The Real Rebirth of Slick

I’m feeling a change a-comin’.  While the Hollywood system (and Hollywood money) infiltrates theatre, and shows and ideas for shows are being focus-grouped to death like a box of Frosted Flakes, there is a new passion emerging from artists.  This passion is diametrically opposed to the "bottom line."  People are creating art for art’s sake.  I feel it.  Hell, I see it.  And while people are losing their “safety jobs” during this economic crisis, they are going back to their inspirational well and really trying to find new ways to create and entertain. 

The whole issue with being in the arts is that it is so difficult to succeed by art alone.  So, many turn to the service industry or corporate America for “safety” so they could pursue their passion without worrying about becoming a true “starving artist.”  But, eventually, they become too tired to continue with the pursuit of art and get comfortable in what was just supposed to be temporary supplement for their lifelong dream.  So they stop being artists and opt for health and retirement benefits.  Not that there’s anything wrong with benefits (as we get older, it becomes more coveted—sad that we get excited about the possibility of health coverage, but that is a discussion for another time). 

However, due to the recession, people are losing these jobs, and benefits, by the truckload.  These jobs that were supposed to keep them “safe” from the pitfalls of sporadic (artistic) employment.  So, the irony is that they are suffering the very same fate that they took these day jobs to avoid.  So what to do?

More and more, I’m hearing about friends and acquaintances going back to school or setting out on their own to get back to what made them feel alive.  Alive, not just safe. 

The greatest current example of this is The Transcendence Theatre Company.  This is the brainchild of my friends Amy Miller and Brad Surosky.  If you know them and have ever spoken with Amy about this, you know that just hearing her speak invigorates you and makes you want to be a part of this amazing group.   They are integrating personal and artistic development and are really trying to create a movement that nurtures the artist while entertaining the masses.  In a Group Theatre-like approach, they have taken a group of actors, directors, and technicians down to Punta Banda, Mexico on “The Transcendence Artists Project.”   This group is coming up on its fourth month down there as they strip away pretensions and anxieties associated with performance.  While improving themselves, they are entertaining at the Gertrude Perlman Theatre and giving back to the community by visiting orphanages and performing at many local events.  Their journey thus far has been amazing and I encourage you to check them out and donate to this non-profit at www.transcendencetheatre.org.  

Another is a group in New York just starting to get off the ground, founded by my great friends TJ D’angelo and Larry Scheraldi.  They have created the NYC Children’s Theatre in order to bring live entertainment to children in the New York area.  As public funding is questionable for arts in schools these days, these guys are trying to find an answer.  And I’m really proud of them.  For more info and to donate, contact TJ at tdangelo@nycchildrenstheatre.com.

And, no, these groups didn’t ask to be plugged.  They are just the inspiration for this diatribe. And you can become a fan of both on Facebook.  

It’s the “We’ve got nothing to lose” approach that is creeping back into our culture because, truly, some people have lost everything.  And it’s necessary.  Sometimes things need to be shaken to their foundations so they can rebuild stronger and with more purpose.  Why not do what you love?  Your life will be richer for it.

“Yeah, yeah save it for Oprah”—I hear you.  Hey, I’ve been a cynic too (I probably still am concerning some things).  But, I feel better lifting people up.  So there.  Eat it.

(Disclaimer:  As an aspiring commercial producer, I have absolutely nothing against making money.  That's the point here.  With this new "revolution" maybe we can have it all.  Amy Miller's goal is to create a new future where art and commerce are not mutually exclusive.)

Alright gang (or person), I’m off to Texas for a week.  Possible communication from the road.  But, then again, maybe I’ll just enjoy the heat….