What a difference a week makes!

The day after the Tonys last week I took to my blog to write about how much I enjoyed the awards ceremony. I had sincerely hoped that I’d be doing the same next week after the Daytime Emmys. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. Last night’s Emmy ceremony was an absolute disgrace and utter embarrassment to not only the daytime fans but to the hardworking cast and crew who work so tirelessly in this industry.

I lost count how many times I raised my hands in frustration and exclaimed, “What does this have to do with anything?” From performances that had no connection to daytime (other than promoting Las Vegas shows) to blatant commercials for Las Vegas and other resort destinations. And as much as I truly believe that Oprah Winfrey deserved to be recognized for her remarkable achievement in the daytime industry did we really need two celebrity performances? I would’ve much rather seen clips from her 25 year history that reflected the integrity, excellence and class she was so well known for. You could’ve cut the first montage of celebrity guests, the musical tributes and just had the clips of how Oprah made an indelible imprint on the industry.

What we should have been treated to was a celebratory evening where the work of the nominees took center stage. Why not take the time and energy into putting together well-thought out montages of each drama series nominated for Best Daytime Drama? It’s not like it’s never been done before! There weren’t even brief clips of the nominees when their categories were announced. For those of us who don’t watch all the nominated shows it would’ve been beneficial to learn what made their show worthy of a Best Drama nomination.

I applaud CBS for keeping the Daytime Emmy awards on the air but I am confused as to why they made that decision if they weren’t going to treat the ceremony with the respect and admiration it rightly deserved.

So while Las Vegas seems like a great place to visit, charitable organizations are deserving of our appreciation and self-promotion can be a handy device they have no place in an award show ceremony. Especially when they detract from the nominees, the industry and their fans.

Award show praise: The 2011 Tonys

All other award shows of this season and next take note; The Tony Awards knows how it’s done! You’d be remiss to not look to them for inspiration and motivation when planning your own production. Here are just a few reasons The 2011 Tony Awards deserves praise:

• NEIL PATRICK HARRIS: A host who’s funny, smart, respectful and multi-talented. He’s a perfect fit for the theatre industry because of his wide range of talent. Not only can he pull off one-liner zingers but he can sing and dance. But most importantly, he supports the industry. He’s a fan of the Broadway community and that affection shows in his hosting duties.


• SHOWCASE OF NOMINATED WORK: The Tony Awards are known primarily for the musical numbers performed each year. And understandably, you’re not likely to find a Best Picture nominated scene to be re-enacted at The Oscars but the Broadway community understands not only their audience but their industry as well. They have a respect for the work created and don’t hesitate in showing it off.


• DIVERSITY: Not only does The Tony Awards include many age, ethnic, sexual orientation and religious groups but the work represented are just as diverse. From the classic Broadway style musicals, like “Anything Goes” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” to the edgy, contemporary musical “The Book of Mormon” Broadway’s range of topics, style and genre makes it appealing to a wide array of potential theatre goers.


• SUBDUED CELEBRATION: Ok, so perhaps you wouldn’t necessarily think of a Broadway community as being subdued but let me explain. The show isn’t about flashy stars, who’s wearing what or blatant marketing tactics. Instead, The Tony Awards celebrate the work of their community in a way that showcases their strengths. The show, in and of itself, is the best marketing tool the community has available. If a viewer doesn't have a desire to come see a Broadway show after watching the awards then the broadcast has done a disservice to not only the industry but to their audience as well.


• STAR POWER: Most viewers wouldn’t be able to recognize a great many of the nominees if they passed them on the street but you still get a feel for their work by the recognition of their peers. Sure there are stars in the Broadway community but I don’t mean TV/Film personalities who get top billing. I’m thinking of professionals like Sutton Foster, Patti Lupone, Matthew Broderick, Kathleen Marshall, Patrick Wilson, Rob Ashford and more; Individuals who are well respected within the community and whose longevity in the medium earns them the respect of their peers and theatre aficionados.
  
  So, if you’re getting ready to plan out your award show production style I invite you to look to the 2011 Tony Awards as a model of inspiration.
  
  All the best,
  Kelly

A Social Writer

I’ve never really been what you’d call a social butterfly. High school and college weren’t about making friends, though that was a bonus. Instead, I relished the opportunity to learn. I looked forward to, or dreaded, certain courses depending on the teaching style, level of personal interest and motivation. Growing up a relatively shy individual being part of a large group created apprehension within me. If I was out of my comfort zone then forget it! I wasn’t going to the party, dance or any other social event where I didn’t feel comfortable. Eventually, my viewpoint shifted when I came to the realization that how people perceived me took up too much of my valuable mind space.

Thank goodness for creative writing! This tool gave me confidence when I lacked meaning, direction when I lacked motivation and value when the world seemed too big. The words I took the time to select in my writing mattered to me. I took great care in what I put on paper because it was the most valuable outlet I had available to communicate what I’d left unspoken.

Three years ago I took a chance and joined a local writers group. Ever since, not only has my writing strengthened but so has my confidence. What I have to say matters; whether it matters solely to me or anyone else is irrelevant. I love what I do. I’m making an imprint in this world while continuing the tradition of communication.

When I attended the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference on June 3rd-5th of this year I was slightly hesitant at the knowledge that I did not know anyone else there. I kept to myself when I first arrived, put pencil to paper and started writing. That is until I sat down for the opening presentation, closed my notebook and made eye contact with those around me. I became aware of how many other writers there are in the Philadelphia area. And while that realization could’ve amplified my worry of getting published I found comfort in so many others who shared my affinity for the written word.

I met some wonderful individuals during this conference, attended fantastic workshops and was impressed by those who chose to facilitate/instruct the individual courses. This experience is one that will stay with me for many years to come. It reinvigorated my desire to pursue writing on a professional level and that helps make this butterfly soar.