by Joey Madia
The most important thing in life is showing up. I am blown away by your ability to show up. (Keanu Reeves, Hard Ball)
Prologue
Primarily being a writer, and one who does a lot of historical research, I spend a lot of time alone. So, when I’m hired as an actor, director, storyteller, or teacher, it gives me an opportunity to test my philosophies of keeping motivated and inspired and doing the same for others.
For three weeks in June I toured as Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara in a form called Modern Chautauqua, which involves about 18 months of intensive research, the writing and performance of a 45-minute monologue, and 20 minutes answering questions from the audience, first as the historical persona and then as the scholar-performer. It also involves conducting related workshops.
During the tour, I was able to test the principles behind Showing Up. As I get older, I want to be out acting, directing, and teaching more than ever before. Which means making the most of opportunities.
I was surprised and energized by the effect of practicing the seven principles behind fully Showing Up shared in this article. Several opportunities have come my way, and the energy of what these principles allowed me to accomplish has yet to diminish.
Being asked to write about it for Stage 32 is proof enough of that.
So here’s what I practiced, based on 30 years of putting myself out there as a Creative.
1. Learn to Say Yes to Life
Six years ago I received an email that put this essential aspect of Showing Up foremost in my career. I was offered third lead in a remake of a classic horror film. It meant juggling my editing business, theatre company, and several writing projects while being on location for three weeks, shooting for long hours. Without hesitation—and quite out of character—I said yes. It was a knowing that this would be about more than just doing the film. Turns out, I was right. So pay attention to intuition when making decisions. The juggling wasn’t easy—I fell asleep at the wheel for a split second driving home for a few days after being awake for 29 hours—but the experience opened several doors. My saying yes to the three-week tour as Che had similar sacrifice and success.
Saying Yes to Life means being able to audition anytime, anywhere, and giving it all you’ve got. By audition, I mean acting auditions, pitches, video chats, interest meetings—any time there’s an opportunity to show your stuff and score a gig. As I’ve said elsewhere, it might mean dressing up in full pirate regalia and auditioning in a kitchen in a small town for strangers (I did that—it’s worked out well.) Point is, let no opportunity come and go without giving it 100%.
2. Be Your Most Authentic Self, No Matter the Risk
Authenticity, a concept I learned from Brené Brown, is crucial. In this time of social media trolling, othering, and at times disingenuous practices of PC behavior—which often fly in the face of good, honest art that provokes thoughtful, respectful discussion—it is harder than ever to be Authentic, because the risks are greater and the use of Persona for personal and professional gain is everywhere.
But Authenticity is essential to Showing Up. Start by knowing why you’re there. What are your motivations? We of course need money to eat and for the value it assigns to our work, but if that’s your only reason, it’s a guarantee you’ll be In-Authentic. You’ll say what they want to hear, compromise your work to please, and you won’t be particularly memorable. You’ll be another in a long line…
A core piece of being Authentic is seeing every chance to work—to be in front of an audience, cast, or group of students; to have someone read or see my work; to have someone ask my advice—as a Privilege. A lot is made of established actors believing their current job is their last one. But that’s not all I’m saying. It’s about Fearlessness in being the Real You. Don’t Pretend. Say what’s on your mind—which of course needs to be well thought through and based on the tangible facts and skill sets you’ve accumulated through learning your craft—and do it because you are making the most of this opportunity, because you know it could have gone to someone else.
Practice Don Miguel Ruiz’s “Four Agreements.” The first is: Be Impeccable with Your Word. Don’t gossip, say what you mean, and follow through, and know that words have power. Choose them wisely.