Create Yourself

 It is always amazing to watch children as they create a new character on stage. In an instant they become transformed into someone else. New posture, new voice, new attitudes and skills. They are no longer themselves but a wholly, new creation. Obviously, in a theatre setting, we come to not only anticipate but expect such transformations. Whilst often remarkable, they remain commonplace. 

But hang around long enough and you’ll find that other transformations are going on that are far more profound. The more that young people are engaged in a creative setting the more you will find them transforming themselves. Many young people in a theatre context will become more confident, more adept in social contexts, more relaxed and of course more creative. They begin to use the same skills that they use to create a character, to create themselves. They are literally able to press the refresh button and start again. And this in my experience is the game changer.   

When they become familiar with an external creative process they can activate the same resources for inner transformation. Want to try being more social?  More assertive? More anything?

1)    Try it out 

2)    If it doesn’t work, cut it, tweak it or change it.  

3)    When it does work, keep it.

4)    Enhance it. 

5)    Practice it.

6)    Present it.

Creating something new on a theatre stage is rewarding and fun but creating something on ‘the big stage’ is next level. And well worth the effort.  

Andrew “Create Yourself” Wright