Ep 11: Practice, Presence, and the Ethics of Showing Up
Bryan Runion ·
I'm exploring one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, aspects of leadership and theatre: presence. What does it mean to really show up? Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and ethically? And how does that change the room we’re in?
In this episode of Half-Hour, Bryan explores one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, aspects of leadership and theatre: presence. What does it mean to really show up? Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and ethically? And how does that change the room we’re in?
Inspired by his latest article and personal code of ethics, Bryan unpacks three ideas that shape his human-first approach to leadership:
The practice of presence as a full-body alignment of mind, body, and values
The role of vulnerability in building connection and trust (without oversharing)
How the rehearsal room can function as an ethical space where culture is actively rehearsed and shaped
Drawing from Amy Cuddy’s Presence and Brene Brown’s work on vulnerability, this episode blends theory, lived experience, and practical reflection. Whether you’re a stage manager, creative leader, or just trying to stay grounded in a chaotic industry, this conversation invites you to slow down, check in, and re-center on what matters most: being human.
Key Takeaways:
Presence is not performance — it’s alignment of who you are and how you lead
Vulnerability is a leadership skill when practiced with intention and care
Every rehearsal room is a culture in motion, and every moment is a chance to build trust
Power poses and body language can reset your inner state and strengthen how you show up
You don’t have to be perfect to lead with presence — you just have to be willing
Resources:
Personal Code of Ethics Article