FCCS News & Insights

Lessons From The Stage

How stepping out of your comfort zone can kindle new inspiration—and help you show up with more courage, connection, and creativity in your life and work.

by Heather Tseng, Passkey Program Director

A few months ago, in the thick of a particularly gray and uninspiring winter, I had a realization: I was stuck in my comfort zone. I’m a middle-aged mom, married for 20 years, with two teenagers and a job I’ve held for several years. Life was full, but familiar. I moved through each day handling the usual obstacles I’d grown skilled at navigating.

Don’t get me wrong—I’m deeply grateful for this life. But I’ve always seen myself as someone who isn’t afraid to try new things. Somewhere along the way, in the rhythm and noise of everyday responsibilities, that adventurous spark had gotten quiet. I missed it. So I decided to do something unexpected:

I auditioned for a musical.

Now, let me clarify: I had never done musical theater. I didn’t know anything about acting. I definitely don’t dance. My singing résumé includes a college a cappella group and the occasional wine-fueled karaoke night. And my memory? Let’s just say I sometimes forget my own phone number. But I love watching musicals, and my 16-year-old daughter would be auditioning by my side, so I figured—why not?

What followed was more challenging, more emotional, more time-consuming, and more joyful than I ever could’ve imagined. And in the process, I discovered lessons that now serve me every day—especially in my professional life.

Discipline

To my surprise (and slight panic), I was cast in a fairly major role—with 41 lines to memorize. For someone with a notoriously poor memory, this felt daunting. So I broke it down: note cards, voice recordings, early mornings, and lots of practice with my very patient family. Eventually, those lines became second nature. And I came away with a deeper belief in my own discipline and ability to conquer intimidating goals—at work and beyond.

Resilience

In live theater, things go wrong. Props break, costumes malfunction, people fall. Our leading lady took a spill and landed on her face. Our leading man quit six weeks before opening night. At times, it felt like the show might collapse. But theater people don’t quit. “The show must go on” isn’t just a saying—it’s a mindset. That spirit of resilience is something I carry into work now. When a project stalls or something unexpected happens, I remind myself: you adapt, you keep going, and you figure it out together.

Collaboration

Theater is the ultimate team sport. From the director to the backstage crew to every cast member, nothing works unless everyone plays their part. You have to listen, adapt, and trust each other—especially when someone slips up. I saw firsthand how kindness, grace, and patience build trust. That same dynamic fuels effective teams at work. Collaboration thrives not on perfection, but on mutual respect and support.

Courage

It’s one thing to attend a meeting or give a presentation. It’s another to be in costume, dancing in front of a few hundred people (did I mention I don’t dance?) — or being lifted by castmates during a choreographed scene. There were moments I was terrified. But every time I pushed through the fear, I came out stronger. That courage has followed me into my work—I speak up more, advocate for myself, and trust my voice in ways I didn’t before. Heck, I even wrote this article!

Mindfulness

You can’t zone out on stage. One distracted moment and you’ve missed a cue or stepped on someone’s foot. Being fully present is non-negotiable. I learned how to shut out distractions and focus on the moment—something that’s made me more attentive with my family and more engaged at work.

Vulnerability

Theater demands that you show up fully, flaws and all. Whether you’re singing a solo or delivering an emotional line, there’s no hiding. It’s vulnerable, and that’s what makes it powerful. I discovered that allowing myself to be seen, imperfections included, created real connection. That same openness has helped me at work, too. Admitting when I don’t have all the answers or when I’ve made a mistake builds trust and strengthens relationships.

Listening

Acting isn’t just saying your lines; it’s responding in real time to what’s happening around you. Good actors are great listeners. They pick up cues, adjust, and co-create scenes moment by moment. That kind of active listening—being fully tuned in—has made me a better colleague, leader, parent, and friend.

What surprised me most is how this short season of community theater reshaped how I show up at work. I approach challenges with more confidence. I listen more deeply. I collaborate with greater empathy. I recover from setbacks more quickly.

Theater didn’t just pull me out of my comfort zone—it expanded it. It reminded me that stepping into unfamiliar spaces can reignite creativity, reveal hidden strengths, and open new doors—not just on stage, but in our lives and in our work.

As it turns out, the lessons learned under the stage lights are just as valuable under the fluorescent ones. So take a moment to think about what might be just outside your own comfort zone—and when the opportunity comes, say yes. You never know what you might discover.