Don't Let Your Work Be An Accident

The title of this post was the parting knowledge my theatre teacher had for me today as we ended the semester on a high note. This statement got me thinking about young theatre professionals today and how unfortunately, so many of them don't do the work they need to in this business.

It happens all the time, young talented students who have never had to work hard for their talent so they don't. When I was in band in high school, a highly competitive OMEA ranked band I might add, I once beat out a senior for a 3rd chair position. She was furious with me and feeling beyond confused I went to my director and asked what I had done to make her so mad. He told me this.

What a novel idea that is! I had never thought of it before. When it comes to the things I do in school I have never been most talented. I have however, in every single new thing I have ever decided to try in my life been awarded with most improved. It dawned on me that sometimes I succeed at things because I work hard on them, not necessarily because it always comes easy to me.

That's why my professor's parting advice resonated with me so much as a student, I need to remember to not just expect my talent to carry me. That is advice I would put out to every artist regardless of your medium, do not let your talent carry you. It is so important to work, and to practice, and to be the best you can be. Do not let your work be an accident. You seriously never know what you can achieve. I mean think about it, if you're doing good with almost no preparation how amazing could you be if you decided to really buckle down and put forth the effort.

So to every young struggling artist out there, who is saying how can I be better, how can I be best? My one piece of advice is to not let your work be an accident, you are worth so much more than that.