Once in a while, a film comes along that hits all the notes, both literally and figuratively. In the mockumentary “Theater Camp”, viewers are introduced to a cavalcade of characters at a thespian summer camp who exhibit transferable leadership qualities. Some of these qualities are admirable, some not.
Directors Molly Gordon and Jeff Lieberman’s “Theater Camp” originated as a short film, and has evolved to depict the struggles of a failing drama camp in the Adirondacks as it tries to maintain operations while it’s leader Joan Rubinsky (played by Amy Sedaris) is hospitalized after suffering a seizure (and resulting coma) while scouting local talent at a production of Bye Bye Birdie (strobe lights and photosensitive audience members don’t mix).
From there, we meet her son (Jimmy Tatro as Troy Rubinsky) who, as a popular vlogger, employs many diverse tactics to save the failing camp and its gregarious staff. These tactics might work to impress his online followers, but not so much the musically-inclined actors outdoors who have their own disparate agendas.
It is here, dear reader, that I summarize the professional values the characters in “Theater Camp” employ. Take note. You may see similar behaviors from coworkers in your current role at your operation, whether it be indoors, outdoors, or musical.
Finally, if you haven’t seen “Theater Camp”, watch it now streaming on Hulu. Spoilers abound below, and I don’t want to ruin the surprise and savage gaiety that perpetuates its narrative.
Lesson 1. Read Your Audience
Troy Rubinsky (Joan’s Son) played by Jimmy Tatro
Opening morning messages are common at summer camp. Perhaps your workplace does a huddle in the morning to get everyone on the same page. But Troy doesn’t read his audience and, gently corrected by staff, learns how to properly gain the attention of the campers. (The answer? Sing a song from “Oklahoma”, but leave out a critical word from a lyric so everyone will chime in.)
Lesson 2. Engage Your Team
Amos Klobuchar and Rebecca-Diane (Teachers) played by Ben Platt and Molly Gordon
Have a big enterprise-wide message to give? Often there are changes in the pipeline or new news you must excitedly deliver to your team. Rather than simply announce the summer line up of plays to the campers at breakfast, Amos and Rebecca PERFORM the announcements through witty banter and song to engage their campers.
Lesson 3. Facilitate, Don’t Teach
Janet Walch (Teacher) played by Ayo Edibiri
When newly-hired teacher Janet learns she must teach stage combat, an art form she knows little about, she asks questions of her students and generates collaborative discussion among them to get to the definition of what she is teaching.
Please, if anything, know your topic before you present it to your peers. However, if you allow productive discussion during your presentation, it can be fruitful and immersive. Lead it with open-ended questions, as it allows you to consider your team’s perspectives and ideas.
Lesson 4. Be Agile
Glenn Winthrop (Technical Director) played by Noah Galvin
Glenn, after years of serving behind the scenes, speaks barely above a stage whisper. Yet he’s a valuable camp employee who quietly observes all goings on and adapts to all situations. For instance, when demonstrating how a spotlight operator must prepare to follow an actor onstage, his apprentice, Lainy (Vivian Sachs) suggests he move about the stage more rapidly so it is more challenging to follow. Rather than simply cross the stage at a clip, Glenn demonstrates his true skill as a dancer and flips and turns around poetically to give her what she wants.
Lesson 5. Show Empathy
Caroline Krauss (Hostile Buyer) played by Patti Harrison
Caroline (whether it’s shrewd tactics or actual concern) shows empathy toward the owner of the business she hopes to overtake. Repping the neighboring theater camp who is looking to expand, she meets with Troy to ascertain whether he will be willing to sell his mom’s camp as it faces foreclosure. She shows genuine concern regarding Troy’s hospitalized mom and evokes a feeling of admiration for Tory while doing research on him to learn his passions and foibles.
Lesson 6. Share Best Practices
Janet Walch (Teacher) played by Ayo Edibiri
When gathering at the obligatory mixer with the neighboring theater camp, Janet demonstrates her new mastery of stage combat knowledge.
Don’t keep your knowledge a secret. Others can benefit from your best practices. Be willing to make your team successful and help lead them to success by sharing what you know.
Lesson 7. Try New Things
Rebecca-Diane (Music Teacher) played by Molly Gordon
When a student in rehearsals cries during an emotional scene, she is applauded for her effort. Rebecca later discovers that the actress used a “tear” stick, makeup that induces tears in the wearer. Although the student is reprimanded for using something artificial to effect emotion, Rebecca-Diane seizes it, uses it similarly, and regales the student about it’s pitfalls in a passionate monologue before tossing it aside.
With the advent of AI, employees will be tempted to use software such as Chat GPT to enhance their written word or substitute their research. Allow for AI in small doses, especially during collaboration behind the scenes, but never have it take away from the authenticity of real face-to-face moments.
Lesson 8. Two Thick Layers of Praise
Amos Klobuchar and Rebecca-Diane (Teachers) played by Ben Platt and Molly Gordon
When congratulating the newly cast campers who will appear in the premiere musical “Joan, Still” featuring the life story of the comatose camp owner, these teachers sandwich the stark reality of the project between layers of gratitude and ceremony:
Rebecca-Diane: “You guys are so talented, so unbelievable. This will break you. This will fully destroy you.”
Amos: “Congratulations on being the most talented kids at camp.”
Keep your tone uplifting in the face of an uphill battle. Energize your team, yet be matter of fact and direct with the reality of any given work situation.
Lesson 9. Trust Your Judgement
Rebecca-Diane (Music Teacher) played by Molly Gordon
When critical decisions arise at the camp, the staff turns to Rebecca-Diane who claims to psychically link to the comatose Joan and offers direction by emulating her voice mystically.
When have you been faced with a decision and your superior isn’t around? Trust your judgment, anticipate needs and listen to their voice in your head so you can make an informed decision despite their absence.
Lesson 10. Take A Risk
Troy Rubinsky (Joan’s Son) played by Jimmy Tatro
When the lead ingenue portraying his mother in “Joan, Still” drops out of the show, Troy finds his savior in Tech Director Glenn who dons drag and takes up the mantle of the role.
Be willing to try something. Weigh what are acceptable risks that your team can abide and learn from. Even if the risk could possibly fail, expect that there might be inherent success!
About The Author: Phil Faiss is an improviser/actor who loves musical improv. He enjoys collaboration onstage with an ensemble cast and music director where nothing is scripted. He also serves as a longtime corporate facilitator who strongly believes leadership lessons can be found in visual mediums such as mockumentaries that are rife with gay themes and song.
