Posted by Ashley Renee Smith

Happy Monday, Stage 32 Community!

Creators are often solitary creatures, which makes it difficult to navigate a collaborative environment like the entertainment industry, where networking is so crucial. On the other hand, humans crave community and can learn more from each other than we can on our own.

We need the support of others to keep motivated.

We need feedback to refine our work and craft.

We need mentorship and guidance to pursue new challenges.

We need different perspectives to inspire and educate ourselves to tell stories that matter.

We need each other.

So how do you find, or better yet build, the community that you need to succeed?

November Write Club Week 2 How To Find  Build The Creative Community That You Need

Where I Started…

I grew up in a small cornfield town, 45 minutes from the nearest mall or downtown city. Our public school system wasn’t exactly impressive. The morning announcements were run by a communications class that only Juniors and Seniors could take IF it fit into their schedule. The theater program was built entirely around the show choir kids, so every Spring and Fall was a musical. If you were a creative kid who wanted to get your hands on a camera or work behind the scenes on a show, you had to figure out how to do it on your own.

I knew from age 5 that I wanted to write and someday work in TV and Film. I used to tell everyone that I would write books and then adapt them myself someday. I went through a phase where I was obsessed with acting, and a phase where I was obsessed with directing, but most often, I would talk about my dream to be the “female Joss Whedon” someday. Ouch. I know…

The only problem was that I didn’t know where to start. When I was in Middle School, I was so hungry to learn, but I had nowhere to go. One day, my mom found a newspaper ad for a casting call at the small community theater that had recently opened in our town. Like most community theaters, it was a place for adults who loved performing to put on shows a few times a year in the evenings and weekends. They didn’t do kids' shows, but their upcoming production of A Tuna Christmas required a kid between the ages of 10-13. Lucky me, I was 12 and finally found my home. The adults at Center Stage Community Theater became my second family. From the age of 12 until I was about 17, I spent more time at that theater than I did at home.

I acted, assistant directed, worked stage crew, built sets, learned lighting and sound design, helped with casting, and anything else that was needed. I would keep a pillow in the tech booth and spend my weekends cleaning up around the house that was remodeled into a small theater. By the age of 16, I was the Technical Director of the theater and had my own key to let myself in and out. If my friends wanted to see me, they had to volunteer to work the shows or build sets. Something that my now husband figured out around the age of 15 when he started suddenly spending his nights and weekends there too, “just to help out”. The adults that spent their time there became my mentors and teachers. An eclectic and wonderful group of misfits who loved theater and embraced my passion and endless questions. They taught me everything they could about storytelling and performance, about how to create tone, atmosphere, and nuance.

Then I Ventured Out Online…

While I was learning a lot at the theater about performance, directing, and the technical side of the stage, I was still desperate to understand more about writing. My English teachers were good, not great, and my somewhat pretentious 13-year-old self was very hung up on the fact that they weren’t published writers. I’m not proud of it, but I went through a truly annoying phase around the age of 13 when I suddenly declared that I was “so over” reading YA and would only be reading adult fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary novels. Honestly, I was ridiculous. Spending all of my time with very dramatic adults was not doing me any favors. It was almost as bad as the period of high school when I kept wearing berets… but I digress…

November Write Club Week 2 How To Find  Build The Creative Community That You Need

In my desperation to connect with published writers, I got the idea to start looking up the authors of books that I was reading on MySpace, which was THE social media platform of the moment. To my utter surprise, I found quite a few of them! And with the confidence that only a 13-year-old could possess, I started messaging them. I would introduce myself, and tell them how much I loved their books and that I wanted to be a published author myself someday. Then I would ask them questions- where do I start? How did you write your first book? Where do your ideas come from? How did you first get published? How do I format a manuscript? On and on and on. I have no idea how many writers I reached out to initially, but I know that no feeling compared to the moment when they started writing back. In no time at all, I became regular pen-pals with some of my favorite authors of that time. Now, some were taken by surprise to find that a 13-year-old was devouring their paranormal romance books and boldly reaching out about them, but somehow I managed to charm and impress them. Two of those authors took me completely under their wings, declared themselves my honorary aunties, and are still very important parts of my life to this day. No joke- one ended up helping my mom chaperone my Sweet 16 road trip with my friends and wrote one of my recommendation letters for college, while another made myself and my now husband Jordan characters in one of her book series. Shoutout to Terese Ramin and Linda Wisdom, they're the best.

November Write Club Week 2 How To Find  Build The Creative Community That You Need

The Importance of Mentorship and Community

By the time I started high school, I’d already learned the importance of mentorship and community. I had adults in my corner who weren’t family or friends, but were collaborators who pushed and challenged me. They treated me like an adult, answered my questions, were hard on me when I needed it, and were endlessly supportive of my dreams. Their belief in me taught me to believe in myself.

