This week on Honestly, Dear Listener, we’re talking to Sydney Parks Smith, Producing Artistic Director of OpenStage Theatre in Fort Collins, Colorado on how we know when it’s time to walk away. Sydney has always acted on stage, and in 2019, she stepped into her dream role as Producing Artistic Director of OpenStage. But when happens when your dream isn’t what you really wanted?
Sydney shares her personal and professional challenges, including fears of aging out as an actor, her transition into leadership roles within the nonprofit theatre industry, responsibilities and pressures within that role and why, after 26 years of working with her organization, she’s decided to stop down.
Sydney’s story of navigating fears, making tough decisions, and finding her true identity outside of her job title offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a pivotal change in their own lives.
References:
“Somebody Somewhere” - television show on HBO/MAX
“Middle Aged Ingenue” and “Jeff Hiller is Basic” - comedy shows by Jeff Hiller
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
Order your copy of The Artist’s Way for our class starting September 1!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
1:40 - Meet Sydney Parks Smith
4:46 - What is a Producing Artistic Director?
7:08 - When did you know what you wanted to be?
13:06 - Plot twist! She’s leaving!
18:12 - How do you know it’s time to walk away?
19:50 - Emotional repercussions
25:03 - I’m not special anymore
28:03 - Identity/value wrapped up in what we do
30:07 - Scarcity/fear: What if this is my only chance?
33:27 - Women and aging in performance
41:59 - Talking to our future selves
46:05 - The Artist Way Class info