Diving Into the Great Unknown
My palms were sweaty, my heart was racing, and my mind was a whirlwind of self-doubt. As I stood on the stage, facing a panel of intimidating judges, I couldn’t help but feel like I was about to jump off a cliff into the great unknown. This was the moment I had been preparing for – the high-stakes audition that could make or break my dreams of a career in musical theater.
But you know what they say – no risk, no reward. And as a self-proclaimed “Audition Adventurer,” I’ve learned that embracing creative risk-taking is essential for reaching new heights, both on the stage and in life. It’s a lesson that wasn’t always easy for me to learn, but one that has transformed the way I approach every audition and performance.
Let me take you back to the beginning of my journey. Like many aspiring performers, I spent my childhood and teenage years immersed in the world of musical theater – singing, dancing, and acting my heart out in school productions and community theater shows. I loved the thrill of stepping into the spotlight, the rush of adrenaline as I belted out a powerful ballad, and the sense of community that came with being part of a talented ensemble.
But as I grew older and started to seriously pursue a career in the performing arts, the stakes got higher, and the pressure to succeed became increasingly intense. I found myself constantly second-guessing my abilities, worrying about what the judges would think, and playing it safe rather than taking creative risks. And let me tell you, that’s a surefire way to end up feeling stuck, stagnant, and unfulfilled.
It wasn’t until I attended a workshop led by renowned acting coach, Whitney Johnson, that I had a profound realization. She talked about the importance of “embracing discovery-driven planning” and taking things one step at a time in the face of uncertainty. It was a concept that resonated with me deeply, and it made me re-evaluate my approach to the audition process.
Embracing the Unknown
As Whitney Johnson so eloquently put it, “Learning is the oxygen of human growth.” And in the world of musical theater, where the path to success is rarely a straight line, embracing the unknown and being open to new discoveries is essential.
I realized that rather than trying to control every aspect of the audition process, I needed to be willing to let go, experiment, and take creative risks. Instead of focusing solely on perfecting a specific song or monologue, I started to explore different interpretations, genres, and emotional approaches. I allowed myself to be vulnerable on stage, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
And you know what? It was terrifying. The idea of stepping out of my comfort zone and putting myself in a vulnerable position filled me with a sense of dread. But as Rita McGrath, a professor at Columbia Business School, so astutely observed, “The jewels are the forks in the road that hold plans B-Z.” In other words, the moments of uncertainty and risk-taking often lead to the most valuable discoveries and opportunities.
Lessons from the Olympian
One of the most inspiring examples of embracing creative risk-taking that I’ve come across is the story of Apolo Ohno, the most decorated American Winter Olympian of all time. Ohno’s career as a short-track speed skater was marked by incredible success, with eight medals over the course of three different Olympics. But when his illustrious skating career came to an end, he found himself on “thin ice,” unsure of what his next chapter would hold.
As the article states, Ohno’s “full identity, focus, and self-worth to that point was intrinsically laced up with the aura encircling his skating career.” Jumping to an “entirely new S-Curve” outside the spotlight of the Olympics was no easy feat, and it required him to embrace the unknown and take a creative risk.
But Ohno didn’t just sit back and wait for his next big opportunity to fall into his lap. Instead, he actively sought out new challenges and experiences, constantly pushing the boundaries of his comfort zone. He transitioned from the world of competitive sports to the world of entertainment, trying his hand at acting, dancing, and even writing. And through it all, he maintained a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn and grow.
The Power of Curiosity
As I reflect on Ohno’s journey, I can’t help but see the parallels to my own experience as an “Audition Adventurer.” Like him, I’ve had to confront the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of trying something new, and the vulnerability of putting myself out there. But also like him, I’ve discovered the immense power of curiosity and the transformative potential of creative risk-taking.
When I approach an audition, I no longer see it as a high-stakes competition where I have to be perfect. Instead, I view it as an opportunity to explore, experiment, and learn. I allow myself to be curious about the character, the story, and the emotional journey. I play with different interpretations, trying on new vocal qualities, physical gestures, and emotional expressions. And I’m not afraid to fail, because I know that every “mistake” is a chance to grow, refine, and become an even better performer.
Of course, this mindset doesn’t mean that the nerves and self-doubt go away entirely. There are still moments when I feel like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, staring into the great unknown. But instead of letting fear hold me back, I take a deep breath, channel my inner Apolo Ohno, and take the leap.
Celebrating the Forks in the Road
One of my favorite things about embracing creative risk-taking is the joy of discovering unexpected paths and possibilities. When I’m willing to step outside of my comfort zone, I often find myself stumbling upon incredible opportunities that I never could have anticipated.
For example, during one particularly challenging audition, I decided to try a completely different interpretation of a monologue that I had prepared. Instead of playing it safe, I leaned into the character’s vulnerability and emotional turmoil, pushing the boundaries of my own performance abilities. To my surprise, the judges were captivated by my unexpected approach, and I ended up booking the role.
Similarly, when I was asked to prepare a musical theater song for an audition, I decided to take a risk and choose a piece that was outside of my typical repertoire. It was a haunting, melancholic ballad that required me to tap into a deeper well of emotional expression. And while I was initially unsure of my ability to do the song justice, the process of learning and embodying the material ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
These “forks in the road,” as Rita McGrath would call them, have become some of my most cherished moments as an “Audition Adventurer.” They’ve not only led to incredible opportunities, but they’ve also helped me to grow as a performer, expand my artistic horizons, and discover new facets of my creative self.
Embracing the Journey
As I look back on my journey as an “Audition Adventurer,” I can say with certainty that embracing creative risk-taking has been a transformative experience. It’s challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and forced me to confront my fears and insecurities head-on. But it’s also opened up a world of possibility, allowing me to discover new depths of artistry, resilience, and self-discovery.
And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because in the end, the true magic of the audition process isn’t about the outcome – it’s about the journey. It’s about the thrill of exploration, the joy of experimentation, and the satisfaction of pushing the boundaries of your own potential.
So, my fellow “Audition Adventurers,” I encourage you to embrace the unknown, celebrate the forks in the road, and never stop taking creative risks. Who knows what incredible discoveries and opportunities await you? The adventure is just beginning.
