I want to talk about something that's on a lot of our minds, but a subject we often avoid: the unspoken tensions that can exist in our arts community. It's the quiet competition, the feelings of envy, and the lack of care that sometimes creep in behind the scenes. After 30 years in this profession, I've come to see that these issues, though rarely discussed, deeply affect us all. I believe it's time we start having this conversation, not to point fingers, but to help us all reflect and create a more supportive and thriving environment for everyone involved.

The silence around these struggles can be so isolating. It allows feelings of insecurity and competition to grow, slowly chipping away at the joy we all found in the arts in the first place. Whether it's a comment that diminishes someone’s talent or a subtle sense of exclusion, these experiences can be truly disheartening.

Understanding the Source: Insecurity and Unresolved Feelings

I've learned that negative behavior in our field often comes from a place of insecurity and personal challenges. When people feel a sense of inadequacy or have unresolved issues, it can sometimes be easier to project those feelings onto others. It’s never personal, even when it feels that way. Recognizing this isn't about excusing hurtful actions, but it does help us approach these situations with more understanding. When we can see that someone's criticism might be rooted in their own struggles, it can change how we respond and protect our own well-being.

The Ripple Effect: Our Influence on the Next Generation

As directors, instructors, and parents, we have a profound influence on the young people in our care. When adults and other students create a culture of negativity, it sends a powerful message that these behaviors are acceptable, even necessary, to succeed in the arts. This happens across the board, from professional stages to local studios.

Think about how this can play out:

• Between Directors & Instructors: Instead of celebrating a fellow professional's success, some might speak ill of their work or their students. This kind of thinking prevents us from building a true community.

• Between Studios & Companies: When different studios or companies compete for students and audiences, it can create a tense atmosphere that holds us all back from our collective potential.

• In High School Theater: At a time when young people are most vulnerable, a director’s favoritism or an overly competitive mindset can be deeply damaging to students who are just finding their voices.

• Among Parents: When parents get caught up in gossip about other students, families, or staff, it filters down to their children, creating a stressful environment for everyone.

• Student Created Drama & Accusatory Behavior: An environment that allows for toxicity can unfortunately lead to drama amongst students, as well as hurtful and accusatory behavior directed at other students and instructors. When this is not addressed, it creates a lack of trust and a difficult environment for everyone.
  

Our actions and words matter. The way we interact with each other teaches the next generation how to be artists. Let’s make sure we’re teaching them to be collaborative, compassionate, and secure in their own work.

A Sincere Message to Fellow Instructors and Artists

To my fellow professionals, the directors, vocal coaches, acting instructors, and everyone else who dedicates their lives to this work: We are all here because we love this. We share the same mission of creating art and helping people grow. It’s so important that we support each other and recognize that a different approach doesn’t mean it’s a wrong approach. The fact that a colleague teaches differently from you or runs their program differently doesn't make their method less valid.

There's a powerful truth in the idea that "competition happens at the bottom; collaboration happens at the top." When we are truly confident in our work and our purpose, we have no time or energy for tearing others down. Instead, we are too busy learning from one another, celebrating each other's achievements, and working together to elevate our entire profession. There is plenty of opportunity to go around for everyone, and every artist has a unique voice and a unique path.

To the Parents in Our Audience

To the parents, your role in this community is incredibly important. You are your child's first and most influential director. The way you speak about other students, other parents, and staff sends a powerful message. It can be so easy to get caught up in the desire for your child to succeed and to see them in the lead role, but please remember that their artistic journey is their own. Let them fall in love with the process, the community, and the art itself. The most powerful thing you can do is to be their biggest supporter, not just their biggest critic. Let them find their own way and learn the value of collaboration over competition.

A Word to Our Students

To the students, the heart of our community: We see you. We see the pressure you're under, and we know that competition and jealousy among peers can be incredibly tough. Please know that your artistic journey is not a race against others. Your worth is not determined by the size of your role, the sound of your voice, or what someone else thinks of your performance. Your job is to focus on your own progress and the joy you feel when you create. Be the kind of friend you want to have. Celebrate your friends' successes, offer a word of encouragement, and find your tribe, the people who lift you up and genuinely want to see you shine. When you choose to support your peers, you build a community that makes everyone stronger.

Signs to Watch For and How to Reflect

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of a production or a busy teaching schedule and not notice when a space has become unhealthy. Here are some signs to look for, both in your environment and perhaps, within yourself:

• Is gossip a regular part of conversations?
  

• Do you feel a sense of intense competition rather than collective effort?
  

• Is there a lack of empathy when someone makes a mistake?
  
  

• Are there exclusive groups that make others feel left out?
  

• Is unprofessional behavior overlooked or excused?
  

• Do you feel anxious about sharing your thoughts or ideas?
  

• Is the group's morale consistently low?
  

Navigating and Growing Together

If you find yourself in a challenging environment, remember you can always choose how you respond.

• Focus on Your Inner Well-Being: Your value isn't defined by a role or a critique. Be kind to yourself and seek support from those who lift you up.

• Set Compassionate Boundaries: It's okay to limit your engagement with those who consistently bring negativity. You can be kind without being drawn into their drama.

• Reconnect with Your Passion: Remember what made you fall in love with the arts. Focus on the joy of creating.

• Find a Supportive Community: Seek out spaces and people who share your values and foster a positive atmosphere.

• Be the Change You Wish to See: You can be a force for good. Your professionalism and kindness can be contagious, even in a difficult environment.

Our Shared Commitment to Positive Change

We all have moments where we might contribute to a negative environment. It’s part of being human. But the beauty of our profession is that we have the chance to reflect, learn, and make a change. The willingness to improve ourselves is what truly sets us apart as artists and as people.

This is a core belief at Lopez Studios Inc. Performing Arts School in Reston, Virginia. We work hard to create a space where everyone feels safe and valued, and we face challenges head-on because our students deserve that. Our philosophy is captured in a quote I share in almost every rehearsal: "We will always shoot for the highest level of progress. We will never shoot for perfection because it is simply not obtainable, but we will always give our best effort."

This isn't just a quote; it's an invitation for all of us. Let's make a collective effort to build a performing arts world where collaboration, respect, and kindness are the loudest applause. Let’s get back to the magic we’re all here to create.

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