Whether it’s a knock on the greenroom door or a pre-show roll to opening credits, the “5 Until Showtime” shoutout always makes my heart flutter with anticipation. “5 Until Showtime” signals that “it’s happening,” you are happening, and the performance or project that you’ve been working on is now being launched into the world to live a life of its own.

Taking anything from idea to implementation is a huge task, with working relationships being the fundamental building blocks to success. The best creative partners I have ever worked with are those with shared vision and skill sets both different and better than mine. In Minette Magnifique burlesque, my co-producer was the most magical Make-Up Artist, Hair, and Stylist, I took on producing and publicity, and together, we were named “Best of Burlesque” by Creative Loafing ATL in 2013. It would not have been possible without our passion for the art form and our combined superpowers.

My improv guru Amy Poehler sums it up best, "Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”

I have a task for you. Right now, go to your Stage 32 profile and take a look at your network. Think about how you chose those individuals. Are you keeping up to date with your network? Collaborating with people who challenge you? Who is changing your life?

When I think about our Stage 32 Community (which is all the time!), I keep returning to the notion that members should have their "5 Until Showtime” creative cohort.

Why “5”? Because I love a good theme! Also, the cumulative number of 15 is a reasonable amount of people to follow up with throughout the month. With nearly 1,000,000 members across the globe, Stage 32 has the power to change your life.

I invite all of you to curate your Stage 32 network by developing relationships with professionals who will be there to support you as you step into the spotlight.

Here are my “5 Until Showtime” Stage 32 Members you should have in your network…

5 people who are Motivators and live in your city

This one is super important! Stage 32 has an area where you can Browse Members by location. Networking with professionals in your own city means that you can see each other in person, go to networking events together, send each other job referrals, potentially work together, and even host a Stage 32 Meet-up together! I would LOVE to help with that!

4 people who are International Collaborators

One of the best things about the world wide web is that it’s the world wide web!!! Did you know that 40% of Stage 32 members are international? Take this unique opportunity and connect with other members from around the globe. These are a group of people who may or may not be directly affiliated with your discipline, but you’re diggin’ what they are accomplishing, and you want to cheer them on! Who knows? There might even be a collaboration in your future where you can use those sky miles!

3 people You Inspire

This is your chance to give back and take people under your wing. Similar to those you Admire, chat with them throughout the month on posts, blogs, and direct messages. These are people who are up and coming in your discipline.

2 people You Admire

You follow them as they share their work and opinions, and chat with them throughout the month on posts, blogs, and direct messages. These are people who are one, two, or three steps ahead of where you’d like to be in your career.

1 Close Industry Advisor

Your trusted circle, people that you converse with frequently for feedback on projects, professional recommendations, and collaborations.

Where to find your “5 Until Showtime” Stage 32 Members you should have in your network…

• In our Stage 32 Lounges >> https://www.stage32.com/lounge
• Browse our Stage 32 Members >> https://www.stage32.com/people
• Browse our Stage 32 Member Projects >> https://www.stage32.com/projects
• Post & Read our Stage 32 Member Loglines >> https://www.stage32.com/loglines

Now, how should you add people to your "5 Until Showtime"? Ask them! If you get nervous about reaching out to people, remember this... Everyone who is on this platform is here for a reason. We're all here to connect and create. If someone doesn't want to do that, then they're not going to be a supportive person to connect with anyway. Better to find genuine connections who believe in themselves, believe in you, and understand the incredible power of the Stage 32 community.

Now that you’re equipped with all the information to get your star shining bright, and you hear the words “5 Until Showtime." Your reply just got a lot more meaningful … “Thank you, 5!”

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 Emily at emily@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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