Strive to be a professional

As a professional musician, singer and music teacher since 1982, I am sometimes still astounded at the attitudes of people in the performing arts. Too many times I have seen students, adults, choristers and people in dramatic productions behave in a most unprofessional manner without giving it a second thought. Many of these people are using local productions and studios as their stepping stone to entrance into a college or university music or drama department.

On the other side of the coin, I have often had the pleasure of working with individuals and organizations who are meticulous regarding detail, pleasant to everyone from directors to the children in the chorus and willing to bend over backward to see that they are doing all they can to help assertain a successful production.

People often say that performers are flighty, egotistical and unreliable and I don't like to see these characteristics in artists of any type; professional or amateur. The other day I heard a director of a local acting troupe cry out in despair, "I am so sick of working with amateurs!" I can only imagine what transpired to illicit such a response from this director.

Perhaps in our fast-paced society we have forgotten those timeless lessons taught by our grandparents that show a genuine regard of conscientiousness, committment and dedication. It is very easy to let things slide when one carries too full a load. But, it is actually quite simple to behave in a professional manner.

In the performing arts, what separates a professional from an amateur? Is it that the professional makes money at his craft and the amateur does it voluntarily? Is it that the professional is much more talented than the amateur? Does it depend on whether or not you've been in a box office hit or on the Broadway stage as opposed to an independant production?

None of these qualities defines a professional. There are many so called 'amateurs' who do not make a living at their craft but are talented and professional in every way. There are also many professionals whose demeaner is nothing more than amateur. A professional is someone who possesses qualities like these:

1. Someone who can take direction and follow instructions.

2. Someone who arrives on time.

3. Someone who takes responsibility for their own tasks.

4. Someone who is willing to work with others.

5. Someone who can be flexible even if they don't agree.

6. Someone who gets on that stage and gives it their all.

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