Arts Career Evolutions

Many of us are driven by a desire to improve the world around us, in thoughts, words, and deeds. But how do we make sure our career echoes that?

Katherine Stephens is someone who is driven by a deep passion for equity, which she came to recognize she was not finding in theatre administration. Her efforts led to a disillusionment of the industry as a whole, and she made the choice to step away. It was her strong commitment to her mission and herself that led her in a direction she never planned, but that helped her feel good about moving forward.

Visit our YouTube Channel for a captioned video of this full podcast. 

Out of the Arts is here to bridge the gap between arts careers and non-arts professional careers. By identifying transferable skills, examining overlapping interests, promoting creatives in the workplace, and incorporating arts into civic engagement, we aim to help communities and individuals thrive. For more, visit www.outofthearts.com or follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @outofthearts!

Even when your primary income is not from the arts, it's possible to remain engaged and satisfied. It might be through community theatre, improv, an a cappella group, or more - you do you. Just make sure you're keeping the balance you need.

We’re making changes to the podcast, and we are so excited to tell you about it!

Knowledge is power and attorney Ben Jacobson is teaching class.  He studied history, sound design, and dramaturgy in undergrad. After school, he started working as a counter terrorism analyst and is now an attorney supporting the state of Illinois. His ability to analyze, build narratives, and make connections are just some of the skills that allowed him to successfully navigate his career change. 

Visit our YouTube Channel for a captioned video of this full podcast.

Why do passionate, talented people leave their arts jobs? We don't hear people talking about it, which can lead to a shame spiral for many. So we're here to remind you you're not alone and there's no shame in making the best choice for you.

Beth has gone from a career in Sound Design to Training and Communications for state revenue and tax professionals. Seems like a strange pivot, right? Not as strange as you might think! Join us as Beth tells her story LIVE with Industry Explorers.

Visit our YouTube Channel for a captioned video of this full podcast.

Jordan Weatherston Pitts has a lot of insight in personal branding and social media, with followers in the thousands. Jordan studied vocal performance, and as a fledgling opera singer didn’t quite have confidence to build his social media presence. However, he has recently worked to create an online brand for himself first on Instagram, and now TikTok. As Jordan has continued to grow his career and his brand, as well as work as a content creator for the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, he brings to the table his experience in keeping his brand alive (and his sanity!) despite the industry going dark, and some tips, tools and tricks of trade to boost social media presence.

Nearly a year into a global pandemic, our medical and public health professionals are burnt out. Now we expect them to take on the added administrative task of running vaccination clinics? Meanwhile, the live entertainment industry remains shuttered. Entertainment professionals are organizational and logistical gurus who are quick to learn, adaptable beyond compare, and practiced at designing and delivering large events. It only seems right to employ them to facilitate the most impactful event of our generation.

Attorney Raysheea Turner has gone from acting to practicing law to running her own law firm, and doesn’t let fears or barriers get in the way. Adaptability, collaboration, and even memorization are just some of the skills that she has carried with her from theater school through law school and into her life as a successful attorney and business owner. Do not miss this conversation about life, law, transferable skills, and how to find fulfillment in a career out of the arts.

There's a lot to balance as you start a new job, especially in an unfamiliar industry, and it can be easy to get swept away by the New Job Energy. But in order to do your best work, you need to keep yourself grounded. Today's chat focuses in on authenticity, personal dynamics, and mental health - all the things to consider as you make your way in your new job.