What to create next? A mind map for your next project (only if you need it)

The end of December is usually the time when dates have no meaning. Is it Wednesday or Thursday? It doesn’t matter! Sadly, this feeling was constant this year. 

In March 2020, we all shifted to life online for…obvious reasons. Theatres and festivals also transitioned to online performances. I was proud of being part of the theatre community. Online performance is not the ideal medium, but we were all working with what we can for the safety of others. We experimented creatively with what we have. I also transitioned my work online. It wasn’t my best theatrical piece - only because I know the power of live theatre. 

I thought, “I’m sure we can go back to the theatre, the intimate black box theatre I love so much, in August!”. There was hope. 

But here we are at the end of 2020 in the second? Or is it the third wave of the pandemic? Depending on where you live in the world, your city may be under lockdown right now. 

Now what? 

It’s daunting. Coming up with a new year's resolution is different this year. We don’t know when we can go back to the physical theatre. What am I creating for? What’s the point of writing when it’s still difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel? I complained for a bit. But I still wanted to do something. Anything. But what? What do I want to create now? 

I tossed and turned and went on a journey to rethink my creative process this month. So I’m sharing this with you only if you are in need of suggestions to brainstorm your next creative project. 

What’s your taste?

Go back to the basics. What do you truly enjoy as an audience? What makes you laugh? What themes interest you? Here are some questions to help you get started. 

●     What is your all-time favorite musical?

●     What is a tv show that you binged recently? 

●     What podcast did you enjoy listening to this year? 

●     Which musical theatre cast album did you enjoy listening to recently? 

After you have a list, choose one. And ask more questions, such as...

●     What’s so funny about [title]?

●     What themes are discussed in [title]?

●     How’s the structure of the story?

●     Write a list of the main characters. What are their goals in life? 

●     What technique does the director use to emphasize the theme? 

●     What are the little details that you noticed that are seemingly insignificant, but loved?

●     Why should your friend watch/listen to/read this too? 

●     Who’s supposed to be the villain in the story? Do you agree with that?

Once you answer these questions, read what you’ve written. Compare what you’ve written for other shows you liked. Highlight keywords that come up often or stand out to you. Revisiting your interest is a good way to remind yourself what you like to work on. 

Explore different styles

Attend a virtual workshop to try a different technique! Many theatres offer workshops online these days. Why not take advantage of that? 

One of my favorites is Writers’ Warm-up with Jesse Stong via Playwrights’ Workshop Montreal. They had a 15 minute live YouTube workshop every week (Thank you PWM and Jesse!) and it’s still on YouTube! Here’s the link if you’re interested:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4fLsQ8jO41794Y-Uhz7suq0Rh45v56Q8

Who said you can’t stay in bed in your pajamas? Take a morning to cuddle under the covers with your notebook and a warm cup of coffee/tea. 

Create a soft deadline

I’m a deadline person. I love deadlines. Deadlines enable me to actually do my work. I love procrastinating too, but having a deadline helps me make sure that I get it done. It’s not for everybody. Especially during a global pandemic! I stopped setting an actual date for my deadline. Instead, I write down, “Finish the first draft by end of December-ish.” And if I finish my draft at the beginning of January? What’s the big deal?

Check-in with yourself if you’d like to have a deadline - You don’t need one! 

Talk about your project

Creating alone can get lonely. I know I enjoy working with a friend even if we’re not working on the same project. 

Have a virtual hangout with a friend and discuss what you’re working on. Explaining the project to someone else often helps you reframe your ideas. If you’re stuck on something, maybe your friend has suggestions. 

What if you go through this process and still have trouble continuing to make art? That’s also okay. Go for a walk and listen to your favorite tune. Bake a pie. Watch a trashy tv show that you hate and love. Listen to a new podcast.

Remember, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. We don’t need to be productive every day.