One certainty in our zany and rewarding world of musical theater and kids is that it holds unpredictable changes like kids’ idiosyncrasies, ever-changing schedules, inconsistent administrators, unreasonable parents and minimal budgets just to skim a few off the top. Adversity goes with the territory. And it can become an ally.

It was a beautiful day in late October a year ago. I had just landed at Washington National Airport with my colleague Marty to present a workshop for teachers at the Kennedy Center. I was pumped – I was about to do one of my favorite things with a great group of teachers, working in one stunning and humbling facility. I answered a call on my cell phone as I had some prep time.  I didn’t expect my Doctor on the other end to say, “I’m very sorry Cindy, but you have breast cancer."

I did not expect that healthy dose of adversity that day. I had things to do! Festivals scheduled, in-services to run, an educational trip to another continent and student teachers to supervise.  I definitely did not have time for this.

Why do I share this when I consider myself a very private person? For two reasons: good teachers keep learning and “pay it forward”, and its October, the month where pink ribbons remind us of the ongoing challenge that many people – and among them, many teachers – continue to face.

What did a little adversity teach me?

• It ranked my priorities more quickly than pressing “cleanup desktop” on my laptop
• It forced me to use all my resources in a timely way
• It magnified the importance of being proactive in situations
• It reinforced that we have to be our own personal advocates, whether it be for our health or career decisions.
• It exemplified that relying on a team is the only way to go.

We put all these practices to use every day with kids in educational musical theater.

• I have always understood their power, but thinking about adversity reminded me they can work to our advantage just about anywhere.

Adversity Is Temporary

• If your choreographer went into premature labor before the last two numbers of your show are choreographed, maybe it’s a chance for you to discover your own inner Fred Astaire.

Adversity builds emotional muscle

• You and your students will be able to more easily handle changes and everyday hassles. Your Tevye suddenly moved out of district? Maybe this is an opportunity to look at creative re-casting.

Adversity fosters flexibility and resilience

• I was just working with an inspired team of teachers who were selected for a special program to create sustainable musical theater programs in underserved schools. At the end of the day one team shared a text that their administrator was unexpectedly leaving the next day.  Fastest problem solving I have ever seen; these folks were not going to let that news hinder this opportunity. They made a plan and were moving forward.

So, in homage to Pinktober, share some of the skills that are second nature to you. The show may need to be re-scheduled, the flu might have wiped out rehearsals for a week, maybe your dream show is unavailable because of a tour, and the principal directed you to add all the kindergarteners to next week’s performance; the show will go on.

When presented with adversity, you will become more creative, more flexible and gain a layer of confidence that will see you through the next storm.

 I’m pretty confident about that!  CR

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