VALUE 5: Seeking Discomfort in the Theatre: How to Push Boundaries and Take Risks

In the theatre, seeking discomfort means pushing boundaries and taking risks in order to create dynamic and innovative productions. It involves stepping outside of our comfort zones and exploring new themes and styles, and being unafraid to challenge societal norms and expectations. By seeking discomfort, we can create productions that are fresh and exciting, and that challenge us to think in new ways.

But how can theatre companies in Little Rock, Arkansas embrace the value of seeking discomfort and take creative risks in their work? Here are a few tips:

Explore new themes and styles

Companies can push boundaries and take risks by exploring new themes and styles in their productions. This might involve adapting unconventional source material, using experimental staging techniques, or exploring difficult or controversial topics. By being open to new ideas and approaches, companies can create more dynamic and innovative productions.

Collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds

Companies can seek discomfort and take creative risks by collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. This might involve partnering with organizations that promote diversity in the arts, or seeking out new and emerging talent. By working with a diverse range of artists, companies can create more unique and exciting productions.

Take creative risks in marketing and audience development

Companies can also seek discomfort and take creative risks in their marketing and audience development efforts. This might involve trying out new promotional strategies, experimenting with different ticket pricing models, or creating immersive and interactive experiences for audiences. By taking creative risks in these areas, companies can create more engaging and memorable productions.

Be open to feedback and criticism

Companies can seek discomfort and take creative risks by being open to feedback and criticism, and by being willing to learn and grow from the experience. This might involve soliciting feedback from audiences, cast and crew, and other industry professionals, and using that feedback to inform future productions. For example, Lightswitch Theatre Company in Little Rock has talkbacks after the show to open the door to criticism and feedback. By being open to feedback and willing to adapt, companies can create more dynamic and innovative work.

By embracing the value of seeking discomfort and taking creative risks, theatre companies in Little Rock, Arkansas can create more dynamic and innovative productions that challenge audiences to think in new ways. By supporting companies that embrace this value, theatre audiences in Little Rock can help to ensure that the arts scene is a vibrant and exciting place where all voices and perspectives are heard. So let's embrace seeking discomfort and take creative risks together, and create a more dynamic and exciting theatre industry in Little Rock