our experiences and create transformative moments for our attendees. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Wendee Lee Curtis, a Broadway veteran with decades of experience, about her Broadway Blueprint. This conversation opened my eyes to the powerful lessons we can learn from the world of theater and apply to our events.
The Sacred Nature of Performance
One of the most striking aspects of Broadway culture is how performers view their work as sacred. This isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. As Curtis explained, “Broadway performers and Broadway really views the work that they do as sacred. We believe that the work that we do is sacred.”
This perspective shift can be game-changing for event professionals. When we approach our work with the same level of reverence and dedication, it elevates everything we do. It’s not just about putting on a show; it’s about creating an experience that has the power to change hearts and minds.
The Power of “Circle”
Curtis introduced me to a powerful pre-show ritual called “Circle.” Before every Broadway performance, the entire cast and crew gather on stage, holding hands in a circle. They speak words of encouragement and set intentions for the performance ahead. This practice creates a sense of unity and purpose that carries through the entire show.
While we may not be able to replicate this exact ritual at our events, the principle behind it is invaluable. Creating moments of connection and shared purpose among our team and speakers before an event can set a powerful tone for what’s to come.
Going “Full Out”
Perhaps the most crucial lesson from Broadway is the concept of going “full out.” As Curtis passionately explained, “If you don’t have full out that night, then you need to call out, and that’s okay, too.” This commitment to giving 100% or nothing at all ensures that every performance meets the highest standards.
In the event world, we don’t always have the luxury of calling out. However, we can create an environment that encourages and supports our speakers and team members in bringing their best selves to the stage. This might involve:
- Providing pre-event support and coaching
- Creating moments of connection and energy-building before sessions
- Encouraging transparency about challenges or concerns
- Offering resources to help speakers and team members get “in the zone”
Building a Deep Bench
Broadway shows are known for their ability to continue seamlessly even when lead actors are unable to perform. This is due to their robust understudy system and cross-training practices. Curtis shared a remarkable story of a show where five understudies performed in one night, including a leading lady who had never before performed the role for an audience.
While we may not be able to have understudies for every speaker at our events, this principle of preparedness and flexibility is crucial. Consider ways to build redundancy into your event planning:
- Cross-train team members on different roles
- Have backup plans for key sessions or activities
- Create a culture where asking for help is encouraged and supported
Creating Psychological Safety
Underlying all of these Broadway principles is the concept of psychological safety. Curtis emphasized, “I cannot overstate the importance of creating a space that is psychologically safe for people to be transparent. Nothing good, nothing great can happen until people can be transparent.”
In our events, this means fostering an environment where team members, speakers, and even attendees feel safe to express concerns, ask for help, and bring their authentic selves to the experience.
Bringing Broadway Magic to Your Events
While we may not be putting on Broadway shows, we can certainly infuse our events with some of that Broadway magic. Here are some practical ways to incorporate these lessons:
- Start with intention: Begin each day of your event with a team huddle, setting intentions and energizing the group.
- Encourage “full out” performances: Create pre-session rituals for speakers to help them get in the zone and deliver their best.
- Build your bench: Invest in cross-training and have contingency plans for key roles.
- Foster psychological safety: Create channels for open communication and encourage vulnerability among your team and speakers.
- Treat your event as sacred: Approach your work with the reverence and dedication of a Broadway performer.
By incorporating these Broadway-inspired principles into our event planning and execution, we can create truly transformative experiences that resonate long after the final curtain call. As Curtis so beautifully put it, “If we’re going to gather, let us gather so that we can change hearts and minds.”
Let’s bring that Broadway magic to our next event and create something truly spectacular.
Follow Wendee here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendeeleecurtis/
Website: wendeeleecurtis.com/
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