Edmonton Small Theatre Symposium by Megan Dart

An Open Letter to Edmonton’s Independent Arts Scene

I love your work. I’ve been admiring it for a long time. You’re doing some really breathtaking things, things which encourage the longevity of our creative community, things which make Edmonton a better place to live, things which force me to become better at what I do.

It may not mean much coming from me, but I really respect what you’re doing.

Whatever you do, please don’t stop.

But, if there’s advice I might share with you, it would be this: we are in this together, and we are stronger together.

The struggle of producing independent art can be a lonely one. The path, no matter how trodden by countless artists before you, oftentimes is dark, unforgiving, scary even – reminiscent of the explicitly moral tales of childhood years reminding you to, at all costs, avoid the ominously overgrown trail leading through the foreboding forest.

You’re sure to meet certain danger in there, you’re sure to meet monsters in there, you are.

And you will.

Producing independent art is a battle, and monsters take many forms.

But, there’s something magical, frightening, mysterious and fun about the untrodden path; something a bit forbidden, alluring, daring.

After all, monsters are for fighting and art, producing.

Maybe all you need is a light to guide the way, or a warm meal on a cold night, or a press release template or a friend who knows her way around a contract.

Or maybe all you need to hear is a gentle whisper: c’mon into the forest already, shy ogre. Oh, please, won’t you come out and play?

Or maybe all you need is for me to tell you: I love your work. I really love your work.

Whatever your need, I guarantee there’s someone or thing in the forest to help you. The forest is, after all, home to many a mythical creature each equipped with her or his own magical power or special incantation or secret stash of fortifications.

We can help each other, we can.

xoxo,

M. Dart

Megan Dart is the co-artistic producer for Catch the Keys Productions, a playwright and a media and communications specialist. Follow her company on Twitter: @CatchtheKeys