The Actors Studio

So there is a big event happening in my life.  I started graduate school this week.  I am getting my MFA from The Actors Studio here in NYC.  Today, we had our official welcome from the department and James Lipton (who started the school) gave a speech.  I have never had strong feelings about Mr. Lipton one way or the other; however, I can honestly say that he gave the best speech I have ever heard.  It was incredibly inspiring.

A story he told really got to me and I thought I would share it here.  Also, in case I ever forget it, it will be on here for me to find years later I hope!  I don't remember where he heard the story or who the "main character" in it was; however, he said he was sure we had heard the tale before.  The "main character", who was a teacher, was on a field trip and he took his students to a cliff and asked them to come to the edge.   They refused.  They were too scared.  He told them to just come over to the edge and look out.  They said that they were afraid of heights.  He said he understood but that they should really just come to the edge and look out.  Finally, they shuffled their way to the edge.  And he pushed them.  And they flew.  Mr. Lipton told us that we have been called to the edge.  And that they *would* push us.  And we *would* fly.  I was crying at this point.

I have a crazy journey ahead of me.  I have one foot planted on the path.  I feel as I'm still waiting to put that second foot down (classes don't officially begin until next week).  I have absolutely no idea what the journey holds.  I know that it will be frightening.  I know that it will be painful (growth is messy after all).  I know that it will be exciting.  I know that it will be freeing.  I hope that I rise to the challenge.