Embracing the Unexpected: A Journey Beyond Conventional Musical Theater Education
As a product of societal norms, I’ve been molded in the way that society expects. From the way I dress to the value I place on career success, I’ve often played by the rules, conforming to predictable patterns. Yet, within me, a desire for the unconventional has always lurked, like a spark waiting to ignite.
One day, that spark found its kindling in an unexpected place – Burning Man. This annual event, born from a solstice bonfire in the 1980s, has become the epitome of counterculture, embodying a spirit of radical self-expression and communal living. For someone like me, who has always been another brick in the wall, the decision to attend this unconventional gathering was a leap into the unknown.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
The first reason I decided to venture to Burning Man was to escape my golden cage – to leave the confines of my comfort zone. If we want to find inspiration, see things differently, and foster new ideas, we must seek out the unorthodox. After all, how can we expect something truly novel to emerge if we’re always surrounded by people who think and behave just like us?
In my field of project management, creativity is critical to overcoming risks, rethinking strategies, and crafting new ideas. But improving creativity is a challenge when you experience the same things day in and day out. At Burning Man, I was met with a dizzying array of sights that shattered my preconceptions. People dressed in ways I had never seen before, from dystopian costumes to Santa Claus getups. The diversity of bikes, mutant vehicles, and art installations was mind-boggling, each one a testament to the boundless creativity of the participants.
It was as if the academic landscape had come to life, with Burning Man embodying the spirit of the unconventional courses I had read about – from digital mapping to puppet arts and circus performance. This explosion of creativity was the perfect antidote to the predictability of my everyday life.
Disconnecting to Connect
Another challenge Burning Man presented was the complete disconnection from the digital world. With no phone signal, no internet, and no external communication, I found myself truly present in the moment, freed from the constant temptation to check my devices. At first, the instinct to reach for my phone was strong, but as that urge faded, I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience.
This digital detox allowed me to connect with the people around me in a much more profound way. Without the constant distraction of notifications and the need to stay “plugged in,” I was able to be truly present, to listen, and to forge deeper bonds with my fellow Burners. It was a magical experience, one that reminded me of the power of being fully engaged with the here and now.
Embracing the Unexpected
As I navigated the challenges of Burning Man, from the ever-present dust to the unpredictable weather, I was struck by the resilience and adaptability of the Burners around me. When heavy rain transformed the playa into a sea of mud, my initial reaction was one of panic and fear. I found myself worrying about how to “get out of there,” consumed by the same risk-averse mentality that often guides my work as a project manager.
But as I ventured out of my yurt and joined my campmates, I witnessed a remarkable shift in perspective. Instead of dwelling on the inconvenience of the mud, they were focused on the next party, the music, and the sense of community. Their ability to embrace the unexpected and find joy in the midst of adversity was a revelation to me.
In that moment, I realized that my role as a project manager had sometimes blinded me to the beauty of spontaneity and the power of letting go. At Burning Man, I saw people who were not only comfortable with uncertainty but who seemed to thrive in its midst. They didn’t try to fight the rain or the mud; they simply accepted it and moved on, focused on creating a memorable experience together.
This lesson in adaptability and resilience has profoundly impacted the way I approach my work and my life. At the Musical Theater Center, where I now work, I strive to foster an environment that encourages unconventional thinking and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. After all, it is often in those moments of surprise and uncertainty that the most creative and transformative ideas can take root.
Nurturing the Unconventional in Musical Theater Training
In the world of musical theater, the pressure to conform to industry standards and expectations can be overwhelming. The “typical” approach to building an audition book, for example, often involves neatly ticking off boxes for various song styles and eras. But as an audition coach, I’ve come to believe that this conventional wisdom can sometimes do more harm than good.
Instead of simply adding the “overdone” songs that everyone else is singing, I encourage my students to dig deeper, to find material that speaks to their authentic selves. This might mean choosing a song that explores a more nuanced emotional journey or a character-driven interpretation that defies traditional type-casting.
In the same way that Burning Man challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, I believe that musical theater training should provide a space for students to experiment, take risks, and forge their own unconventional paths. By embracing the unexpected and cultivating a willingness to break the mold, we can empower the next generation of performers to bring a fresh perspective to the stage.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
One of the key ways we strive to nurture unconventional thinking at the Musical Theater Center is by curating a diverse array of courses and workshops that push the boundaries of traditional musical theater pedagogy. Just as colleges around the world are offering innovative programs that blend creativity with unexpected approaches, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to explore the lesser-known frontiers of the performing arts.
For example, we offer a specialized course in Puppet Arts, where students delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this artform, as well as the practical skills of puppet design and performance. By exposing our students to the unique challenges and creative possibilities of puppetry, we hope to inspire them to think beyond the traditional musical theater mold and explore the boundless potential of storytelling through unconventional means.
Another popular offering at the Musical Theater Center is our Digital Mapping and Visualization workshop, which combines the age-old practice of mapmaking with cutting-edge digital technologies. In this program, students learn to apply their creative and technical skills in fields as diverse as urban planning, environmental studies, and even national security – a testament to the versatility and cross-disciplinary nature of the performing arts.
Embracing Failure and Uncertainty
Of course, encouraging unconventional thinking and a willingness to break the mold doesn’t come without its challenges. Both students and faculty must be prepared to embrace failure and uncertainty as integral parts of the creative process.
Just as I initially struggled with the unpredictability of Burning Man, our students may sometimes find themselves confronted with setbacks or unexpected obstacles when exploring new artistic frontiers. But it is in these moments of discomfort that the most valuable lessons can be learned.
By fostering a culture of openness, empathy, and resilience, we aim to empower our students to view failure not as a setback, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation. We encourage them to take risks, experiment, and embrace the unknown, knowing that the journey may not always be linear or predictable.
Forging a New Path in Musical Theater
As I reflect on my time at Burning Man and the lessons I’ve brought back to the Musical Theater Center, I’m reminded of the power of the unconventional. In a world that often rewards conformity and predictability, the willingness to break the mold and forge a new path can be truly transformative.
Just as I emerged from Burning Man with a renewed sense of creativity and adaptability, I believe that our students can harness the power of the unexpected to become the next generation of groundbreaking musical theater artists. By embracing unconventional approaches to training, performance, and storytelling, they can push the boundaries of the art form and inspire audiences in ways never before imagined.
So, let us continue to break the mold, to seek out the unexpected, and to create a future where the only limit to artistic expression is the boundless creativity of the human spirit. After all, it is in the spaces between the conventional and the unconventional that the most remarkable transformations can occur.
