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Some of the most interesting and inspiring stories I’ve heard are about people’s creative journeys and what they’ve learned along the way. The world needs to hear more of those stories, and now you can hear them on the Follow Your Curiosity podcast. Twice a month, you’ll hear a new interview where we delve into one person’s creative journey. Some of these folks will be better known than others, but they’ll all hold up a mirror to the importance of creative endeavor in every life. In the alternating weeks, you’ll hear short Creative Pep Talk episodes where I feature a creativity tool or tip to help you keep your creative energy flowing. You’ll find something you can use in every episode of Follow Your Curiosity!
Episodes
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Ellen Kaplan is an actress, writer, and director, and professor emerita of acting and directing at Smith College. She performs and directs internationally, in places like Pakistan, China, Israel, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Puerto Rico, and she recently edited the new book Theater Responds to Social Trauma: Chasing the Demons. Ellen joins me to talk about her work in and out of the classroom, dealing with “the shoulds,” how easy it is to get in our own way, why we are each a culture unto ourselves, what we’ve each learned from our students, and more.
Read this week's article, on how Apple accidentally told the truth about technology and creativity, here.
Episode breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
03:15 Self-discovery through teaching experiences
08:42 Importance of humility, listening, and respect
12:27 Cultural differences observed while teaching ESL
18:15 Embracing individuality in students
22:30 Influence of "should" on decision-making
28:05 Pressure of being an expert vs. staying open to learning
34:14 Value of revision in the creative process
38:50 Saying yes in improv and life
44:35 Creating healing spaces through storytelling
48:52 Career serendipity and intrinsic experiences
54:18 Commodification's impact on creativity
58:23 Kitsugi and the beauty of imperfections
01:03:41 Ellen's work in conflict zones and peace efforts
01:09:56 Improvisational recalculating of identity and work
Want to Reignite Your Creative Spark? Contact me here.
Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack.
Please leave a review for this episode and in it, tell us about a time when you got in your own way.
If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.
Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in theatre.
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