RESPONSIBILITY AND OTHER ANIMALS
Today, one of my actors (in the show I am directing) had to quit due to scheduling conflicts. While I do understand his reason, I am, of course, understandably disappointed. Not only will we be bereft his talent, but his absence also affects various scenes (and the other actors) in the show. We must therefore scramble to recast, hopefully before the next rehearsal.
Today, one of my actors (in the show I am directing) had to quit due to scheduling conflicts. While I do understand his reason, I am, of course, understandably disappointed. Not only will we be bereft his talent, but his absence also affects various scenes (and the other actors) in the show. We must therefore scramble to recast, hopefully before the next rehearsal.
Honestly, this is nothing new. Actors leave shows all the time, even in professional
productions. The producers and
director recoup and the show continues.
Actually, that’s sort of like life in general, isn’t
it? Some players leave (or renege
on their commitments); others pick up the pieces and move on. Which, of course, gets me thinking....
It’s always been a major pet peeve of mine when people don’t
do what they say they are going to do (especially when they then turn around
and fault me for what I am trying to
accomplish…but that’s another story.).
I find this behavior especially prevalent in volunteer
positions or situations when there is no payment involved. Yes, I understand that life sometimes
gets in the way (i.e. work or family) and one has to choose his or her
priorities. I do not begrudge
others having to prioritize, having had to do that myself. What I don’t understand is shirking
responsibilities and foisting them upon others at the last minute. One should never assume that others would pick up his or her
slack.
I (unfortunately?) am a picker-upper. I have cleaned up many messes left by others too inconsiderate to know or communicate their limitations—and, truthfully, I think they always knew I would. Yup, I am like a Bounty paper towel: absorbent, strong…and apparently disposable.
I (unfortunately?) am a picker-upper. I have cleaned up many messes left by others too inconsiderate to know or communicate their limitations—and, truthfully, I think they always knew I would. Yup, I am like a Bounty paper towel: absorbent, strong…and apparently disposable.
Or I was.
Frankly, my patience is not what it used to be. I am trying to learn to not allow
negative situations to continue for longer than they should and am
systematically attempting to rid myself of the situations (and people) that do
not make me happy. Of course, I
need to tolerate certain things longer than others, but at least I am aware.
And that is also not to say that I have never flaked on a
commitment. Of course, I
have. It happens. I do take responsibility very
seriously, but also recognize that sometimes one has to say no…even after first
saying yes. That doesn’t mean it
affects me any less. I am still
working through my regrets about some of those failed commitments. Actually, I really need to stop
that. Lol.
Anyway, the point of all this is not to chastise the actor
who left my show. Rather it’s more
of a reminder to A) do what I say I am going to do; B) honor yet prioritize my
commitments; C) recognize and communicate my limitations. I can only hope that others will as well.
After all, the show must go on.
*Ironically, this post was for 1/6/14, but, due to my daughter commandeering my laptop, I could not post it until after midnight (1/7/14). And that shows you my priority for my family. Ha.
No comments:
Post a Comment