“I am a theatre artist because I value the collaborative experience.” As a theatre director this is the phrase that I often say to artistic collaborators—designers, actors, dramaturges, stage managers—on the first day of working on a new project. Collaboration is, of course, not without challenges. It is the friction of artistic minds and temperaments that creates great work and this friction also yields its share of unpleasant moments. However, it is collaboration that can forge “the best idea.”
As a director, I am not as interested in my best idea as I am in the best idea that emerges from the gathering of minds put to creative task. Again and again, I am willing to weather the challenges of collaboration for the resulting joy and satisfaction.
The same is true of my collaboration in arts education: I want to hear the thoughts and considered responses of every staff member within the education department, from the staff members at Roundabout beyond the education department, from colleagues in the field, and from colleagues outside of the field who might offer me a fresh perspective on the role of theater in education. As the director of an education program or as a director of a play, ultimately I may have to make some final decisions for the program or the play, but I never believe that these are solitary decisions; these decisions are those that are culled from the collaborative process. In the end, my challenge and my responsibility as a director is not to “make decisions” as much as it is to find, to recognize, and to cultivate “the best idea.”
What are these Radical Rules? Read the introduction to Radical Rules.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Phil // Jan 14, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I espouse this philosophy as well. As all the people who have worked for/with me can attest, my oft-used phrase is “A good idea is a good idea, I don’t care where it comes from.”
2 Stephanie // Jan 16, 2008 at 12:33 pm
David - this is so totally right on. The role of collaboration, and what leadership looks like in these collaborations, is definitely at the heart of our best work.
I read your post on Monday, and walked away thinking about your final words, “In the end, my challenge and my responsibility as a director is not to “make decisions” as much as it is to find, to recognize, and to cultivate “the best idea.””
After reading what you wrote, with your sentiments still echoing in my head, I came across this quote, and knew I had to post it:
- Read the rest here…
3 Hawley Hussey // Jan 16, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I think it’s a relief to be collaborative. As a pretty new art administrator my biggest AH HA came when I really saw, felt and heard my team. Next level trust and capacity building…finding everyone’s best practice and abilities. Sharing the vision and always listening deeply. It’s THRILLING!
4 Stephanie // Jan 17, 2008 at 9:09 am
I love that “…it’s a relief to be collaborative.”
5 Gen Berretta // Jan 19, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Collaboration makes for the best of educational experiences for the teacher and most importantly, the children. I have found that you really have to push to be collaborative and many teachers do not like to collaborate, simply because it does not fit their plan, that straight line, which is predictable because it is straight. Any other deviation from that straight line could use up valuable time and today when emphasis is on timed tests, they hold to the straight line for dear life because a path that meanders like the mind is…scary.
Recently at a curriculum planning event, I was at odds with a teacher who is never collaborative, and has difficulty listening to, or considering the ideas of others. I realized that I would always be at odds with her since I am a “life long learner”, and she does not need to collaborate because she “knows it all”. These types of individuals are out there in the system in GREAT numbers! These are the people who really endanger the minds of our youth; those who cannot teach wonder, who cannot collaborate because they cannot work with those who see the beauty in things that are crooked, and less than perfect. They are afraid that people might know more than them and I always assume others do, and I might learn a little something from them.
When we allow for everyone to participate; when we admit we do not know it all and that we could use a little help along the way, then we are going places as educators and as a society. I see this as the I push you and you pull me mentality. When we work together and collaborate we’re all going places because we’re all pulling together and forging a path, that may not be straight, but sure as heck will be interesting!
6 Hawley Hussey // Jan 26, 2008 at 12:27 pm
WOW Gen! So great to hear from a classroom teacher on this front. The days are over when an artist comes and does their thing and the teacher lays back and grades papers. Collaboration is the ONLY thing that will bring an arts integrated curriculum to the fore! Anyone interested should come to Rotunda Gallery this Wednesday night January 30th at 5pm. We are looking at this innovative planning/assessment tool for artists and teachers (with the AMAZING Amy Chase and Rob Southworth). Since it seems tons of our Learning Network Community is too busy to come I invite everyone interested!! Call me to rsvp! 718-875-4047 x12
Leave a Response here