Agent for the Arts

Everyone has a story to tell

At St. John Fisher College, I was happy to write for the Cardinal Courier (the campus newspaper). My column was based on the stories of randomly-selected students. I would sit in public areas around campus and wait for unsuspecting individuals to stroll by... then I'd approach them and simply ask, "what's your story?" [Today, the column is called 'Fisher Faces' and is written by Jessica Stokes - check out the latest story here.]

Most people would be stunned at first, and almost everyone insisted they didn't have a story worth sharing. "My life is boring," or "I'm the same as everyone else." However, with my journalistic expertise, I always extracted a fascinating story. Always.

One student shared his aspirations for starting a mechanic business, and had already been working for several customers in his garage back home. Another talked about the loss of a close family member and how it completely changed her outlook and life-long goals. One girl was extremely lucky, having won a new car and a furnished downtown apartment in two separate contests (when I followed up with her months later, she was on her way to a local radio station to collect a modest check for being the right caller).

Don't insist you have nothing to share and don't let your story get lost in the crowd. Everyone has a background that makes them who they are, and every business has a history that has shaped its current state.

Everyone has a story - what's yours?

Practice

Too many people are afraid of public speaking, probably because they're worried something bad might happen in front of a crowd. Hint: they're probably right. But with enough practice, the presentation will be strong enough to override any gaffes or blunders.

This guy stays cool when, in the middle of a sales pitch on live TV, he destroys part of the set with the product he's selling. His reaction is like a mini public relations case study... stay cool, don't ignore the problem, use it as a learning experience, and move on.

Use your passion

It's easy to be passionate about wine or fishing or baseball or music or.... you get the point. But sometimes it's difficult to be passionate about work. In those times, it might help to turn to your hobbies. I'm not talking about vacation time - instead, I'm suggesting you write down the things you love about the things you love and apply them to work.

For example, if your first love is acting, what skills can you hone to be better at your job? Improvisation? Public speaking?

Maybe you can think of a thousand ways your favorite sports team can be even better. Well, what moves can your company make to be the best it can be? Is there someone who will listen to your suggestions?

Are you into gardening? If so, you know that certain plants require special care at strategic times and others grow better if you leave them alone for a while. Which tasks should you set aside and which need your immediate and full attention?

What else are you passionate about?

Creative Footprints

Every month, Marc Dennis reports from his Creative Footprint Blog on regional artists in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier Region of Upstate New York. "Creative Footprint" encompasses a series of dialogues with creative people and art enthusiasts exploring and examining the ways in which we leave our mark on culture and community.

Last month, Rhonda Morton and Alligator Mouth Improv were featured. Read about Rhonda's inspirations, what makes Alligator Mouth Improv tick, and what she thinks about the connections among art, economics, god, and community. She has a lot to say, but it's worth all the time in the world!

Check it out at Marc's Blog!

Sean Lukasik is a Creative Agent / Marketing Professional in the Elmira-Corning region of Upstate New York. He is President of Twin Tiers Young Professionals and a consultant for Pipeline 4 Progress. Visit his website at www.SeanLukasik.com.

Watch Your Mouth

You've heard of crocodile tears and Crocodile Rock, but you probably haven't heard of Alligator Mouth. It's an improv group based out of Corning, NY and we are preparing for a show on May 10 at 171 Cedar Arts Center. That's right - I've been a part of the group since December, and I'm honored to say so.

Alligator Mouth Improv is not your average comedic troupe. Starting from some thread of an idea and drawing on theatre, movement, vocals, music and storytelling, we weave whole universes, all created in the moment. From evening-length theatre performances to keynote addresses, annual meetings, and community-building events, we use audience stories, themes and ideas to create one-of-a-kind performances. This description and more can be found on the group director's website: www.rhondamorton.com.

Alligator Mouth goes beyond performance art. Techniques for improvisation can be used to increase productivity and cooperative relationships at work. The group has provided corporate workshops for organizations such as the Chemung County Office for the Aging, Chemung Canal Trust Company, and Ida Jones Consulting. Corning Community College took advantage of the group's 'College Residency' program, which is another Alligator Mouth opportunity.

Before you overwhelm yourself with information, though, check us out at our show next Saturday, May 10 in Corning at 171 Cedar Arts! For directions and ticket information, visit this link.

If you'd like more information, and I really think you do... visit RhondaMorton.com and check out the videos, brochures, pictures, comments, and more. Who knew so much could be accomplished by using improvisational techniques?!