No one’s experience is the same, but don’t assume you’re going to be the overnight discovery. Those careers seldom, if ever, actually happen overnight. All that being said, if you have the passion and the work ethic to make it happen, the performing arts rewards its artists in ways no other job can. Believe in yourself, listen to those who know of what they speak, and ignore those who don’t.

I would tell young performers to have an open mind and never give up. The industry is slowly changing and with that, old narrow views of who can play what is being thrown out in exchange for a wave of non-traditional casting. This business in many ways is also a matter of last man standing, if you keep working hard things will happen eventually. Keep showing up and being unapologetically you.

Do not EVER compare yourself to another, everyone’s acting journey is so different. “The world belongs to those who dare” is my personal motto. You have to learn to think outside the box, you can’t expect greatness by being like everyone else. Find out what makes you different and make that your brand!!! Lastly, NEVER STOP.

Get to know yourself. As deeply as you possibly can. And start early. Get a therapist. Work through your stuff. Your primary relationship is with yourself. Being an artist is a long game, especially if you don’t have a ton of resources like money. It’s so important to know how you like to work when you need to rest, and what type of environment you want to work in.

If you seek a career in the performing arts I say you and your well-being matter. Take care of yourself, and honor your needs and boundaries. You can only build a sustainable career if you treat yourself as worthy of care. It is very hard: you have to give yourself that care while also working at your art, while also finding a way to pay your bills.

A performer who wants a career in the performing arts should study, study and study all facets of the performing arts and the business and public relations aspects as well.Be prepared and open and grateful for opportunities large and small to exercise the creative muscle.

It's never too late. I moved back to New York City in my 50s and in the middle of a pandemic. Life is short. There are enough people pushing paper but do have a flexible jobs. Understand that as an actor you are a small business person. There is room for everyone, so really, why not you?

“Find your collaborators—the people who inspire you to create—and stick with them. Build yourself a community.”

“Get the creative ideas out of your head and write them down on paper! Take action and don't wait for permission.”

“Even if you hear the word no...just keep going!”

“The advice I would give is to stay true to yourself and flourish without personal compromise.”

“Just Breath. Live your truth, no one else’s. Speak up; remember you have a voice. Soak up everything around you in the world, both the good and the bad because it all adds to you and is what makes you thrive in the end.”

“I would tell any young aspiring artist to do it because you love it. I would also say to study your craft. Love yourself, and learn as much as you can about other aspects of the industry. My sound advice is to leave no stone unturned.”

“Lead, discover and create with love and curiosity.”

“Keep. Pushing. Forward. It is not always easy, but if you truly love what you do, it will happen for you. Continue to train, and always be authentically yourself.”

“A teacher I love once told me to stop being a "human doing" and just be a "human being." I try to remind myself of that every day- both in life and in my work.”

“Some people will love this play. Some people might hate it. If they’re a certain kind of person, I actually hope they hate it. But regardless of whether or not they liked it, as I always say before my premieres, I hope it gets them thinking, and that it sparks conversation that will lead to serious action.”

“Follow your gut! Chances are it's usually right. Also, look after yourself. As selfish as that may sound at first glance, the only person who can truly control your happiness in this business (and life, for that matter) is you!’

“Auditions have always been an odd concept to me because they feel like the antithesis of what we’re often trying to do in theater -- it’s such a singularly focused process for an artform that is meant to be collaborative.”

“Be prepared for it all. Some of those no's may be the best thing to ever happen to you, And some of the yes jobs could feel like a prison.”