Most importantly, I understood that when resources aren’t easily available, it doesn’t mean they don't exist. I knew that it was possible to seek out and build the community that I needed to become the person that I wanted to be. Without those individuals cheering me on, I likely never would have made it to film school or had the career that I built for myself in Los Angeles. I was a great Development Executive because I knew how to talk to and collaborate with writers. I knew the importance of giving notes with respect for their process and love of the material. I knew how to bring solutions, not just problems. 

But it didn’t just happen or appear, I sought it out and learned how to use everything that they taught me to become a better creator. I kept writing. I kept working on my craft. I annoyed my friends into filming hours of videos around town that I would learn how to edit myself. I always challenge myself to do what's hard or scares me most. I never stop trying. 

November Write Club Week 2 How To Find  Build The Creative Community That You Need

Which Brings Me To Stage 32

Finding Stage 32 and becoming the Head of Community here was like bringing all the various threads of my life together. When you find me in the lounges sharing resources, it’s because I want to help you all get your hands on the information that you need. After all, I know what it's like to seek it.

When you see me enthusiastically sharing free events with industry professionals like our weekly Ask Me Anythings or our Instagram Q&As, it’s because I know how important interacting directly with a pro can be. When you see me celebrating our members and encouraging you to share your victories, it’s because I know how powerful that support can be to stay motivated and move forward. I know how hard it can be to find education on the things you want to learn most and how helpful it is to get feedback, not just from your peers but from working professionals. I know what it's like to turn your dreams into reality. The hard work and dedication that it takes to reach your goals.

That’s why I’m honored to work for a company that prioritizes making all of those things accessible. A place where you can all build and create the community that you need and seek out the best mentors to help you work toward your goals.

You can start building all of this for yourself!

By simply introducing yourself in our Introduce Yourself Lounge!

Posting once a week in our Creative Lounges!

Participating in the weekly Ask Me Anything events! These take place every Wednesday with an industry professional in a Free Stage 32 Lounge. This Wednesday, November 13th, Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter, Meg LeFauve (Inside Out 1 & 2, Captain Marvel, The Screenwriting Life) and Emmy-Nominated Screenwriter, Lorien McKenna (Tab Time, This Thing Called Love, The Screenwriting Life) will be co-hosting an Ask Me Anything in the Screenwriting Lounge all day!

Furthering your knowledge with our Education or Certification Programs!

Or seeking consultations and mentorship through our Script Services!

This Week's November Write Club Challenges!

For your second week of November Write Club, we're continuing this conversation about building community! By completing this week's challenges, you can set yourself up for success with your goals and be entered to win a FREE Stage 32 Career Development Call with a working industry professional of your choice, which will be announced LIVE on Stage 32's Instagram this Friday, November 15th at 10:00 am PT!

Week Two Challenges:

Make sure you're following @Stage32, @Stage32scripts, and @rbwalksintoabar to keep up with all of the exciting November Write Club announcements all month long!


Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .

7 Books That Every Writer Should Read
Coffee & Content: What To Do When You Experience Writer’s Block
 
 
Michele Lastella

Hi Ashley, Congratulations on your mission! Would love to ask you, and many to many other founders and directors why there is no feedback from them. I am the Acting method implementation director of 16 venues at New York Film Academy all around the world. I created a project called THE STAR IS YOU,...

Expand post

DD Myles

Love it!

That was truly inspirational, Ms. Ashley! God bless you and your family!

Ashley Renee Smith

Thank you, Ana! I hope that you participate in November Write Club!

Gregory Barone

me and someone i meet here are going to do a script read exchange, as for community I would like to offer my services to anyone who may need them.

Ashley Renee Smith

That's awesome, Gregory! I hope that other members take you up on that offer!

Gregory Barone

thanks

Brenda Lee Lau

I too come from a small cornfield community and completely relate to your story. I attended UW Oshkosh and my life was changed when Ray Bradbury selected me to participate in a Winter Interim class held in Hollywood where he hosted us and set up meetings for us around town. Thanks for sharing your story.

Brenda Lee Lau

Thanks. He was wonderful

Ashley Renee Smith

Wow! What an experience, Brenda! I love Ray Bradbury!

Brenda Lee Lau

He was really cool.

Hi Ashley. This was great! Thanks! Apart from Stage 32, what websites would you recommend as starting points for networking?

Ashley Renee Smith

Stage 32 is the best place to network specifically with other creative professionals around the world. Nowhere else provides the large network that we do, focused in entertainment. LinkedIn is another...

Expand comment

Terrific blog post, Ashley. I love hearing how people got started, because no two paths are the same. So often it's just a small chance happening, that builds on itself. I have learned, but STILL have to remind myself, that the hardest part of networking is just starting the conversation. The reward...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

You're so right, Lise! Starting the conversation is the hardest part, but once you get going, it only gets easier.

Victoria Brooks

I, too, had a beret season while playing "Raspberry Beret" by Prince on near repeat and sharing my love of poetry. I, too, committed to dropping YA but found myself not engrossed in the classics, which made me question if I was even a writer. I had a deep love for Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High. I...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

The season of the beret is an important chapter of a young artist's life, Victoria. Lol!

