Life Is Theatre. What's Your Part?

Famed actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin once said, “Life is a play that does not allow testing. So, sing, cry, dance, laugh, and live intensely, before the curtain closes and the piece ends with no applause.”

It’s a quote that might be more relevant than ever. This year, we’ve seen acts of pain, suffering, and heartbreak, but also tales of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism. It’s become apparent that we’re all either directors, actors, extras or spectators in the theatre of life. The important thing is not which one of these we are, but whether we’re doing it to the best of our ability and whether we’re happy in doing so.  

Directors- Directors must have a vision before the vision exists. That means figuring out what the story will be, who’s best in what role, what the stage should look like, and above all else, effectively communicating all of this. Recently, we’ve had to lead virtual meetings, come up with contingency plans, and re-assure the actors that the lights will come back on. How do we execute our vision? Can we quickly adapt if something goes awry? Are we prepared to own any mistake?

Actors- Actors have to play a wide range of roles under directors. They have to balance emotions and be authentic in their parts, even when they’re taking on one that might not be natural. In past months, we may have had to work from home, homeschool a child, re-adjust our family’s budget, and check in on older family members. The key questions for any actor are: Am I putting my heart into my work? Am I authentic and believable?

Extras- Extras typically are in the background and have non-speaking roles. It’s not a glamorous job. We rarely get credit for doing it well, but we’ll get plenty of blame if we make a mistake. We’ve all likely been an extra at some point, just another person at the table during a meeting, another face on a Zoom call, not having a ton of freedom to express our opinions. Can we still do the work? Do we get disgruntled and become jaded?

Spectators- Spectators must decide whether they’re happy not being in the show or whether they want to get on stage. Taking action is not mandatory, but then we have to be respectful members of the audience, not cynical and disrespectful critics. Are we comporting ourselves the right way? Are we content to be in the audience? Does security need to usher us away for poor behavior?

Remember, just because we’re in one of these roles now doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can be anything we’ve earned the right to be. But it starts with taking ownership and creating a detailed roadmap of our future. When the lights are on and the curtain is lifted, where will you be? 

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