PROFESSIONALISM: Getting Motivated

[Laura]

I'm doing this side project. It's a "small" kids show... musical really. 6 person cast. 12 songs. 1 hour.

It's sort of a big deal for the company that's producing it. However, because of some weird blood in the past, I'm just not into the project anymore, but I'm already committed. I wouldn't walk away from a project without a very definite reason. I DON'T really want to walk away, I'm just having a heck of a time getting motivated. I can't seem to get my head in the game.

Anybody else ever felt like this? Any coping mechanisms?

[NomieRae]

In this tedious economy one of my favorite mantras has become:

'I love what I do. I have a job.'

I've definitely had shows where I wasn't completely "on board" or enthusiastic about it. But sometimes working on shows is just that, work. If you can find any glimmer of enjoyment in the show, from the cast, to the music, to the lovely paperwork you generate, count it as some good experience and keep moving forward.

Case in point, the last show I did was a lot less professional than I had anticipated (read: I was put under the impression it was off-bway with an experienced team, when in reality it was a group of undergrad students putting up a show in an off-off space with no experience) When I was able to get past my grudges of being misled, I had an alright time trying to make the best of it...and the writer of said show has now asked me to SM his next show which will be a much bigger production.

Work begets work.

[SM19]

I was actually just in this position. I'm doing a non-profit show for my community (which we do every year) and this year, I was less than enthusiastic about it because of the unprofessionalism of the directors. I started to feel like I didn't want to be there (which was a new feeling) and it scared the crap out of me because I've never had that before! I love my job! Eventually, it went away because the show is fast approaching and I find that cueing and running the show is a stage managers greatest reward and the most fun. My advice is to try to find something fun in it for yourself that would make you want to come in every rehearsal...doesn't have to be big, just something to keep you going until the time when the feelings go away like mine did. I dont know if this helps or not...but it worked for me.

[LCSM]

My advice is to try to find something fun in it for yourself that would make you want to come in every rehearsal...doesn't have to be big, just something to keep you going until the time when the feelings go away like mine did. I dont know if this helps or not...but it worked for me.

every week you work on the show you get to buy yourself a new office supply of some sort. 

[KMC]

It's situations like these that help define being a professional stage manager.  You're not going to like every show you do and sometimes it will be tough to stay motivated, but it's a job.  If nothing else, your image and reputation are on the line.  Sometimes you're only as good as your last show.

And hey, try to look at it with a positive attitude.  I'm sure there's something you can find enjoyment in with this show!