4 Things I Learned On Tour
Selected Reflections on Hot Godzilla Summer Part 2
I’ve performed my Godzilla show 33 times over the last 3 years. This is the most time I’ve spent with a piece of my art, possibly ever. Coming off my tour this summer, this last few weeks have found me reflecting on the process and what I’ve learned.
Some Nights You’re In Love With Your Show, Some Nights You’re Buried in Imposter Syndrome
Some of the nights where I felt most off about my show are the nights I got the most number of compliments after it. Is there a cosmic correlation there? Who knows.
I think learning to trust in work you’ve created, regardless of how you currently feel about it, is a difficult (and important) part of the process.
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been people letting me know that my show has made them feel seen. This includes a young person who came with their mother and is going through their own gender journey and whose mother said they hadn’t seen them smile like that in a long time. That’s why we do it, folks.
People Have Opinions
Because we live in the society we live in, I got apprehensive every time someone said they were a huge Godzilla fan right before my show (especially the men…). I assumed there would be comments to the tune of “well, actually…” or “why didn’t you include my favorite bit?” and “how dare you insult Shin Godzilla?!”
I haven’t encountered any “well, actually” people (yet), but there were a handful of people who were (only slightly) disappointed that I didn’t mention or include certain details from a 70 year movie franchise in a 55 minute show.
And well actually, that’s on them honestly. Write your own show. :)
Not that I’m above critique:
Do Not Fear the Rewrite
Rewriting my show is one of the most empowering things I’ve done for myself as an artist/performer. Not settling for what was “good enough,” and pushing myself to dig a little deeper and commit to the bit was a formative experience that allowed me to create something I’m truly proud of. It was all based on two comments from the original run of the show.
Learn More About the Rewriting Process in: Taking The Note
Take Time to Support Other Artists
I won the “The Spirit of the Fringe” award at St Lou Fringe Fest, which is given to an artist who is showing up and supporting other shows in the festival.
It feels trite to say show up and support your fellow artists. But it’s true. You should, regardless of what you may get out of it. There is power in showing up and being in the room together, whether in an audience of 3 or 500. People notice, even if they don’t say it directly or with an award.
Did I love every show I saw this summer? No. But it’s not really about me. And for every show I saw that seemed like it needed some more work, I saw at least a half dozen more that were truly something special and I hope to see more of in the future.
The most important thing I’m taking away from this summer is that creativity doesn’t thrive in a silo. A rising tide lifts all ships. Fringe is not a competition, even when it “is.” I’m excited to be stepping into a broader artistic network and looking forward to my next projects with renewed energy.
All this to say: I hope you take a risk for yourself/your art this year, this season, this lifetime. We only get the one.