The Power of Being Your True Self
Growing up, I was always the quirky, energetic one in the group – the one who wasn’t afraid to burst into song or act out my favorite movie scenes at the drop of a hat. My friends would often tease me, saying I was “too much” or that I needed to “tone it down” to fit in. But you know what? I never listened. I embraced my authentic self, my love for the dramatic and the theatrical, and it’s what led me to where I am today – working as a director and educator at the Musical Theater Center, helping others find their own creative voices.
Authenticity is a concept that has long intrigued me, both in the realm of personal growth and in the world of the performing arts. As the brilliant Emma G so eloquently put it, authenticity is about “aligning your actions and behaviors with your true self” – being genuine, transparent, and true to your innermost values and desires, even in the face of external pressures to conform.
In musical theater, where the pressures to fit a certain mold or live up to societal expectations can be especially intense, cultivating authenticity is crucial. It’s the difference between a performance that feels wooden and contrived, and one that truly captivates and moves the audience. And as a leader in this industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of embracing your authentic self.
The 3C’s of Authentic Leadership
When it comes to fostering authenticity in the musical theater space, I like to break it down into what I call the “3C’s”: Candor, Creativity, and Consistency.
Candor: Embracing Honesty and Vulnerability
The first and perhaps most fundamental aspect of authenticity is candor – the willingness to be honest and vulnerable in your self-expression. As Emma G points out, “Authenticity begins with honest self-expression. It’s about sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or rejection.”
In the rehearsal room, I encourage my actors to cultivate this kind of candor, to shed their protective layers and really tap into their raw, unfiltered emotions. It’s not always easy – let’s be honest, vulnerability can be terrifying. But when they muster the courage to be truly honest, the results are nothing short of magical.
I’ll never forget working with a young actor who was struggling with a particularly emotional scene. She kept holding back, unwilling to let the full weight of her character’s pain and vulnerability shine through. Finally, I pulled her aside and gently encouraged her to just let go, to stop worrying about what others might think and to simply be in the moment. And you know what? The transformation was astounding. Her performance suddenly came alive with a raw, palpable authenticity that left the entire cast and crew in awe.
Creativity: Expressing Your Unique Voice
Authenticity isn’t just about being candid – it’s also about embracing and expressing your unique creativity. As Emma G so beautifully puts it, “Authenticity… [is] about expressing your uniqueness creatively. Whether through art, music, dance, or any other medium, creative expression allows you to reveal your true self in a way that’s honest, beautiful, and oftentimes feels safe.”
In the world of musical theater, this creative expression can take countless forms – from the way an actor inhabits a role, to the choreography that brings a number to life, to the innovative, visionary direction that shapes an entire production. And as a leader, I strive to cultivate an environment that encourages this kind of creativity and self-expression.
One of my favorite examples is a student director I worked with a few years ago. She had a truly unique, almost quirky vision for a classic musical – one that challenged traditional norms and pushed the boundaries of what was expected. At first, some of the more seasoned members of the team were skeptical, but she held firm, convinced that her approach was true to her artistic sensibilities. And you know what? The end result was nothing short of breathtaking, a production that left audiences buzzing with excitement and wonder.
Consistency: Aligning Your Actions and Values
The final piece of the authenticity puzzle is consistency – the ability to maintain a steadfast alignment between your beliefs, your values, and your actions, regardless of the roles and responsibilities you take on in life.
As Emma G points out, “Living authentically means staying true to your core values and principles. It’s about maintaining consistency between your beliefs and actions regardless of the roles you play in life.”
In the high-pressure, high-stakes world of musical theater, it can be all too easy to compromise your values in the pursuit of success or approval. But I’ve found that the most effective and respected leaders are those who remain steadfast in their integrity, who are willing to make tough decisions and stand up for what they believe in, even when it’s not the popular choice.
One such leader I admire is the renowned director Dora Endre, who has built a career on championing socially relevant stories and never shying away from the issues that matter most. In one particularly inspiring anecdote, Dora shared how she had to make the difficult decision to sacrifice a location and filming time during a shoot, in order to stay within a tight budget. Rather than compromise her vision, she and her team got creative, transforming the setback into an opportunity for even greater artistic expression.
Authenticity in Action: Cultivating a Culture of Empowerment
As a leader in the musical theater world, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that embracing authenticity can have, both on individual performers and on the overall creative dynamic of a production.
When actors feel empowered to be their true selves, to tap into their raw emotions and unique creative voices, the results are truly remarkable. I’ve watched shy, insecure performers blossom into confident, captivating artists, their performances infused with a magnetic authenticity that leaves audiences spellbound.
And it’s not just the performers who benefit – the entire creative team thrives in an environment where authenticity is celebrated. As Dora Endre so eloquently put it, “Authenticity encourages team members to be themselves, fostering an environment of acceptance, experimentation, and collaboration. This freedom tends to lead to exceptional results.”
I’ve seen it time and time again – when everyone on the team feels safe to be their authentic selves, to take creative risks and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the magic that can happen is truly electrifying. The energy in the rehearsal room is palpable, everyone feeding off each other’s enthusiasm and creativity. And the final product? Well, let’s just say the audience can feel the difference.
Embracing the Improv Mindset
Of course, cultivating this kind of authenticity-driven culture isn’t always easy. It requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, to let go of preconceived notions and embrace the unknown. In many ways, it’s akin to the mindset of improv – that ability to be present, to respond spontaneously to the ever-changing circumstances around us, and to trust in the creative process.
And you know what? I think improv is the perfect metaphor for the kind of authentic leadership I strive for. Because just like in improv, true authenticity is about being nimble, adaptive, and open to the unexpected. It’s about embracing the joy of the moment, the thrill of the unknown, and the power of collaborative creativity.
That’s why at the Musical Theater Center, we place such a strong emphasis on improv-based training. We want our students and performers to cultivate that same sense of fearlessness, that willingness to take risks and trust their instincts. Because when you approach your craft with that kind of authentic, improv-inspired mindset, the possibilities are truly endless.
Unleashing Your Inner Performer
So if you’re an aspiring actor, singer, or dancer – or even if you’re just someone who loves the magic of musical theater – I encourage you to embrace your authentic self, to let go of the need to conform and instead revel in the joy of self-expression.
Whether it’s through bold, candid monologues, playful and creative choreography, or a soaring, emotionally-charged vocal performance, the power of authenticity is truly transformative. And as you continue to develop your craft, I challenge you to keep that improv mindset at the forefront – to be open, adaptable, and unafraid to take risks.
Because the reality is, the more you lean into your authentic self, the more you’ll discover the true magic of musical theater. You’ll connect with your audience on a deeper level, you’ll inspire and empower your fellow performers, and you’ll unlock a level of artistry and fulfillment that simply can’t be found in playing it safe.
So go on, my friends – unleash your inner performer, and let your authentic voice be heard. The stage is yours.
