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?
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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 .
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Blog Post by Ashley Renee Smith, posted on Monday, November 11th, 2024
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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 postHi 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, which gives for the first time in film industry history 100% chance to actors participations to a casting/workshop to be part of a film to be distributed under signed agreement on 25 of the main streaming platforms present in 175 nations of the planet. I tried to talk about this on the Lounges, I sent messages here to the founder, and education department directors, but nobody ever replied. I also tried to reach out on Linkedin just to have one day the proof that I tried to do something very helpful and make so many actors/actresses happy to accelerate their careers. From June 2024 the only one who replied being very professional, polite, and on the pitch has been a moderator @Maurice Vaughan. After 6 months I just thought to give last chance to give the opportunity to propose this with Stage 32 together as partners to all the actors community. All the best, Michele Lastella
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Love it!
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That was truly inspirational, Ms. Ashley! God bless you and your family!
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Thank you, Ana! I hope that you participate in November Write Club!
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.
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That's awesome, Gregory! I hope that other members take you up on that offer!
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thanks
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.
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Thanks. He was wonderful
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Wow! What an experience, Brenda! I love Ray Bradbury!
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He was really cool.
Hi Ashley. This was great! Thanks! Apart from Stage 32, what websites would you recommend as starting points for networking?
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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 commentStage 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 place where you can network with professionals. It's just harder to engage with higher-level entertainment pros there than it is here.
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 postTerrific 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 rewards are usually great and then I wonder why I ever hesitated.
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You're so right, Lise! Starting the conversation is the hardest part, but once you get going, it only gets easier.
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 postI, 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 was deeply embarrassed about my love for Sweet Valley High. It also fueled my desire to have a better life than the poverty I grew up in. Moby Dick put me to sleep consistently, it was the toughest read ever to slog through. But I found a deep love in works like Black Like Me, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, and 1984. I also had mixed feelings toward Sir Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series. Mostly because it was written in British so I had to look up some words and sayings. Plus, I'd miss the foreshadowing and breadcrumbs then go back and search to see where he hid those little nuggets after Holmes' summation. Sometimes I couldn't find it and it drove me batty. What a nice trip down memory lane. I'm impressed that you built the community that way. Thanks for sharing.
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The season of the beret is an important chapter of a young artist's life, Victoria. Lol!
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 postI 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 the oddities of Austin and shines through it all! Thank the universe for you, your insights and your support!
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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.
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I love that, David! You're so right.
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 postWow!! 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! Coincidence?!? Or confirmation! Thank you for sharing your story and the advice on where to go on this platform to be able to network with others. The timing is absolutely perfect! Off to go skipping down the networking brick road in my ruby red slippers!!
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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 postThis 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 that unless you are collaborating with another writer, writing starts in a isolated place. How could it not? An idea for a story stems from within you, your thoughts, your passions...but as it transforms from storyboarding and outlines and note cards into a first draft, that is when a writer can no longer be isolated. Instead, they can begin to form those critical relationships with their peers and give and get that support we all need on our career and creative journeys. Well said, Ashley!
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Thank you, John! I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
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 postWhat 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 marvelously wacky and wise A TUNA CHRISTMAS. It's a favorite among my friends and we typically quote from it at least once a week. // Thanks again for telling about building your Creative Community. And thanks so much for helping so many of us do the same with Stage 32.
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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.
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 postAs 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 events, I'm not just Dawn - I'm Dawn The Writer, and she's great at talking to people because that's part of her job. It sounds a little silly, but BOY does it work! And then by the time you've hit your goals, the event doesn't seem quite as intimidating :)
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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 commentI 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/lounge/introduce_yourself/Maurice-Vaughan-Ex-Stage-32-Lu...). Hope it encourages lurkers to be more active on here.
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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 :)
You're welcome, Dawn. I should've said "I was a lurker on here too." I'm still an introvert.
Love it!
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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 postAshley, 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 my LinkedIn and now I need to do the same for here. But for me, networking is hard. It's easier to do so from behind my screen and at my keyboard. Going to events in person or even via Zoom and talking about myself is something I struggle with. Which means it's something I need to work on.
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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 commentThank 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 feeling like work. Networking is hard, you're right. But when you stop treating it like only networking and start looking at it as catching up with friends, it gets easier. The more you interact, the more you'll be seen and heard by people who can make a difference in your life. While also building relationships with people that you look forward to checking in on and continuing conversations with. They'll become friends and collaborators, not just "contacts".
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One problem people see is the task is so daunting. I have to remind myself of a lot of what you said.
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!
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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 postThanks 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 developed. I also participated in AMAs, as well as webinars to improve my knowledge of the business as well as the craft. I am now confident in becoming a Producer again and with Sandra's support I know my business will flourish and Seeing Rachel will be made. All-in-all, I'd say that the great change in my prospects is totally due to Stage32. Thank you!
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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 commentHaha, 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 meet you on Stage 32 now would never guess that you started out as a lurker. We're lucky to have you as part of this great community and I've loved watching all of your and Sandra's success over this last year. I know this next year will be even greater for you both!
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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 commentAshley 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 Stage32.
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!
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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 postGood 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 32 in the Lounges. Sometimes through direct message too. I treat networking as getting to know people and making friends, and the rest (talking about my scripts, asking for jobs, etc.) comes later. And a lot of times, I don’t have to talk about my scripts/etc. People will ask me about my scripts and so on.
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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 commentThat'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 they want something. The questions you should be asking them are about THEM- their experiences, advice, projects, insights, etc. People who like you will then go out of their way to ask about your projects or offer up help and opportunities. You know you're doing it right when you don't have to ask for anything.
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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 commentGreat 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 not knowing it's the wrong way to network. Things like this blog is gonna help them avoid making that mistake.
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.
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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.