The Artist Behind the Art

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer breaks down one of the most overlooked, but career-defining, skills for performers: email communication. 

From contracts and travel logistics to casting follow-ups and rehearsal communication, the way you show up in your inbox says a lot about how you show up professionally.

This episode covers the practical habits and communication shifts that help artists build trust, stay organized, and support the career they’re working so hard to build.

In this episode:

•  Why email communication matters in circus careers 
•  How to write stronger subject lines 
•  Reply vs. Reply All 
•  Response time expectations 
•  How to organize responses clearly 
•  Why emotion and email don’t mix 
•  Email signatures, file naming, and professional presentation 
•  What materials every artist should have ready 
•  Small communication habits that quietly build trust and reputation 

Whether you’re auditioning, touring, negotiating contracts, or reaching out to casting. This episode is full of practical advice you can immediately apply.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

Competitions or festivals— What are the main differences?

And more importantly…
 are you choosing the right one for where you are in your career?

In this episode, I sit down with Julian McTaggart to break down what these experiences actually look like—on stage, behind the scenes, and in how they impact your growth as an artist.

We talk about:
 – what rehearsal time really looks like
– how to prepare when you only get minutes on stage
– the role of networking (and why it matters more than you think)
– and how to use both competitions and festivals strategically

If you’ve ever thought about doing either—this is a conversation you need to hear.

🎧 Episode out now on The Artist Behind the Art

💾 Save this for when you’re planning your next step
 🔁 Share with an artist who’s navigating their path right now

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

What you do after a performance matters just as much as what happens on stage.

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer breaks down how to evaluate your act after a show in a way that actually leads to growth—without spiraling into overthinking or self-criticism.

You’ll learn:

•  How to reflect on your performance with clarity 
•  The key questions that reveal what’s working (and what’s not) 
•  How to separate emotion from objective evaluation 
•  What to focus on to improve your act faster 
•  How to turn every performance into progress 

If you want to refine your act, grow as an artist, and make each performance stronger than the last—this episode is for you.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

We’ve all heard it: you have to get through 100 no’s before your first yes.

But what no one talks about… is what happens after that first yes.

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer dives into the reality of building a sustainable career as a circus artist—especially the space between contracts. The part of the journey where doubt creeps in, questions start stacking, and the path can feel uncertain.

This episode is about learning to trust the process, understanding what’s actually happening behind the scenes of your career growth, and how to use the “gap” to your advantage.

In This Episode, We Cover:

•  Why the time between contracts is normal (and necessary) 
•  The truth about consistent work in circus (it’s not just talent) 
•  How reputation is built—and why it matters more than you think 
•  The qualities that actually get you rehired 
•  The challenge of being both an artist and your own business 
•  What to do when you feel stuck, uncertain, or behind 
•  How to stay visible and relevant in the industry 
•  Why refining your materials can change how casting sees you 
•  How to use the “gap” as a period of growth, not failure 
•  The role of side hustles in supporting a sustainable career 

Key Takeaway

You’re not just trying to get work—you’re building a reputation.

And that reputation is built through:

•  how you show up 
•  how you collaborate 
•  how consistently you perform 
•  and how you handle the moments in between 

Consistent work isn’t immediate.
 It’s earned through trust over time.

Reflection Prompt

Ask yourself:

•  How am I showing up in every rehearsal, show, and interaction?

Join the Conversation

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another artist who’s navigating the in-between.

And connect with the podcast here:
 👉 Follow on Instagram: @theartistbehindtheart

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

Your Reputation Enters the Room Before You Do

with Cheryl Ann

What happens when you say yes to something completely outside your comfort zone?

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer sits down with performer Cheryl Ann, whose career journey took an unexpected turn from musical theatre into the world of Cirque du Soleil.

What began as a recommendation from a friend turned into a seven-hour audition, stepping far outside of her comfort zone—and ultimately landing a role in La Nouba that would shape the next chapter of her career.

Cheryl Ann shares the real behind-the-scenes lessons artists rarely talk about: what casting is actually looking for, why versatility matters, and how your reputation can open doors long before you enter the room.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Cheryl Ann’s unexpected transition from musical theatre to circus
 • What really happens in a Cirque du Soleil audition room
 • Why confidence matters more than trying to show everything you can do
 • The power of versatility and acquiring multiple skills
 • Why saying yes to opportunities outside your comfort zone can change your career
 • The truth about submissions and audition preparation today
 • The most important career advice for performers: your reputation enters the room before you do

If you’re an artist navigating auditions, submissions, or trying to build a sustainable performing career, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.

