An Homage: The Performer's Blessing

Recently, I went to a local theatre production of a classic that I really enjoyed. As the turn of the century drama unfolded on stage, it hit me again how much I missed performing. Professional (in this case, those who do it for a full-time living) performers are amazing! If they are truly Masters who have honed their craft, we forget the celebrity and gaze in wonder at the artful weaving of the human story. I have a long list of people I truly admire as performing masters: Denzel Washington, Idris Elba, John Barrowman, Gary Oldman, Jeremy Irons, Daniel Day Lewis, Benedit Cumberbatch, Alan Rickman, Karl Urban, Angela Bassett, Cecily Tyson, Jessica Lange, Thandi Newton, Emma Thompson, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren ---just to name a few. LOVE to watch these guys!

But I applaud ANYONE who performs in community theatre. They too hone their craft. They take the time out of a busy life full of family responsibilities, work obligations with overtime and other commitments and go to rehearsals for weeks in order to perform a show about 12 to 20 times. In my opinion, their love of the craft is just as profound for the performing arts as those who call themselves professionals because they can't do it full time as much as they might want.

So I offer up this simple blessing for ALL performers, whether ye are young or old, professional or part-time or working toward that BIG BREAK:

May you always sing with a strong clear voice, full of power & earnest. have a monologue memorized precisely & delivered with passion, a ready dance step with amazing grace & pointed toe, and may you always get the next gig (with or without an agent) just around the bend!

Much Blessings!