I was recently at a presentation on talent that said (somewhat abruptly) there is no such thing as talent. I did a double take with I saw this on the agenda in that I have spent my whole working life trying to find those with talent (even if it not yet surfaced) and bringing them to the light! Perhaps I am too judgmental; but I feel I can rather quickly point my finger at young folk (after knowing them for a bit of time) and say that he/she had something and he/she doesn’t have “it” (at least at this point and at least with my perspective).
The presenter said, in essence, that talent doesn’t exist – because if it did then a schooling in any art wouldn’t matter. If talent were metered out before you were born – – and if no one could give you talent after – – then you were simply s*** out of luck. The presenter went on to say that at best talent accounts for giving you a fifteen minute advantage over everyone else.
I’m not sure I believe this. I see the point that arts are skills and skills can be taught. But, I am thinking that there are those that learn earlier, learn faster, and with more tenacity. Wouldn’t you call that talent? I have written in earlier blogs how I have used my perception of their ability to flirt as an indicator of their success as an actor – – and I stand by this.
- Talented students are present with you – – their mind is not somewhere else – they are there with you.
- Talented students carry less shame into the room. They are not burdened by the shoulds, coulds and would haves. They travel lighter.
- Talented students are great interpreters. They can take the words of an acting coach, director, or mentor and process these ideas into terms they can own and execute – – they listen better – – AND fewer words are needed to lead/inspire them. They can practice shorthand with a director and hours and hours of chatter are saved.
- Talented students show themselves in a handshake or a hug – they own their body – someone is driving the ship. You embrace them and can feel some breathing!
- Talented students deserve it and more importantly, they know it.
Now as the leader of the workshop said – -“talent only gives you a 15 minute headstart” I think that is wrong – – but even IF it gave you only a fifteen minute lead – – that fifteen minutes could make a world of difference in the race to success.