The Performer Life
The Side Hustle
One thing every NYC based performer has in common is the hustle. In theater, the hustle is the work that goes into a seemingly effortless performance and career. When we aren’t in a show, we wake up at the crack of dawn, take the subway, audition all day and then usually take class at night. The work really happens in-between gigs when we hit the audition grind.
A friend once told me we are professional auditioners. I never heard anything so true! The performances are the fun part, but the times of unemployment is when the true passion comes.
The Other Jobs
Even though it would be lovely to truly be professional auditioners and get paid to audition in-between shows, it unfortunately is not the reality. To support ourselves, we have to seek other employment opportunities. Often, we are at an audition and then running to our side job. This type of commitment happens behind the scenes. I think it is what makes performers and their passion for their work so special.
This year, the only jobs we have are our side jobs. It has made me appreciate other areas of my life outside of theater. In a year full of unemployment for so many hardworking people, it’s important to appreciate any job we do have, even if it isn’t the one we dreamt of in 2020.
The First Job
While dancing in a ballet company, I was a host in a restaurant called The Canyon Cafe. This was my first job out of high school and it was one that really taught me about working hard. I would be in rehearsal at the ballet all day and then work the dinner shift at The Canyon Cafe. I remember the last thing I wanted to do was stand all night after dancing all day. My feet would be swollen and sore, but I still went into work every night. Early on, I learned about the hard work performers put in behind the scenes to support themselves.
The NYC Jobs
When I moved to New York to pursue musical theater, I got lucky with two amazing jobs that I still have. One is judging dance competitions on the weekend. The other is a position for Yelp.
Working as a judge has been so rewarding. Growing up, I used to compete at dance competitions. It is interesting to be on the other side of the table and see what goes into judging. I also see it as a way to give back to younger dancers. In my critiques, I try to give advice on how to improve while being encouraging. I hope that my words make a difference and help them become better dancers down the road.
My job at Yelp is a remote position, so I can do it from anywhere. This was really helpful when I got hired in various shows because I never had to quit. I could continue working this job while performing! At Yelp, I am the Manhattan Community Ambassador. My main focus is encouraging and connecting with Manhattan yelpers. Yelpers are what we call people with Yelp profiles. This job connected me with people I never would have met without and it has been a steady job throughout the uncertainty of this year.
The New Job
Even with my Yelp job, I was searching for something more over the past few months. With the theater industry being shut down, I felt I needed another outlet for work and inspiration. I found a listing for openings at a Pure Barre studio near my parent’s house in Pennsylvania and decided to apply. I got the job!
The training process was intense. After a four day virtual zoom training, I spent a month learning the class choreography and getting ready to teach. I got approved to teach this past Tuesday and I have my first official class Monday!
In past years, I never felt like I had enough time to dedicate to getting a fitness certification. It was something I was always passionate about and wanted to do. The pandemic has brought a lot of challenges, but also a lot of time to do the things we didn’t have time for before.
I’m so looking forward to teaching and hopefully inspiring my students on their fitness journey. I’m all about encouraging body positivity and finding strength in yourself. I hope to be able to pass these philosophies on to everyone who takes my class.
The Takeaway
While this year has been challenging, it made me appreciate other passions in my life. In a year where theater is paused, I made it my mission to not pause with it. I am continuing to grow and evolve by finding new outlets of opportunity. When theater reopens, I’ll be eager to take the stage again. In the meantime, I am finding joy in the intermission.
What new things have you tried this year? Is there something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet? What’s holding you back? Let’s support each other and get the conversation going in the comments below!
