Keeping the Artistic Soul Alive

Many successful artists in New York have found several ways to survive financially while creating and performing their work. The three main examples that are common are: 1) Juggler, an artist who is able to juggle four part time jobs while still making it to theatre classes, rehearsals, the gym, and performances; 2) Hollywood Star, an artist who is lucky enough to do big commercial work and spend a majority of their time creating theatre; and 3) Artist-Administrator, an artist who spends the majority of their day working in theatre administration for one company and then spend the nights producing and creating their own work.

At the moment, I'm finding myself in the third category, and my experience working with multiple theatres in New York are mostly in administrative positions. However, having worked extensively in administration, how can I make more space to be seen as an artist and not simply an administrator?

I've been pro-active in combating this challenge. That's where I have been doing two things: 1) just go out and make my work. Rehearsal spaces are difficult to find, but I will use a park or a public square to just meet with collaborators; 2) meeting with potential collaborators throughout the city. Have I been successful in finding like-minded artists? Yes, and yes, I have indeed started creating new work.

​(When the time is right, I'll announce it here on the website!)

After completing my MFA, it's extremely important to me to be recognized as an artist. That's why I attended a graduate program! I'll just continue the hustle, do my multiple jobs, and keep building the finances to live and create work in the city. To keep my artistic soul alive, I must create new work and not just see new work.