I'm content sitting at the kids' table

In late December, I remember hoping to become more actively engaged in the communities I'm a part of. I'm especially talking about the social media/theatre landscape.There's a lot of buzz on 2am theatre and bloggers galore. Most recently, people are freaking out over supply/demand and Michael Kaiser.

Part of me really does care about this stuff. It's interesting to me. It's exciting to know people are discussing and building a great sense of community through Twitter. I'm only 24, but I think I have something to offer to the theatre landscape (mostly as an actor, but I also work in marketing for the same company where I act). I do my best to interject, but I just don't even know where to butt my head in. It would require more research and time. Mostly, I just skim and keep myself as informed as time allows.

Of course, I'd love to be a part of it all. I just can't.

A week ago--maybe even a few days ago I would bemoan this fact. I want to be a part of this cool club I admire. My hesitation on one hand is the need for more experience. And on the other, fear that what I may have to say will get RIPPED TO SHREDS. (I'm working on that).

Today, I realized I just don't have the time to worry about this. I also don't have time to chime in and actively keep up with it all.

I'm too busy doing the stuff that I care about (rehearsing, promoting, etc.) to complain about broken systems, injustices, and rash, sweeping generalizations that the world of theatre embraces.

But honestly, what do these debates do to help me in my work for An Enemy of the People? Or designing an upcoming poster for an apprentice project? I'm also pursuing an MFA candidacy with some schools right now. I'm anxiously/eagerly awaiting word from them. If I do start up with a program in 2011, there's no way that I can worry about keeping tabs, commenting, and writing my own manifestos.

I want to give thumbs up to those who do speak out and actively engage in the conversation. It's fascinating to read. (Input is my number one strength according to StrengthsFinder 2.0, by the way). I applaud everyone (I wish I could name/link them all right now, but there are far too many).

At the moment, I'm happy to just sit at the kids' table at Thanksgiving and let the "adults" have their turn. I may join in, but I think it's senseless to beat myself up about this state of passivity. I've got my hands stirring too many pots at the moment.