(This started as a chronicle of my time at the Guthrie, but I think that is too narrow. The people want MORE! Ha. I don't think my own family even reads this- I know my husband doesn't. He thinks blogs are strange. He is 100% right.)
I have always been somewhat wary of networking and much of my current network is built on happenstance, old friendships, and the work that came from that. I am only now waking up to the fact that I need to seek out networking opportunities rather than rely on happenstance. I would love to hear from any of you out there on this topic- actors or otherwise. How have you felt about networking in the past? Do you actively cultivate new relationships? Has your outlook changed regarding it?
First off- perfect example of happenstance- upon my return to NY I was able to go into the show as an understudy for Aadya Bedi in Betrayed at the Culture Project, a well respected off Broadway house that does politically conscious theater. I felt blessed to have the opportunity to do the show as I had struggled with my decision to walk away from it back in December and go to the Guthrie instead. I had done a developmental reading of the show with a great group of folks including my friends and talented actors, Waleed Zuaiter and Ramsey Faragallah. The actors knowing each other lent the reading a family vibe that was so appealing to us and the producers that we were all offered parts! I had worked with them as a result of my involvement in Nibras and the NY Arab-American Comedy Festival. But the reason I was even in that room was because Garin Marschall saw my work in Girlblog from Iraq, which he did lighting on back in 2004 or 5, a show I have done in NY and the Edinburgh Fringe. Garin's remembering me got me in that room. I hope to return the favor somehow.... The web is being woven and is stretching far and wide!
Congratulations to them for having extended so many times to make it possible for me to play with my friends!!! It was an intense and fun experience. The sensation of replacing another actor was an odd and challenging one, maybe fodder for another post.
Stretching that network even further back, I have started working full force for Call2Action.com. We are an internet startup aimed at turning cause related media into actions. It is a fabulous idea and I can't say too much now. But in the context of this post, I got the job because the head of the company is none other than my best friend from 15 years old on, the woman my husband refers to as my ex, Charlotte Rademaekers. What is so exciting personally is that I am able to work and operate at a level denied to me in most other jobs. Because of our level of trust I am welcome to play with the big kids, brainstorming and creating content, ideas and strategy. And I am finding that what I have learned through my many successes and many (many, many more) failures in theater are translating nicely so that I won't have to through the school of hard knocks all over again. Well, hopefully not the same classes. As things come closer to launch I will be sure to let you in on the gory and exciting details of 2.0 startup land!
All this to say, things are certainly moving, but I can't help wondering where I might be if I were actively pursuing leads. I have always been a person that things happen to- and really, we all are. I do think I am often capable of recognizing opportunities when they arise, so that has helped. What I want to improve on is actually creating those opportunities. So step one in that plan is to start talking to people about what I am doing and hope to do.
I encourage you to let me know your thoughts on all this. In my mind a networker was about a step up from a car salesman- yet here I am reaping the benefits of my unconscious networking...
How can I make it more conscious? Where do I go to do that? Without stepping outside of my comfort zone? Can I continue to use bad words and make tasteless jokes as a way to win friends and influence people- sustainable method or not? Ryan Shrime? Where are you? THis is your field! Comment away!!!! Share your thoughts and stay tuned!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I feel the same as you, sister. There's something exciting in your 20s about letting life just come at you, offering opportunities based on some complex setup that the universe provides for you...a passive actor? But it feels so finite. And then you reach a point where you aren't satisfied with that system (or no longer trust that system). What to do? Classes? Parties?
The only thing I know for sure is that you MUST be yourself (crass/googy/etc) in those settings, or you really will feel like a used car salesman (salesperson)...I've heard that we're not supposed to feel shy about asking for what we want, explicitly. So, Maha, can you make me into a successfully fulfilled artist with lots of money? Thanks!!
HA! Well let me ask you this- what do you mean by successful and what do you mean by fulfilled?( and what the hell do you mean by googy???)
The lots of money part I get. Does the money have to come from the same place as being successful and fulfilled? Not being snarky- I am really wondering these things myself... Of late I am successful and fulfilled, by my standards. So I am slowly raising those standards. But the money part- not so much. And I am over ramen noodles. So I am making plans. I am done thinking it is either or- it has to be yes, and. Or I will have to quit!
BTW Peter- I think you are a successful artist.
Post a Comment