Jesus + Juliet

Today's episode is straight from the heart. I wanted to sit down and have an honest conversation with you all about life. I’m sure most of us in the art world might be needing some encouragement right now more than ever. With our lives so interrupted by Covid this year, it can be really hard to be excited about the things we would normally be excited about. I want you to know that it’s okay to not be okay right now. It’s okay to step back and let God take the lead. I’m sharing my struggles, my hopes for myself, this podcast, and for you as an actor.

Check out my facebook group Jesus + Juliet Circle for support or a friend to lean on.

Today we sat down with Elizabeth Bernhardt, an actor, singer, writer, and photographer from Austin, Texas and the author of The Power of Pretend: An Actors Struggle to Unite Faith & Work. Today we are discussing chapter 6, Romantic Boundaries, Romances, and Showmances. In this chapter Elizabeth goes into the parts of a showmance that people don’t always want to share, including how it impacts your significant other or spouse. When you are pouring yourself into your romantic role on stage, the most important thing to do is set boundaries and approach the situation carefully. Elizabeth shares that while navigating this topic as a Christian actor, the best thing to do is to cling to Jesus.  Here's where you can find Elizabeth: Website: elizabeth-bernhardt.webnode.com Instagram: @elizabethannebernhardt Facebook: @elizabethbernhardtauthor Buy her book here from Amazon

There is nothing more embarrassing than asking your guest how she says her last name and then saying it wrong. My apologies Grace! Grace and I had no easy time recording this due to internet issues, but what came out of it was a short and sweet commentary on what it is like to navigate the NYC acting scene as a practicing Christian. You can find Grace on IG @grace_daley and at www.gracedaleybydalek.com.

I really didn't know what to title this episode because Finlay and I talk about so many things...from anxiety, to turning down roles, and her early acceptance of Jesus as her savior. We dive deep and it is sooo good! I hope you enjoy meeting her and love her sweet personality as much as I do.

Lauren Roberts is our guest today. She has such a beautiful perspective on taking time for yourself and figuring out how to re-emerge into the world of theatre after going through a personal trauma. You can find her on Instagram under @oklaurden.

I have so much to say about this episode. First of all, I am psyched that you get to hear her story! This was the first time I had heard her theatre/faith journey and it is so interesting. She was practically raised backstage by director parent's, struggled with accepting Jesus Christ, and had to juggle being a mom and an actress. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I do!

If you are listening to this from the future, this episode takes place during the Covid-19 pandemic. Gracen Fisk is such a sweet young lady with a heart for Jesus and theatre. She was working as an intern for Disney World when everything was forced to shut down. The most important thing we can do is to stay firm in our faith and to keep the art of theatre alive during these times. 

Below is a link to Broadway Cares...

https://donate.broadwaycares.org/campaign/covid-19-emergency-assistance-fund/c276873

I think we all feel inadequate, but actors can feel it on a different level. In Episode 12, Zoe Clark, my wonderful alumna and friend talks about being a freshman in a big pond. Can the love of acting be squashed by a cycle of bad auditions or is it possible that God's plans for you are so much greater than you can imagine?