10 Years Ago, I Started OnStage Blog...
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
Ten years ago today, I sat down in front of a small fold-out table in my living room and wrote my first blog post about theatre happening in my area of Connecticut.
What I didn’t know then, and could never have expected to happen, is that this blog would evolve into one of the most-read theatre websites in the world and become a driving force for change and awareness in the industry.
From that day in 2014, this blog would be featured in publications such as the New York Times, Boston Globe, and People Magazine. We would be mentioned in news stories all over the world. Interviews with me would appear on CNN and MSNBC. I would get to sit in the Tonys press room, meet my heroes, and see some of the best theatre over the past decade. Most importantly, I would cover stories and people and highlight issues that badly needed coverage that no other theatre site was providing.
But back on that fateful day in 2014, I didn’t know any of that was going to happen. Sitting at home during paternity leave, I was just bored, thinking it might be a good idea to start a blog highlighting community theatre in my area.
If I could go back in time and tell my 2014 self what would be in store for me by creating “ The Connecticut OnStage Theatre Blog” (Yes, that was the first title), here are some of the things I would say:
Over the next decade, you’ll grow as a writer, even if your grammar doesn’t improve.
You lose some friends, but you’ll make many more.
You’ll know how it feels to be betrayed, but you'll also be able to trust people implicitly.
There isn’t a corner in the world where what you have to say isn’t interesting to someone.
Stay true to who you are. Don’t compromise.
Try not to read the comments. You’ll spend far too many nights awake thinking about some of them.
You’re going to make plenty of mistakes, but you’ll learn from each of them.
A lot of the good you do, you’ll never get credit for, nor will you seek it.
And finally, you’re going to learn what truly matters and what truly doesn’t.
The past ten years of OnStage Blog have been quite the journey. I’m proud of the work this site has done. We’ve put a spotlight on misconduct and unethical behavior happening on Broadway and in community theatres. We’ve raised awareness of issues that marginalized communities are facing within the entertainment industry. We’ve showcased small college theatre programs that deserve more attention for the quality of their programs. And we’ve helped shape how shows will be cast the way they were written, ensuring BIPOC performers will never get shut out again.
But there is still more work to be done. A lot more work.
I’m also incredibly thankful for everyone who has helped me get to this point. From my business partner and friend of over 30 years, Greg Ehrhardt, to the dozens of writers whose voices and intelligence, have made this blog far better than I could have.
The past decade of writing for OnStage Blog has been an incredible journey. It has taught me invaluable lessons about writing, storytelling, and the world of theatre. As I look forward to the next ten years(and there will be ten more), I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of reporting in the arts.
OnStage Blog is what it is largely because of you, the reader, and what you have wanted me to cover and the directions you’ve pointed me in. Please keep doing that.
Because of you, this blog’s dedication to inclusivity, comprehensive coverage, support for emerging talent, and engagement with the community has made it a valuable resource in the theatre world.
Here’s to the next ten years. Thank you.