LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!
These are very familiar words to anyone who has been on the set of a movie. The director is cuing the technicians to prepare all of the necessary equipment needed to capture the performance. While the cue is to the production crew, it also announces to the actors and actresses that the time to perform is almost here. They take their final moment to get in character and prepare to dazzle the audience with their talent and ability. All of the hard work they have done to learn the script, build chemistry with their co-actors, embody the characters they are portraying all comes alive in those moments. At the sound of the word “action,” the moment begins and the preparation time is over. It’s time to perform. There is no time to learn the script now; that was the purpose of rehearsal. They either have it or they don’t.
Everyone who steps on stage or in front of the camera knows that there is an audience who will be watching, critiquing and enjoying their performance. I’ve done some career counseling in my life and I know that you probably cannot be in the entertainment industry and be afraid of the audience. If you are, there may be a job that is better suited for you then acting or performing. I am not saying that even the best do not get nervous or even mess up. If you have ever watched any blooper show, you know that even some of the best and most skilled in the craft mess up and forget their lines. Yet their passion for the stage keeps them going even after their error. While the performer may be frustrated with the fact they messed up, the director yells, “cut” and they simply begin again. If nothing more, the mess-up, at least makes for great comic relief.
In life, we will have our moments in the spotlight. The question is what have you done off-set to prepare for these moments? Maybe you won’t ever be on the set of a major motion picture, but you have an audience. There was a famous TV show in the fifties called This Is Your Life. The host would surprise guests and then take them through a retrospective recap of their lives in front of an audience, including appearances by colleagues, friends, and family. While you may not be the star of one of those shows, I just want to remind you that THIS IS YOUR LIFE! There may not be a production crew following you around like on the reality shows of today but you definitely are on the stage. There may be moments that you wish were edited out or that you could go back and do another take on. You may wish there were things that people did not see happening; you can’t get rid of those times. Yet that’s the stuff that makes your movie great. If nothing more, just chalk it up as material for the blooper real.
I want to invite you to show up today. Show up in character! Show up in brilliance! The lights are on and the camera is rolling. It is time to take action. People are watching and are waiting for you to take your place. One of my favorite sayings in my life has been, “if you have an audience, perform!” Just like in Hollywood, everyone who watches a show is not a fan. Some people go to the movie just to critique it. You will have fans and critics alike. Give them the performance of a lifetime. Even though they may not be rooting for you, they will have to respect you. Life is waiting for you to step on stage and shine.