Because sometimes the biggest opportunities come from simply saying yes.

Join the conversation

What opportunity have you said yes to that changed your path?

Share your thoughts and connect with the podcast community on Instagram:

Follow:
@theartistbehindtheart

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to save it, share it with another artist, and help us continue supporting the artists behind the work.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

What is your artistic voice — and can you clearly communicate it when it matters most?

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer breaks down what she calls your artistic voice: your ability to introduce yourself confidently at an audition, explain your act in words, and articulate what makes you unique as an artist in a highly competitive industry.

For many circus artists and performers, talent lives naturally in the body — but not always in language. This episode explores how to bridge that gap so casting panels, directors, choreographers, and collaborators can better understand who you are, what your work expresses, and what value you bring to a production.

Jennifer shares practical ways to practice audition introductions, improve your on-camera video submissions, and start putting language to your creative work so you can show up more clearly and confidently in every opportunity.

In This Episode, We Cover

• What “artistic voice” actually means
• How to introduce yourself at an audition with clarity and confidence
• Why practicing audition questions is just as important as practicing your skills
• A simple way to buy yourself time when you feel put on the spot
• How to improve the way you come across in video submissions
• Why your submission setup matters: lighting, sound, space, and clothing
• How to start putting words to your act and creative work
• Why explaining your act helps refine and elevate it
• How to identify and communicate what makes you unique as an artist
• Why clarity helps you not only say yes to the right opportunities — but walk away from the wrong ones

Key Takeaway

Your artistic voice is not just what you create — it’s how clearly you can communicate it.

When you take time to put words to who you are, what your work expresses, and what makes you unique, you give yourself the power to connect more authentically and show up more confidently in your next audition or submission.

Reflection Prompt

Take time to reflect on these three questions:

• How do I introduce myself as an artist?
• Can I clearly explain what my act is about?
• What do I bring to the table that is unique and valuable?

Your answers to those questions can become one of your greatest tools.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

What does it actually take to sustain a career on tour?

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, I’m joined by professional circus artist Elise Southwick, currently touring with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. From cruise ships across the Mediterranean to bus tours across the U.S., Elise shares what it really looks like to maintain your discipline, your strength, and your professionalism while constantly on the move.

We begin with something simple — but powerful:
 How you introduce yourself matters.

Elise shares the exact approach she uses when reaching out to studio owners while on tour — and why professionalism, clarity, and preparation are what open doors.

We also dive into:

• How to maintain your primary discipline while performing a different track
• Strength training for aerialists (yes — barbell squats and deadlifts)
• Why lifting heavy doesn’t mean “bulking up”
• The difference between ship contracts, bus tours, and resident-style work
• How to structure training when you’re performing 8 shows a week
• The importance of habits for physical, mental, and spiritual longevity

Elise speaks honestly about finding the “sweet spot” between overworking and underworking — and why career sustainability comes down to the habits you build when no one is watching.

If you’re an emerging circus artist, currently touring, or dreaming of your first big contract, this conversation is a masterclass in how to stay ready — and stay professional.

Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship begins March 23rd: If you’re ready to create an act that makes an audience lean in and feel time stand still, I would love to invite you to apply and see if it’s the right fit.

📩 Email: [email protected]

📱 DM: @arete.actdevelopment on Instagram

Reach out, and I’ll send you the application details.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

Episode: What Makes a Circus Act Truly Great

You asked for this episode—and I’ll be honest, it made me nervous to record. Because the moment we start defining “great,” people want to debate it (and they should). Art is subjective.

So instead of declaring a universal truth, I’m sharing patterns I’ve witnessed over time—what consistently shows up in acts that evolve from “good” to unforgettable.

This conversation doesn’t end here.
 I’d love for you to stay in it with me.

If this episode sparked something for you, take a moment to reflect on what you believe makes an act truly great—and how that definition is shaping the work you’re creating right now.

Join the conversation by following @theartistbehindtheart on Instagram, where we continue these discussions and share insights from artists across the industry.

And if this episode resonated, please share it with another artist or creative friend who might need this perspective. These conversations grow stronger when we have them together.

