It’s always fascinating to me to learn how people chose their current profession or career. There is a sense of discovery of someone else that I just love to learn about. For instance, a friend of mine is an anthropology major but works in textbook sales. Yet another person I know has a degree in theatre but works in marketing.
I have a degree in religious studies but I focus my efforts on marketing. Today I want to tell you more about why I do what I do.
Love for the Arts
I love the performing arts. I love the preparation that an actor or an ensemble must undertake before the curtain goes up or the conductor walks out on stage and gives the first downbeat. The effort it takes to create a character, perfect a melodic line, or tighten phrasing of a piece is something remarkable. As a performer myself, I love the fact that I get to work with some amazing talent and create amazing pieces of art. It does sound like a lot of work, but also, it’s a lot of fun too.
Because I know what it takes to prepare for a performance, I also know how discouraging it can be for performers to be greeted by houses that are sparsely attended. I remember a time when the curtain went up on a show I was doing and being really discouraged that most of the seats in the theatre were empty. My energy went down, and as many actors do I began to wonder if no one liked the show.
That’s largely what fuels me. To ensure that as many people come to performances as possible. I work at this because I think like an actor.
Fueled by purpose and driven by passion
I also remember a performance that I attended as a college student. My college, Campbellsville University, has the reputation of having the best music education that a private institution in the state can offer. I can tell you that they have a great program. It was at a choir concert that I first heard John Rutter’s Requiem. I still remember being captivated at the very first measure and the performance was simply stunning.
Right now words on the screen can’t do the experience justice. But I can tell you that I was transformed that evening. I had a new way of looking at life, of experiencing the day, and a new sense of humanity was given through the notes and singers and instruments that played that evening.
The arts has the power to transform us like nothing else can. This is what drives me to do what I do. I want to see your venue full to standing room only so that they have the chance to experience the transformative power of the arts.
I want your mission to be accomplished.
I want your organization to be successful
I want your ensemble to be profitable.
I want you to thrive!
It can all be summarized by after a dramatic performance to hear sustained applause, standing ovations, calls over and over for encores and repeat performances.
I want that for your organization because I want everyone to experience the transformative power of the arts in their lives.
