her performance. Then I saw Naked in Alaska at Dixon Place and knew I had to be a part of it in some way. And I am. As Marketing Director, I have the best opportunity to get people to see this piece of art. Also, I have the perfect opportunity to learn more about the project from the artist herself. Naked in Alaska is running for 5 performances in this summer's Fringe Festival. It is listed by Backstage as one of the 10 SHOWS TO SEE; Daily News featured Valerie and the show in their arts section; and the New Yorker has her featured on page 14 of this month's issue. Click HERE for show and ticket information.

 

Malini: When did you have the epiphany to tell this particular story through a theatrical performance?

 

Valerie: My story began when I moved to New York City in 2009 from Los Angeles. I was at a place in my life where I knew I needed to make a radical change. I’d been living in L.A. for ten years pursuing the Hollywood dream. And I was stuck. The career I'd been pursuing hadn't turned into a way of making anything close to a living. And I was at a loss of how to move forward. I began to think that nothing about me was unique enough to get people's attention and that I should just give up on my dreams. But I didn’t. Instead I moved to New York City. I was hungry for a second chance. And then there I was in this empty apartment unpacking and looking through the dozens of journals and hundreds of pictures that I had been carrying around with me for so many years. And I suddenly saw this girl who I'd forgotten about. This young girl who was a secret bulimic for over a decade, who became a crystal meth addict and was expelled from high school, who chose to strip for a living because the validation she got in the clubs was more than she had known outside of them. And it was here, I was reminded of this girl who I had somehow pushed down myself and judged as wrong. It was in these long nights in my new apartment—that I realized this girl was still very much alive inside of me. I was still afraid of stepping into the strength of my voice and honoring—not hiding—my past. I was still tied to this belief that what I had been through—as a kid who failed school, a former addict, a career stripper—was a curse and not a gift. And, for whatever reason, moving to New York and experiencing the gift of a second chance, opened me up to ask what might happen if I really faced the secrets buried in these journals, staring back at me in these photographs. So there began this exploration of the past. This emergence of two selves: the terrified young girl I was and the fragmented woman I became. Who underneath were not so different and who both shared a deep yearning to live a life of meaning and purpose. One that was free of shame, self-judgement, and fear. And so there I was with all of that and I realized, there was no turning back.

 

Malini: Since you have been performing the piece, have you had a moment of  "I don't want to do this"? And if so, what made you say to yourself, "I HAVE to."

Valerie: Never. Naked In Alaska is my choice. It stands up for the things we're told we shouldn't talk about--the stories we push away, the moments we've had of shame, regret, and failure--and I believe that those stories are often the ones that need to be told the most. Because by sharing those stories, by refusing to give them power over us, and instead welcoming them as a part of us, we have the potential of stepping into the whole of who we truly are. I think that is why I have never had a moment of "I don't want to do this".  Naked In Alaska has changed my life. It has given me a voice and a platform to share my heart with others and to make a difference with my story. Even if that difference is only one person. One heart sitting out in the audience that leaves feeling less alone. I never imagined I could have a life like this! That a life like this was possible for someone like me. And I am grateful for every moment that Naked In Alaska has given me to grow, to expand, and to share my story with so many beautiful people. 

 

Malini: Has the purpose of telling your story changed over time? 

Valerie: The purpose has deepened for sure!  It began as a way for me to break free from the judgement of my own past and instead use Naked In Alaska as platform for change in my own life. To stand in the deepest truth inside of myself and in the world. But then once I started sharing Naked In Alaska more and more on various stages and in workshops throughout the city everything shifted. I began to sense that there was a bigger purpose. And then this kind of rebirth happened. This ripping away of any separateness in my story and instead there was this deep relatedness with others. This connectedness that I discovered existed in all of our stories and through that this profound liberation happened.  A liberation I feel happens when we share courageously with one and other. I especially saw the impact that Naked In Alaska could have on young women and this opened up a treasure chest of idea's and avenues that I'd never imagined!  Naked In Alaska has shifted from a story about my healing into one that now each time I perform is for every soul sitting in the audience. A show that I continue to dedicate to the phoenix, the fierce one in us all. Naked In Alaska is no longer Naked In Alaska, Valerie's story. Naked In Alaska, is our story. Hear us roar!

And with that I couldn't forget about all of my cherished friends and family who have supported and encouraged Naked In Alaska every step of the way! Lastly, Naked in Alaska could not have been shaped into what it is now without the teachings of Matt Hoverman the nurture and belief of Cheryl King, the insight of Cullen Thomas, and the brilliance and specificity of my director and beloved Scott Wesley Slavin. Now GO! And rock the world with YOUR blazing story! 

Be sure to check out the show while there are still tickets, and also you can support their IndieGoGo campaign HERE

Retro Wednesday: Don't be governed by the context

This week's retro post is all about looking at the context of your situation when networking and starting conversations. Have a look!

Excelsior!

P.S.- PLAE applications are still being accepted. Make sure to apply today! 

July 14, 2009

Don't be governed by the context

So last night we had the first PLAE class and it was really great. We started by talking about networking and I thought I'd share a little tidbit that we all discovered.

Every place you are is a chance to make connections. Most people think that the only place to do business is in an office, but the fact of the matter is, you could find business in a restaurant, on the sidewalk, or in a bar. As long as you don't let the context of the situation take over.

What do I mean by this?

If you're in a setting that doesn't encourage mixing or mingling, that is the context. If you accept that, you could be sitting next to a huge investor and not even know it. If you create your own context, then you can have a conversation and perhaps make a connection with that new contact. So the ultimate question:

How do you create your own context?

