Non sibi. It means "not for self", and it's one of a handful of mottos upheld by Phillips Andover Academy. That's where I met Dave McCallum, over half a lifetime ago. Today, I'm welcoming him into the 8 Sided fold as one of our key collaborators.
As an actor, Dave's respect and passion for the craft of acting is more profound than perhaps in any other performer I've met. Unlike the other actors I've known, Dave came into my life when his skill was still protoplasmic. Back then, his passion for theater was his greatest strength as a performer.
Over the years, his mastery of the craft has gradually grown into the quality I'm most keen to rely on as a director. All his success and standing in the community - which is considerable for a man his age - is owing to the many years of hard work Dave has put into himself and the productions he has served.
On the one hand, this makes Dave one of the most reliable, specific, controlled actors I know. His choices are anchored in truth and spontaneity, and at the same time are so constantly accessible to him that he makes the work look easy. His work demeanor comes off as casual, but veteran actors know the difference. Ease comes with a degree of preparation far beyond Dave's years. Those guys know what they're looking at when they see Dave perform - a master craftsman, pure and simple.
Why demand this mastery of oneself at such a young age? Do I know Dave well enough to hazard a guess?
I think it's Non sibi.
I think Dave feels his fellow cast members deserve it, and I think he feels the same way about the playwright or screenwriter.
Think about that for a second. Think about how much work it takes to become the best of the best. That's how much Dave loves the craft of acting, and the people who devote themselves to it.
Now, consider that David's craftsmanship is only half of what he brings to the 8 Sided Ensemble.
When someone sees to the needs and professional demands of others with such mindful generosity - that's the truest sign of leadership. While Dave's impeccable leadership qualities are easy to overlook in the face of his grace as an actor, I was reminded of them just last Saturday. While we were discussing the evolution of our forum as a business tool, it was him that brought the needs of our actors into focus. Rather than dismiss our business goals as uncreative or unworthy, he started finding ways to bring our audience and our movie together by giving the actors what they need. Then, he gave himself a plan to implement his ideas and took up a vital role - one ignored by myself - within our creative community.
Why take on this responsibility? If I know Dave, it's because it's what the actors deserve. It's what the project deserves. Non sibi.
I imagine the pride Andover's founding father, Samuel Phillips, must feel to have played a role in Dave's ongoing evolution as master actor, and as a worthy man... Sam, I know the feeling. Just playing a part in his story gives me enormous pride.
My most profound gratitude goes out to Matthew David McCallum for his support, fellowship, and devotion, as well as for inspiring the values I hold most dear.
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