Ballet Austin

DDP: What do you think are some essential qualities of a good mentor?

Bill Sheffield: What I hope to be is a conduit for students to grow from their academia background to one that can find work in a professional dance company. I hope not only to teach by example in the production office and the theatre, but by finding what excites the mentee and make sure that they are exposed to an environment that gives them experience in those areas.

DDP: What does it take to be a good mentee?

Bill Sheffield: First and foremost … ASK QUESTIONS!!  I do not think any less of a mentee asking what may seem to be useless questions, just the opposite. I want to offer a new experience, a new learning environment, please ask who, what, when or why!

DDP: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from a mentor?

Bill Sheffield: When I was 19, I was an assistant stage manager at an equity summer stock theatre.  The stage manager was calm throughout the run, and kept a positive attitude with those around him. I’ve tried to pass that on.

DDP: What does one do if you don’t have a mentor? 

Bill Sheffield: Then seek one out. There are resources that can provide people with links to professionals so that they can seek out a mentor. Also, put yourself out there and not be afraid to fail, that is as long as you learn from your mistakes.

DDP: How should you seek out a mentor within the dance space?

Bill Sheffield: There is a group of production managers/aka directors of production, that any prospective mentee can seek out. If one of us gets such a request, we either try to provide opportunities, or pass along their info to others in our group who could help. There also may be contacts in a certain area that the production manager may have that can also be a source of mentoring.

DDP: How did you determine the needs of your mentee? 

Bill Sheffield: First, I hope through them telling me. At our first meeting, I try to find out what they have experience in, and what they would like to expand on. I admit, I am not a hand holder, so I will provide tasks that I think that a mentee can handle, as well as learn from. I can usually tell if a mentee needs help if they tell me that they cannot complete a task due to unusual circumstances. I will not admonish them for not knowing, but rather point out the opportunity to ask questions to learn. Finally, I hope that their experience with me can lead to at least an entry level professional position, if not higher.