Think of something interesting to say and break the ice. Some people may think you're weird and not talk to you, but most will and you'll be in control. Remember that to break into a conversation, you always have to interrupt. If you worry that interrupting is too rude, you lose. End of story. Of course, don't be rude, but do find a way to break in. My personal favorite is "So sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your talk" ---Now I've created a context for that person and the people they are talking with to include me in that conversation.

Does it always work?

Of course not.

Creating context is much harder than following the rules of the room, but if nobody broke the rules, we'd be in a very boring business.

So get out there and start some conversations!

 

The Power of Credit

No, this isn't a personal finance blog post. You can find that type of info HERE.

This post is about giving credit as opposed to using a card. 

When you're getting something off the ground, you are usually scarce on resources. There is never enough money to pay your people, enough time to get things done, or enough connections to move things forward. In these instances, much like someone who uses a credit card to pay for things and then pay them off later, the only way we can thank the people who help us is to give them credit for their work. 

The main difference is that unlike a card, credit that you give to others has no limit. You can say as much or as little as you like about the people who you work with and often it has a significant impact on them.

So how do I feel about it?

I think that you want to give credit where credit is due as often as you can. I think that if people work hard for you, they should always be recognized for that work. This is especially true if you are in a leadership position.

So here's something I'd like you to try today:

Give those who are working with you or for you credit. You can do it via Twitter or Facebook or any other public platform you like, but let the world know how much they mean to you. 

Use the #Creditisdue 

I'll start:

Thanks to @norahturnham for all of your hard work on the rebranding and launching of @SmallPondEnt #Creditisdue

Thanks to @RittOnTwitt for being a beyond amazing summer intern #Creditisdue

Now you give it a shot.

Every day tons of people do a ton of work and receive no credit. Let's not let today be one of those days.

Excelsior!

The return of PLAE

I am excited to announce that, after 3 years, I am bringing back one of my most popular classes. PLAE started as an experiment to see what could happen if artists were given the same kind of training that entrepreneurs receive in incubator programs. It developed into a ten-week course that addressed every side of building a business.

The results from past PLAE sessions have been pretty amazing and we have had alumni from the program go on and do things like start their own coaching businesses, build marketing platforms, start their own festivals, and more. I'm excited to teach PLAE again and launch the next group of visionaries. Read the information below and, if this looks like it could be for you, I encourage you to apply. I will only be accepting 5 applicants, so be sure to get your apps in early and good luck!

Excelsior!

Program to Launch Artistic Entrepreneurs (PLAE)
September 15^th- November 18th 2013
Every Monday from 7:00pm-10:00pm

This is a 10-week development program geared toward equipping arts entrepreneurs with the tools to realize their goals.  The course will meet once a week and will feature guest speakers in leadership positions throughout the field of the arts and business who will participate in the exploration of each entrepreneur's project to offer guidance and support.

The class will be structured around the selected applicants who will create a 10-week action plan and implement a new task or initiative every week. Topics covered will include networking, developing structure for businesses, understanding the psychology of the arts leader, identifying unique qualities in projects, and fostering on-going relationships with arts professionals. The course will be interactive and satellite networking events will be suggested each week.  Participants in the course will work together in groups as well as on their own to complete the tasks they have outlined. The class will be strictly limited to 5 participants.

Previous speakers have included: Broadway producer Ken Davenport, President of HHC Marketing Hugh Hysell, Broadway producer John Pinckard, Broadway Producer Andy Sandberg, Publicist and Marketing consultant Katie Rosin, Business Plan consultant Sheila Speller, among other entrepreneurial professionals.

Who Should Apply:
Any artist who is seeking to develop a new business idea or company or to restructure a current arts model.  Level of experience in an arts related field is only one factor in the selection process.  If a banker who has never done a show before has a great idea for a dance company, excellent.  The course will thrive if it is full of people who are seriously committed to starting something new and exciting.  Any artist – producer, dancer, visual artist, musician, etc. - or entrepreneur with an artistic idea is eligible to apply. This is also a great course for those starting a new theatre company.

The online application form can be found HERE

 

 

Some Awesome TED Talks

I thought I'd share the guest blog spot today with a few TED talks that I recently watched and really enjoyed. Each talk deals with someone who had a difficult moment in their life that caused them to start something truly amazing. Have a look and think about what incredible thing you can make that may come from a tough moment in your life. Enjoy.

Excelsior!

 

 

 

 

 

This week's A.P.T.- Scott Britton

This week's A.P.T. is Biz Dev whiz Scott Britton. I was introduced to Scott through someone who is an avid reader of his blog and after checking it out, I can see why. Scott provides tons of great advice on making introductions, finding a job in the startup world, and relationship building. In addition to this, he is also teaching a great course which you can read all about below. Take a second to follow him on Twitter and check out his blog. You'll be glad you did. 

Excelsior!

From Scott's blog:

I’m teaching a one-time class with one of my closest friends Ryan Denehy  on August 7th, at 8pm at We Work Labs.

The class / jam session is called Making It Rain In Business Development: Closing Business Development Deals and Avoiding Blunders (details below crazy awesome event picture).

Photo Credit: Denehy’s Legit Design Skills

A few reasons why I’m stoked to teach this class:

• We plan on giving real-life stories from the trenches on both successes and failures (so you can learn!)
• I’ll be sharing a few tactics I’ve never shared before on my blog etc
• This is the first time I’ve spoken on “closing”
• If you can’t tell by the photo, we plan on making this fun and entertaining. We’ll probably be drinking beers too (club soda adventures cheat day – I know, I know)
• Ryan is one of my closest buds and a total stud. Check his company Swarm Mobile

So come on out and hang (tickets here). I think it’s going to be really fun.