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So many young performers start out in New York City full of energy, excitement and dreams. They walk into an audition or an agent seminar ready to be “discovered”. For over a year I auditioned and went to seminars when in one, an agent said “…don’t wait for me, do it yourself!”. That stuck! I want to share with you, through my own experience, how to define success for yourself and appreciate it.
I started TAPT in 2006 with a simple concept, be prepared. I gathered a small group of friends and artists to work on whatever it was we needed support on artistically. I didn’t know exactly what the company would become. However, the fact that I was willing to release fear, dive in and let it evolve, is exactly why we are still here. In 2007, I received a life changing call from a colleague. He had received a significant grant to produce the NEA’s Big Read to promote adult literacy in Rhode Island. He wanted to leverage my expertise to create the theatrical portion of the program. I had to develop, recruit, organize, and rehearse a high profile production from the ground up in NYC to be transported and performed in RI within four months. This evolved into playing key role as an advisor on the entire one month multi faceted program. It was difficult, frustrating, exhilarating, and absolutely inspiring! My training, which I had taken for granted, and my passion, that I had thought may not be enough, ignited a fire. This one project became a springboard and defined our mission.
In 2008, I partnered S. Brian Jones to produce a night of one acts, Short Cutz– ACT I allowing playwrights, directors and actors to showcase original works that portray diverse views without limits. We developed an environment of open dialogue, mutual respect and compassion. Our mission was being fulfilled. However, just as the company began to grow, the economy began to fail. The next eighteen months took a personal and professional toll. The company was not producing which meant it was not progressing as hoped. I chose to see it as an opportunity. I set out to build a stronger foundation; obtaining a fiscal sponsor; creating a website; sending regular newsletters; networking with diverse artists to build our talent base; becoming involved in the playwriting community. All to ensure the quality of the work TAPT would produce. I established an executive and creative team to move projects forward. I can say with great pride that through it all we have not only grown but remained strong. It took patience and in 2010 it paid off with TAPT’s Staged Reading Series, including 6 original plays and over 50 actors, writers and directors. Our vision to expose emerging artist’s voices to the public was back on track.
Many of us spend too much time focusing on what we have yet to accomplish. We worry about jobs we didn’t get and people who disappointed us, including ourselves. I’m asking you here and now, to STOP…take a step back and think about where you were when you started your journey and where you are now. Don’t ask what didn’t happen, ask what did. Be honest about the hard times. What was in your control? What was not? Did you learn something (good or bad)? Did you meet someone who has influenced your life in some small way? Would you have met them otherwise? Acknowledge that you are still here, you are still moving forward. Maybe not as quickly as you’d hoped, but you are and if you weren’t you wouldn’t be reading this article.
Define what success is for you. What are you doing to make it happen? Is it working? Are you ready to look in the mirror? I won’t lie, it’s scary, but I tell you “the truth will set you free”. Over the past 5 years I have methodically dissected my reflection. I have allowed myself to really SEE what I have accomplished. Not every “failure” was unsuccessful. Until I REALLY accepted the truth about the hard work it takes to succeed in this industry I remained stagnant. No matter how often I blamed someone or something else the reality is only “I” have the means to control how I deal with each situation. I can sit down, cry and give up (which I have done). Or, I can step back and tell myself I have a choice. I choose to be supportive in my own life. I know that by my own definition that I AM SUCCESSFUL. My career and my life are always in process. I am proud not just of what I have accomplished but even more for what I have learned. Though it’s not always easy, I appreciate everything good and bad in my life. I wish this same gift for each of you.
I love old clichés that hold true …”Life is what you make of it”…so dagnabbit…go make of it what you can!!!
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NICHOLE DONJE’ is an Actress, Director and Producer. 20 years ago she took the first steps in her career as a terrified and clueless freshman who walked into an improvisation audition ready to change her life. Failing horribly as an improviser, the stage manager took her on as an assistant and Nichole never turned back. Pursuing a degree in technical theatre Nichole began to explore and discover the wonders of theatre from every angle; as a set and lighting designer, a stage manager and then director where she found a niche. In her junior year she discovered dance and the layers of fear to be on the stage began thin. It was after graduation she discovered her passion as an actress which led her to NYC.
Since coming to NYC Nichole has performed on stage in film and as a director. In 2006 she took an agent’s words to heart “…don’t wait for me, do it yourself…” and began TAPT (The Artists’ Playground Theatre). Since then TAPT has built a reputation for quality, professionalism and community. Her extensive background has given her the foundation for not only creating an ensemble, but building a production. The greatest asset she’s obtained is patience, and that patience is paying off!
To learn more about Nichole go to www.NicholeDonje.com
To learn more about TAPT go to www.TAPTheatre.com
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