Day 2 of NYC auditions. Today’s #ASQoD* comes from the iconic American musician whose centennial we honor in 2018.
“To achieve great things, two things are needed:
a plan, and not quite enough time.”
Leonard Bernstein
We know we need a plan. A method in the middle of the madness. Both on the micro level (how to get to that 10am audition on time), and from the macro (how to cobble together enough work this year to pay the rent).
And “not quite enough time”? There is never, ever enough time. Why did the late great Lenny believe that “not quite enough time” is essential to achieve great things?
First of all, he was probably acknowledging that there are certain battles we shouldn’t pick. Life moves fast, creative people are always in over their heads, and there’s no sense in wringing our hands over it.
And he knew that the sense of urgency that comes from a finite amount of time isn’t a bad thing. It keeps us sharp, it makes us focus, and it can clarify everything. I know there’s not enough time. You know it. Get over it.
“Whom the gods wish to destroy,
they give unlimited resources.”
Twyla Tharp
*The Audition Season Quote of the Day is a month-long series brought to you by Wolf Trap Opera.
Photography by Doug Pensinger
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