Are We Born To Run?

Are We Born To Run: Christopher McDougal

Business Storytelling is imperative to advertising and branding. What we have learned about branding is that, it is important to get people to trust you, and to trust the product being sold. Most people just want something to believe in and to be apart of. If they find a product that relates to a feeling or empowers nostalgic emotions then that company has done its job.

The requirement for branding is passion. Passion holds a key in relating to others, gaining trust and showing people that you care. If the market behind the product obtains passion, then the market audience is soon to follow. In learning about passion I listened to Christopher McDougal tell his story on Ted.com.

            Christopher McDougal's speech entitled, Are We Born To Run, was inspirational. He reached the heart of his audience by telling the story of an Ethiopian woman in the New York marathon. The woman was up against Olympic gold medalist and the world’s fastest runner, and all she had to give was desire. As the race began she stayed with the competitors, in the 22nd mile the Olympian began to get injured. She pulled back and the women pulled back with her encouraging her to move on, they moved on together for a short time. When the injury flared up again the Ethiopian women tried to help, she was told to go ahead and with that encouragement she won the New York City marathon.

            McDougal claims that the compassion of this woman came from the freedom she found in running.  Ironically, running is originally what humans were created to do. It has evolved the heart and mind so we now have the technology and inspiration that makes the world we live in today. So, what happened to running, why did it become a chore? Now days, when running is talked about, the first story you hear is of injury. Why, because “thinking” man has forgotten to include it. Marathon running is all about the shoes, and the best time, and how to accurately train and run. The sport has lost its youthfulness and freedom. McDougal is not only inspiring his listeners to run and be healthy. He is reminding them of a lifestyle that can help the human race. He also refers to humans as a pack, giving reasons that we were meant to run together. Examples, to learn from the elderly, to have the strength of the youth and the children growing and learning from experience, will make our culture stronger.

            Entertainment is the same way. It started as out door theatres and acting and singing for celebration. In the business I would like to open. It would be incredible for people to sense community. To learn from those that have been around, and accept those that are strong, and to need the young and inspirational, is what defines community. Empowering trust and passion in whatever the person is experiencing. So we should go back to running for freedom and happiness, and back to art for beauty and celebration.

Found at: http://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_mcdougall_are_we_born_to_run.html

The Show Directors and Choreographers Society

Trade Association Review

In starting graduate classes at Full Sail University, I have a goal. My dream is to become a show director or talent-casting agent. With this job, I can remain in my love of performance, and tie in the business aspect. It is good to research and understand the industry. In discovering trade associations the one that best begins the path is the stage directors and choreographers society. This union will give information as to what I will need to run and participate in a company.

            The SDC brings prominent stage directors and choreographers together; to make sure their rights are protected as they work on each show. The goal within the association is to educate and build the society for future generations. The authority is the same as any other theatre unions Broadway, off Broadway etc. This well known society has set up an online page showing all directors and programs that are important to the community. This helps any reader begin to trust and desire to become apart of this organization. In reading, the history and mission statement I have learned so much about SDC.

The Society began over 52 years ago in 1959 with Shephard Traube as president. He began the SDC “when Bob Fosse withheld his services on a production of Little Me”  (SDC P 1). It has grown stronger over the fifty years by gaining rights for directors and choreographers in the union. The society itself has protected many well-known shows engaging more directors and choreographers to join the union. As previously stated, with protecting directors it also gives back to the community.

According to the member services “Getting Involved” page on the website explains all the ways the association gets involved with the community. The one main group breaks into smaller groups for getting involved. Each group comes up with the creative names and ways to help out the community. For example, “Americans for the Arts” is a nonprofit organization creating ways for everyone to participate in the arts. Also, “Advocacy for the Arts” is an organization that legalizes education for directors and other performers. Creating ways that artists who were not able to be in school now can. These are just two of the many groups that the stage directors and choreographers society bring together.

This organization is one that I would one day love to join. A future as a show director and choreographer is a great dream. But one that is also able to give back to the community and share and protect artist is one to consider. There are usual fees and rules but there is in any organized community. Support of the association would be a great idea for any future endeavors.