We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maggie Dunn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maggie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I think equally as important as creating is being a consumer of art and always being curious. Just as important as sitting down to block a scene, it is important to watch a good movie, go to an art museum, read an exciting book, observe people on the subway, attend a concert. And of course, go see as much theater as possible (or whatever your medium is.) I think it’s important to take in other mediums and find inspiration in them – for example, I am currently very inspired by concert special effects after attending some fun concerts this past month. It’s all live performance.
When I find myself stuck, I ask myself, “what would be the most exciting or interesting thing to happen here?” Sometimes a creative choice is as simple as what would be most satisfying in this moment. Keeping your work interesting to yourself is essential. Make things that YOU would want to consume, which is why it’s important to understand what you like by consuming art yourself.
And finally, Pinterest is a gold mine for creativity and inspiration!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an NYC-based Director, Writer, Producer, and Theater Artist. I attended Pace University where studied Directing, Devised Theater, and Creative Writing. I was a member of the International Performance Ensemble and spent a semester in Spain, training at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona. Favorite credits include Girls Online (The Tank, Gerard Cannon Playwriting Award), EOL (Secret Theater Festival, Best Play & Best Director Awards), and Ancestra (The Vino Theater).
My work untangles complicated relationship dynamics, confronts societal taboos, and explores the root of underlying desire. I believe what is most special about my work is the way in which I explode moments of tension, love, or a shift in emotions to something highly theatrical, active, and sometimes magical or otherworldly. I am a huge fan of dramaturgical research and always aim to have my work grounded in some truth or real-life event. I search for exhilarating reveals in every production I direct; including revelation of space, a sudden shift in relationship dynamics, or an unexpected design element. When a theatrical moment has me on the edge of my seat, that’s when I know I have succeeded.
To keep up with what I’m up to, check out my website maggiekdunn.com or follow me on Instagram @maggiedunn. I am always looking for new collaborators, so please reach out!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Being self sufficient. The most important thing I’ve done for myself as an artist is learn how to self produce. I was taught the mindset that no one is going to hand you a play to direct and produce it for you early in your career, so you have to make it happen for yourself. I took a class at Pace called Indie Theater Producing and recommend everyone to take a producing class or get coffee with someone who has self produced and learn the basics: How to get a rehearsal space, affordable performance spaces near you, how to fundraise, how to budget, how to market a play etc etc. The best way to learn this skill is to just do it, make mistakes, and learn from them. Start with something small – produce a low budget off-off broadway show with your friends. Self-producing is a lot more achievable than people think and will teach you so many important skills.
2. Whoever made that saying was unfortunately right – comparison truly is the thief of joy. With so many artist friends, this is something I am always working on. As silly as it is, I repeat to myself a lyric from Hamilton very often: “The world was wide enough.” Just because one person is succeeding, doesn’t mean you can’t also succeed. Maybe that opportunity was for them and there is something else for you. I’ve spent so much time comparing that could’ve been spent doing my own thing. This has been an important lesson in self-confidence.
3. Stage manage a show if you have the opportunity. I took stage management classes in college and have stage managed a few shows since then. Not only will you be a better collaborator with your SM if you do have one, but you will also know how to send a daily call, make a calendar, document cues, and keep yourself organized if you do not have an SM. I always recommend an SM for longer work, but I direct a lot of 10-20 minute plays for festivals where I don’t have an SM and need to coordinate things myself. Learning these essential organizational skills helps me turn my creativity into measurable action and keeps everyone’s head on straight.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When working on multiple projects at time or having a packed schedule, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and I am constantly checking in on myself and my anxiety level. The arts is by no means an easy field, but it is worth it if it is what you are truly passionate about. I have a tattoo of The Velveteen Rabbit on my right arm – a reminder of the first play I ever directed and a reminder of why I chose to pursue the arts: I love working with artists and technicians, I love to tell stories in creative ways, and a rehearsal room is where I am happiest. When things get overwhelming, I remember why I’m here and at the end of the day, it’s entertainment, not heart surgery.
It is important to take a break from work and I think having a balance has been essential for me. I unwind by going to the movies, spending time with friends, thrifting, or crafting. I often feel guilty if I’m not constantly being productive, but that is no way to live. You will make better work if you are less overwhelmed and it is better for your nervous system. Set a timer, work for a few hours, and then take a break to do something that will calm you. And lean on your artist friends who understand what you’re going through!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maggiekdunn.com
- Instagram: maggiedunn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-k-dunn/
Image Credits
Russ Rowland, Pierce Stephen, Tharynn Olson, Jonathan Morrey
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
