Aaaaaaaaand... GO!!!

Most of the time, I feel like a woman who has lost her mind. (Assuming she ever had one.)

Four years ago I went on a trip that took me from a depressed, frustrated stay-at-home mom to a depressed, frustrated stay-at-home mom with a VISION. I am not sure how important the story of that trip is to anyone other than me. The point is I went on the trip, I came back and the idea for what Playful Substance is now in the process of becoming began.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand... GO!

I’ve been working quietly to build a community of artists, to implement writers’ programs, to consider business structures, and do all of the sexy things like find an accountant and research socially responsible banking options for the pocket change that is our current operating budget.

The Dakota Access Pipeline isn’t going to benefit from OUR $300! No sir!

In those four years, I’ve learned how many people will pat you on the back and say they support you but when you turn around they are waving at you from miles away. They are still smiling and waving. Some of them legitimately wish you well. But they are going to wait to see if you can deliver before they will invest time, money or energy in you. And that is, actually, OK.

I’ve also learned that the people who not only pat you on the back but also tap you on the shoulder to show you the pretty thing they made or just to see how you are doing, those people are the rock you build your company on. Focus on serving them. They are the ones whose needs matter. In serving them, you also serve yourself.

Don’t chase the ones who are waving from afar. They’ll come in closer to have a look once the party gets started. And the ones who aren’t paying any attention? Nah. Don’t even worry. You just have to get started.

You just have to get started.

I am excited to be part of these amazing writers’ groups, watching artists work and support one another as narrative structures get built and characters grow and surprise us. I am looking forward to being in the rehearsal room again, chewing on new material with a team of artists all looking at the same words but from different perspectives. Because when I am in these rooms, my vision doesn’t seem so far fetched. It feels like it is in the room with me. I can touch it.

Right now, the math isn’t quite working. But how many businesses have great math out of the gate? (Seriously, how many businesses? Am I doing this right?!?!) An audience takes time to build, just like it takes time to build a community and a body of work.

You just have to get started.

You just have to get started.

So we launched our writers’ program (Phase 1!) last fall. We are negotiating spaces and talent for our first season and will be launching our first fundraising campaign in a matter of days. Because of all this, I can honestly say that I am no longer depressed. I may be slightly overwhelmed, but I wouldn’t describe myself as frustrated anymore. I’m still a mom, but I can’t really call myself a “stay at home” mom with any honesty.

I’m on a different path now.

I think I’ve officially started.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand... GO!

-Bree O’Connor
Artistic Director