Mentorship

for life in theatre

There’s this summer theatre I go to every year in little Okoboji, Iowa. A lot of folx like to poke fun, but this summer theatre has taught me some of my most important lessons.

#1 : It takes a village.

You’re not alone, nor can you do it alone.

  • It was an LD I worked with at Okoboji that got me into the Santa Fe Opera.

  • It was the folx at the Santa Fe Opera, that put me in contact with the touring company.

  • It was the programmer from the tour who helped me with housing and my first job when I first moved to NYC.

  • It was the people who recognized me from Columbia, Missouri’s touring roadhouses when I was in NYC that helped insure I would succeed.

  • And all of these pieces and people continue to do nothing but lift me up, support and push me.

#2: An Freelancer’s Lifestyle

We learn a lot in college, but how much do you learn about a life in the arts?

Once you’re outside of educational theatre you’ll find that you need a few more skills and fast:

  • Financial Management - 1099 vs W2; retirement for a freelancer; what should you be getting paid?

  • Calendar/Time Management - suddenly your calendar is 100% yours.

  • Networking - It’s up to you to create opportunities for yourself; stay up to date on our business; timely follow-ups

  • And so much more depending on what your school offered.

#3: Everyone is on a different path

Quickly you learn that there are 1 thousand + paths that you could take with a passion in the arts.

  1. Stop comparing yourself to someone else.

  2. Get clear on what YOU want to do and where YOU want to go.

  3. The Sky is the Limit.

If you’re graduating or recently graduated and feeling not quite ready for the life ahead… then maybe a mentorship is perfect for you:

Let’s grab a tea - virtual or in person - and see how we can set you up for success.

Email me at: svnbell@gmail.com