Talking Nerdy #29 - Shakespeare, Performance, and Mastering the Art of Focus

Shakespeare, Performance, and Mastering the Art of Focus" In this captivating segment, Chris Saunders and Frank dive deep into their experiences with Shakespeare, reflecting on how these experiences shaped their understanding of theater and performance. They further explore the importance of focus, not just in the context of acting but as a crucial skill in navigating life's myriad distractions. Key Points: Journey with Shakespeare: Starting with their early impressions, both hosts share a journey from initial indifference or dislike to a profound appreciation of Shakespeare's works. Their discussion underscores the evolution from seeing Shakespeare as inaccessible to recognizing his plays' depth and relevance when performed. Performance vs. Reading: A key theme of their conversation is the transformation that occurs when Shakespeare's texts move from the page to the stage. They emphasize that Shakespeare's plays are designed to be performed, a process that demands a unique form of engagement and creativity from actors. Shakespeare's Demands on Actors: The hosts delve into the intricacies of performing Shakespeare, discussing how the playwright's work challenges actors to bring depth to their roles. Through examples like "Hamlet" and "Merchant of Venice," they explore the nuanced demands Shakespeare places on those who undertake his characters. The Art of Focus: Transitioning from their discussion on performance, Chris and Frank tackle the broader topic of focus. They contemplate the difficulty of focusing in a world brimming with distractions, from social media to endless entertainment options. The discussion turns philosophical, pondering how to invest one's time wisely. Invested Time vs. Wasted Time: A profound takeaway from their conversation is the notion that there is no wasted time, only invested time. The concept challenges listeners to reconsider how they perceive their activities, emphasizing the importance of pursuits that yield long-term happiness and satisfaction over fleeting pleasure. Personal Reflections on Focus: Both hosts share personal strategies and experiences in sharpening their focus, from minimizing distractions to choosing activities that foster growth, creativity, and fulfillment. They highlight how focusing on meaningful work, like engaging with Shakespeare's texts or pursuing creative projects, enriches their lives. For the FULL VERSION of all Nerdpreneur interviews and Talking Nerdys and other Exclusive Content join the "Awesome Nerdpreneur Board!" *epic thunderclap* on Patreon! It helps us keep this nerdy passion business going! Join the monthly Nerdpreneur Loot Bag (newsletter) you'll get... Monthly "Loot" we think is epic, useful, or just cool! Episode updates (including upcoming guests) Access to our live event pre-sales Exclusive discounts and offers on cool nerd products Nothing that sucks! PEEK IN THE LOOT BAG Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @nerdpreneurpod / @nerdpreneurpodcast @professorepicproductions @frankbaileyiv Original Music by Professor Epic and produced by Wyshmaster Beats. Beat names are Talk Down, Limitz, & All Foreigns