As creative people, we sometimes allow ourselves to get trapped in a particular box. I’m a writer. I’m an actor. I’m a painter. And while it’s always good to have a clear idea of what your primary creative skill and talent is, I also think it’s important to tackle other creative pursuits that can help enhance and influence what you already love to do.
If you are a screenwriter or playwright, consider taking an acting class to see how actors interpret and interact with the words on the page. This can help you as a writer see how to make your writing clearer and subject to the interpretation you intended. It also will help you gain a new perspective on the collaborative process that goes into filmmaking or producing a play.
I would also recommend taking a class about directing to see how a director reads and interprets a script. This can also help you as you refine your script to make sure what is being communicated is what you intend.
If you’re a novelist, you could take an improv class and develop skills that help you connect ideas and concepts quickly that can help you when writing a rough or first draft. This can definitely help when your characters take the wheel when your writing. One of the basic concepts of improv is the never saying no to concept that’s introduced; it’s always “Yes, and then what” instead of negating any ideas presented.
I highly recommend the series Whose Line is it, Anyway?to see pro improv performers in action. With practice, you can get to that level, too and enhance your writing along the way.
These are just a few examples, but it never hurts to explore an alternate skill-set that is related, or even unrelated to what you love to do creatively. Maybe a class on cooking, or wine making, or music could give you the inspiration you need to give your primary creative pursuit an injection of excitement and energy.
I have taken acting classes, improv, and directing classes and they have definitely helped me gain greater insight into the writing process when it comes to the collaborative process. And they’re also a lot of fun!
What types of classes or activities have you done to help enhance your primary creative interests? Leave a comment and let me know!
