In 1988, I originated the role of Dr. Carl Bello, the cross-dressing prison psychiatrist, in the original production of “Coed Prison Sluts – The Musical!” and my life was changed.
The production came from the mind of a demented genius named Mick Napier. Mick wanted to create a musical about women in prison, that had a fully dressed circus clown fought a drag queen, and the title of the show was “Coed Prison Sluts – The Musical!” Mick gathered some friends and developed the show through improvisation. In addition to the show, Mick created a comedy revolution.
Here are the 3 biggest creative lessons I learned when I was a Coed Prison Slut:
1. Process Over Product!
Focus on the process, not the final result.
Find the fun in the creative process and allow it to take over. Stay out of the results.
Focus on the joy of creating. Whatever that means to you.
2. It’s Okay To Be The Least Talented Person In The Room!
You want to work with people that are so talented that you worry that if they find out you’re the weak link, they’ll kick you out of the group.
Ideally, you want everyone in the group to feel this way so everyone will always treat everyone with respect and show up with their A Game.
3. Be Willing To Look Bad!
If you are never willing to look bad, you will never create anything remarkable that connects with people.
No one ever wants to see anything by an artist that played it safe.
Be bold! Take risks!
I am proud to have been a Coed Prison Slut! The show ran for 11 years, and people still talk about it 35 years later. I have to say, I don’t look as good in a bustier today as I did in 1988.
I love you all, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
