Whether or not you’re reading this blog from inside the U.S. or not, I want to wish you the happiest of Independence Days.

But not just for the reason you think.

See, while I’m a pretty patriotic guy (and I also just love me some fireworks), the 4th of July isn’t just about how we broke off from British rule a couple of centuries ago.

I take this day to celebrate not only our independence as a country, but to celebrate independence of another kind.

Today, I celebrate and applaud the independent artists, producers and entrepreneurs who have made this country and our art form what it is.

Because while our forefathers brought forth on this continent a new nation . . . it is the independent person, the individual, who built upon that foundation that our forefathers fought so bravely for and who continue to strive higher and higher, year after year.

The country, and the theater, have always depended on strong willed, stubborn, pain in the a$$ individuals who have such a strong vision that they refuse to give it up.

God bless ’em. 🙂

So if you’re a writer, designer, director, producer, or whatever . . . thank you.

This firework is for you.