Independent thinking: can we do it out loud & together? Vicky Graham, 27 January 2013 Session called by: Vicky Graham Attended by: Jasmine Woodcock-Stuart; Eva Liparova; Daniela Pasquini; Tom Morton-Smith; Anna Coombs; Monica Nappo Kelly; Shirpa Ogra SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION: As an independent producer who thinks best out loud, but doesn't have a team with whom to do it, I was interested in meeting other independent producers / artists to get together and act as sounding boards for one another. Everyone present agreed that it would be helpful so the discussion moved on to THE FORMAT: - Non-judgmental, confidential meetings at which people can voice and test very, very early ideas - No pressure for the listeners to solve / facilitate the speaker's idea - A reciprocal format whereby everyone speaks, and everyone listens - Restricted numbers. There is probably a tipping point at which the group becomes too large and conversation too long - There should be no pitches / auditions - There should be a formula for presenting your question / idea, e.g. “how can I?” or “should I?” - A good idea to remind everyone that they are free to take or leave advice - The only qualifying criteria should be a willingness to listen and to help - It should be an ideas surgery, rather than an issues surgery ACTIONS: - Vicky to research action learning as a model to borrow the best bits of - Vicky to invite the members present to a first, potentially monthly, meeting via the DandD website. Invitations could be extended later if there's sufficient (or insufficient) interest. Tags: peer support, Independent artists, ideas, advice, playwrights, Producers, producers, listening