Theatre is often perceived as merely an art form or a means of entertainment. However, my personal experiences in theatre during high school and college have taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped me into a better professional and leader. The skills I acquired through theatre have been invaluable in my journey as a successful operator and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The Roman Epic Experience
My first encounter with theatre was during high school when I acted in a production of the Roman epic “Caligula.” The experience was unique and eye-opening. The rigorous rehearsal process instilled in me the importance of commitment, discipline, and attention to detail – qualities that would later prove essential in my professional life.
Discovering My True Passion
During college, I continued exploring theatre, but after a couple of acting productions, I realized that my true passion lay backstage. The chaos of a production required a semblance of sanity, and a great stage manager had to have everything planned and accounted for, with contingencies in place for unexpected situations.
The Disaster that Taught Me Resilience
I vividly remember the first show I stage-managed – it was a disaster! The technical rehearsal saw every possible thing go wrong – the backdrop fell, props were missing, and an irate parent even hurled abuses at me because her child “didn’t get to shine” due to my perceived shortcomings. This experience taught me a valuable lesson in resilience and the importance of preparation.
The Production Book: My Secret Weapon
From that low point, I vowed to improve and started meticulously documenting every aspect of the production in my “production book.” This book became synonymous with my identity – people associated me with my book, my utility jacket with a thousand pockets, and my all-black outfit (which eventually became my go-to wardrobe).
The Six Pillars of Stagecraft and Life
Through my theatre experiences, I developed a six-pillar approach that has served me well in both stagecraft and corporate life:
1. Understand: Sitting through rehearsals allowed me to grasp the rhythm and cadence of the show, much like understanding the pace of development in the corporate world.
2. Prepare: Ensuring that all necessary props and tools were in place and positioned correctly, just as having the right resources and tools is crucial in a corporate setting.
3. Plan: Meticulously planning the movement of props, actors, and crew members, akin to strategically allocating resources within an organization for optimal efficiency.
4. Practice: Rehearsing scene changes, movements, and team coordination, just as practice and preparation are essential for successful execution in any professional endeavor.
5. Feedback: Seeking input from actors and crew members to identify areas for improvement, mirroring the importance of open communication and feedback loops in a corporate environment.
6. Execute: When the show begins, all the training and practice come into play, seamlessly executing the plan while being prepared for contingencies – a skill that directly translates to managing operations and addressing issues in the corporate world.
The Lasting Impact of Theatre
My stint in theatre has had a profound and lasting impact on my personal and professional life. The lessons learned backstage – commitment, discipline, attention to detail, resilience, preparation, planning, practice, feedback, and execution – have made me the best COO I could be across various organizations. Theatre has truly been a transformative experience, equipping me with essential life skills that have been invaluable in my journey as a successful operator and leader.
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