Thank you for listening, for engaging, and for being part of a community that cares deeply about craft, clarity, and intentional creation.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

What does it really take to stay healthy in a career where your body is your job?

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, I sit down with Samantha Oft, PT, DPT, ATC — Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Athletic Trainer, and former Head Therapist for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba in Disney Springs. Sam has spent the past decade working with athletes and performers, bridging orthopedic rehab, emergency care, and performance support at the highest level. Samantha is one of a kind and is known for: helping artists get back to their work — and stay there.

We talk about how to find a healthcare provider who actually listens, what “capacity” really means in the professional world, and why being able to do a skill once is very different than being able to do it 500 shows a year.

This conversation is equal parts practical and mindset-shifting — because the goal isn’t just to heal. It’s to build a body that can sustain your career.

In this episode, we cover:

•  How to find a PT/physio who treats the whole human (and why the insurance model often blocks that)
• Why artists should build their care team before they’re injured
•  What “capacity” actually means: perform → recover → repeat without breaking down
• The reality of resident show schedules (and why you can’t live at 100% max output)
• How to increase work capacity through a “needs analysis” and specific training
• The big misconception: skill training ≠ strength training
•  Why strength is essential (and the truth about “getting bulky”)
• What recovery really is (and why it’s not the Instagram version)
•  Sam’s two core reminders for artists:
  •   Your body heals when you rest
  •   Strength training is not your enemy — it’s longevity

About Samantha Oft:
Samantha Oft, PT, DPT, ATC is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Athletic Trainer in the Orlando, Florida area. She has worked in sports medicine and orthopedic rehab for 10+ years, including supporting Division I athletics and performers at Walt Disney World. She served as Head Therapist for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba until its closure in 2017, where she contributed to emergency and movement screening systems tailored to acrobatic work. After Cirque, she co-founded Next Level Physiotherapy and Performance, a private concierge practice dedicated to making elite-level PT and performance care accessible to more people.

Key takeaway:
Your act can be impressive — but if it isn’t sustainable, it isn’t professional-ready.
Your goal isn’t to train harder. It’s to train smarter.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.

Every New Year, we set goals like the future version of ourselves has unlimited time, energy, money, and emotional capacity — and then we wonder why we burn out or fall off track by March.

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, we’re breaking down why most goal-setting fails — and how to plan in a way that actually works.

This is a practical, honest conversation about capacity, sacrifice, and alignment. Instead of adding more tools or chasing more motivation, you’ll learn how to plan with the life you actually have — not the one you wish you had.

I introduce two core concepts that have completely changed how I plan:

• Playing with your full deck of cards
• Stacking the deck in your favor

Because clarity alone doesn’t get you to your goals — alignment does.

This episode is designed to be interactive, so grab a notebook or open your notes app and plan alongside me.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why 80–90% of New Year’s goals fail (and it’s not a willpower issue)
• The difference between being interested and being committed
• The one question most people skip: What will this goal ask me to sacrifice?
• How to audit your time, energy, money, and focus honestly
• The four questions that reveal what’s actually blocking your progress
• Two planning approaches:
  • Incremental but intentional progress
  • All-in seasons that stack the deck in your favor
• How to choose the right approach for your current season of life
• Why extraordinary progress comes from intention — not more time
• How alignment leads to peace, momentum, and fewer regrets

Key Takeaway
You don’t need more tools.
You need honest alignment between what you want and how you’re actually living.

This year isn’t about stacking more goals.
 It’s about playing the cards you already have — on purpose.

Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art.
This podcast exists to support performers in building sustainable, aligned, and castable careers — beyond just the skills.

✨ Work With Me: Own the Stage Act Creation Mentorship

I’m currently building the next round of Own the Stage: Act Creation Mentorship.

If you feel like you have the talent—but when it comes to act creation, something just isn’t fully clicking—this is for you.

Most of the time, it’s not a complete overhaul.
 It’s a few missing tools and a few shifts in how you’re approaching the process.

That’s what takes you from second-guessing your work
 to becoming the artist who is ready to go for the opportunities you actually want.

If that resonates, I’d love to connect.

📩 Email me at [email protected]

📲 Or DM me on Instagram at The Artist Behind the Art

🎙 Follow the podcast on Instagram:
 https://www.instagram.com/theartistbehindtheart/

Remember — you already have what it takes.
 The question is: are you ready to prove it to yourself?

Until next time — show up big and own the stage.