Lessons from the Circus, Part 2 - Support

It is hardly news that it takes a lot of back-room planning, prep, attention and support from many many people to make the stars of the show shine. But this truth bears itself so nakedly at a circus that it is breathtaking. The support is so literal. At any given time, while an astonishing performer performs an astonishing feat, there are stage hands, announcers, musicians and other - sometimes just as astonishingly talented - performers working to make that feat succeed.

Moving beyond the cliche of remembering how necessary and important support staff is, I was struck by a couple of things as an improviser, performer and performance coach.

1. Support Shifts: In the circus, everyone works, and roles shift. Even the biggest star, has moments standing on the sidelines giving focus to other performers. And often, someone will be performing in the spotlight one moment and supporting the next. And it is as important for the success of the show that you commit to your support roles as that you do well when you're the star. Quite literally, it was the performers standing around "spotting" the star who were the different between a feat succeeding or failing. Improvisers follow the tenant, "Making your partner look good." No matter what task the circus performers are fulfilling, it seems they adhere to the same rule.

In improv, we take the ideas of shifting roles even further. We do not even know from moment to moment which role we will be called on to play. When a scene starts, there is no identified "star". We serve the scene. If we are endowed by our partners as the protagonist, then that's what we do. Perhaps we will be the straight man that night, perhaps the clown. Perhaps this time we sing the big number. Next time we dance in the chorus.

This does not mean, of course, that individuals don't have specialized skills or talents that are turned to at certain moments. It does mean, however, that we have broad opportunities and responsibilities. Rather than thinking, "What is my job description?" We ask,  "What is needed?" "What can I do to add value?" "How can I make my partner look good?"

2. Support is a Skill. We tend to think of the center stage performer as the one who has practiced obsessively and who has the special talent. But support skills require development, dedication and special abilities as well. The catcher has worked just as hard and honed just as many skills as the aerialist he is catching, of course. We know that. But the folks setting up the tent have also learned special skills and honed them over time and know and can do things we don't even think about. The people who sell cotton candy and whirly lights and pictures are not just your average retail personnel. They have polished a style and strategy that draws crowds and sells huge amounts of stuff, and their work supports the running of the circus as a whole.

In any group, certain skills are prized more highly than others, certain tasks and professions given more status and reward. That does not mean - as much as we might like it to mean - that those skills are the hardest, or even the most important. It simply means they are the highest status. Now, far be it from me to get into the economics of it all. I am not talking social policy or fairness here (though there are clearly important conversations to have in those arenas.) I am simply suggesting that when we equate the status of a skill set with its difficulty, we are making a mistake. I have a good friend who is a professor of theatre at a college in California. When her students complain that an assignment or activity is too difficult, she replies, "Really? THIS is difficult? Come on - it's just an acting exercise. Mining coal is difficult!"Coal miners may not have the highest status in our society, but could you do what they do?

So,

• What are the skills that are HARD and under appreciated in your world?
• What skills could you acquire with some time and effort that would benefit the group most - even if they are not the most glamorous ones?
• How can you and your community get better and recognizing and rewarding support activities, not simply in a "let's thank the little people" cursory way, but for real?

3. Support is Fun. What? Yes! In addition to be hard and under-appreciated and often invisible, support can be great fun. Supporting casts take as much pride in their work as the stars dancing out front. Being the magical force that sets the scene or saves the star right before disaster, or provides the opportunity for someone else to shine can be just as satisfying as the shining itself. Anyone who is a parent knows that.

Do yourself a favor and  find some new ways (and new people) to support.  And then let us know how it goes, eh?

We appreciate your support.