Stephanie Moore

I love this and same, though mine was ranch land. Thank goodness for you and the team at stage 32 a special nod to Kay and RB for being the producers as well that don’t hide the good, the bad, and the ugly… the community here is special, and Ashley no one more than you, the one who puts up with all...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

You spoil me with your adoration. Miss you, lady!

A great story! How do you start? By starting. Read, volunteer, ask, tell others your hopes and dreams. How long will your journey be? As long as you'd like. Only ends when you stop.

Ashley Renee Smith

I love that, David! You're so right.

Tatiana McGaughy

Wow!! When you ask the universe for something and immediately get it.... I literally just finished doing a deep dive, researching everything I could find on starting a writer's room. I decided to take a break to start dinner, but first decided to check my email and boom, I see this in my inbox! Coin...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

Hahaha! Isn't it crazy how that happens sometimes? The universe provides. =)

This was such an important blog, Ashley. Not only did we as a community get to learn about a very important person within Stage 32, YOU, and take an interesting journey through your background and life, but you explained and made relatable the importance of a community to a writer. I always felt tha...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

Thank you, John! I'm glad that you enjoyed it.

Pamela Jaye Smith

What an amazing creative career you carved out for yourself, Ashley. Knowing your dream, asking for help, being there, and doing the work...excellent advice for us all. // As for Joss Whedon, he did no wrong with FIREFLY. I still watch it through once a years. Another one you mentioned is the marvel...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

Thank you, Pamela! Our theater put on Greater Tuna, Tuna Christmas, and Red, White, & Tuna. They were always fun to do and the town loved them.

Dawn Prato

As a very stereotypical introvert, it took me a LONG time to warm up to in-person networking. But a friend of mine pointed out that setting small goals (I'll talk to 3 people and then I can leave; I'll stay for 1 hour; I'll introduce myself, etc) and putting on a "Business Hat"/persona can help. At...

Expand post

Maurice Vaughan

I was an introvert and lurker on here too. RB gave a challenge for members to be more active on Stage 32 a while back, and I accepted the challenge. Here's a post I made about it (www.stage32.com/loun...

Expand comment
Dawn Prato

Thank you all! The "lurker" urge is strong for me haha, but I'm making it a goal to check in on things and interact more often. Maurice, I'll definitely check your post for a refresher :)

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Dawn. I should've said "I was a lurker on here too." I'm still an introvert.

Brenda Lee Lau

Love it!

Mary Helen Norris

Ashley, It was great to hear your story. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Also thank you for that throwback moment by mentioned MySpace. I've been floating around Stage 32 for close to a decade and will be honest that I come and go. I've finally started getting more consistent about being on...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

Thank you, Mary! I LOVED MySpace. At 12 years old, I was convinced I was a computer coder. Lol! Consistency is so important. When it becomes part of your normal routine, it becomes natural and stops f...

Expand comment
Mary Helen Norris

One problem people see is the task is so daunting. I have to remind myself of a lot of what you said.

Geoff Hall

My aim this week, Ashley, is to take those memories of Mum and translate some of them into the narrative of the main character. This then will give me a clear aim for their development. Small steps toward success!

Geoff Hall

Thanks for this Ash. I loved those early photos of you. When I first came to Stage32 back in September 2015, I was very much the loner looking in through the window of Stage32. Over the years, being able to talk with fellow screenwriters about the craft, I've gained in confidence and my craft has de...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

Haha, thanks, Geoff! I'm so glad that you've pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone over the last few years to become a stronger writer and producer. It's inspirational and I bet most people who...

Expand comment
Geoff Hall

Ashley Renee Smith haha! Yes, it’s quite the transformation. I don’t seem to be fazed by something new to learn. It’s now just part of the job and I know I keep repeating it, but it is all due to Stag...

Expand comment
Paul Gatenby

Yes, MySpace! Such a forgotten gem. Connecting with authors there was a great idea. I've done the same on Twitter/X with other writers, studios, production companies so that I have some readers in place when I finally finish this script. Week 2 is off to a good start!

Good morning, Ashley. It’s great to read your creative journey! I grew up in a small cornfield town too. And I remember MySpace. I found my first creative community there. The creative community I’ve been part of the last few years is Stage 32. I mainly find and build my creative community on Stage...

Expand post

Ashley Renee Smith

That's the key, Maurice! Building a genuine relationship and bond with someone instead of asking them for something that only helps you. No one wants to feel like people are only interested in them if...

Expand comment
Maurice Vaughan

Great points, Ashley! "No one wants to feel like people are only interested in them if they want something." I've had that happen to me over the years, and it was a bad feeling. Sometimes people do it...

Expand comment
Debbie Elicksen

I love hearing about your background, Ashley. You and Kaye are the glue that holds our Stage 32 community together. I always marvel at how you guys manage to stay so calm and reassuring (at least outwardly we can't hear your screams) and help make this platform continue to be toxin-free as it has always been when RB turned this into something.

Ashley Renee Smith

Thank you, Debbie! That means SO much to me! You know how deeply I care about helping this community and keeping it a safe space where people can thrive.

register for stage 32 Register / Log In