The Creative Process

Discover practical insights on creativity, music, and entrepreneurship from writer and musicologist Mark Samples. These short, story-driven essays help artists and creators level up their careers with timeless lessons, smart frameworks, and real-world examples. Perfect for musicians, educators, and creative pros seeking growth.

Posts tagged director advice
The Best Advice Tom Hanks Ever Got

As a young actor, Tom Hanks received the best acting advice he’s ever gotten.

It came in the form of a director who blew up at his cast.

While rehearsing for a stage production of The Taming of the Shrew, the actors were not having a good day. They were lethargic. Phoning it in. Asking for lines. Waiting for direction.

It was just about the worst kind of rehearsal a director can have: ​mediocre​.

And it set the director off.

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