It Would Be Easier To NOT!

 It Would Be Easier To NOT!

Last week I led the first session of the new Mark Evans Studio - Acting Through Song group class which was incredibly inspiring and those in attendance had a great time. 

There was an uplifting, supportive energy in the room because every student who was there described, at the top of class, how this was the first time they were going to sing in front of people after a break of a few months, up to a few years depending on the student. 

One person said that it took courage to even sign up. Once she had, then in the few weeks leading up to class she was anxious about it and even on the morning of the first session she contemplated not coming. "I could just not go" she thought. 

Isn't that so often the case? I have even felt that about auditions for jobs I really would like to book. The anticipation of the audition was so nerve wracking that I scrolled through excuses in my head not to go.

Whenever we are faced with challenging, daunting, anxiety inducing experiences in life, the 'safer' option would be to opt out and not go. But let me tell you, this student last week was lit up with a glow that seemed to radiate from deep inside her core when she felt the thrill of overcoming that anxiety and she's now looking forward to returning for the next three weeks. A small part of her was able to be transformed because she chose courage over comfort.

The reason I love teaching is because, as an actor and performer myself who still works and auditions, I have the DEEPEST respect and admiration for what it takes to commit to being a performing artist. It takes courage, vulnerability and bravery. I feel tremendous pride when students fully commit, despite the fear and experience the growth that comes with overcoming challenges. 

Brené Brown says: "I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly , we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can't have both."

I encourage you to get in the arena. Do the challenging thing. Sign up for class. Try new things. 

Generally speaking, all experiences enhance you as a human being and ultimately give you more life to draw from when embodying the life of any character. 

You got this!

Keep up the great work!

Mark 

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