“Be proud of how far you’ve come and be hopeful for how far you will go. Own your story and take that chance. You’ll probably surprise yourself.”

“Don’t be afraid to go for roles that speak to you even if you feel you’re not right for them. I find that you can learn a lot from a character that is completely different from yourself. Even if you don’t get the part you still learn a lot just from preparing the character for the audition.”

“Work on what inspires you and makes you smile. Whether that’s writing a script, working on new songs, dancing in your garage, baking sourdough bread, or sewing yourself a superhero cape to wear around the house, go for it!”

“Find one thing that you can give your soul over to for the time being and channel your creative force until things return to equilibrium.”

“Lean on friends when you need help, lend a hand when you can, continue working hard, and advocate for underrepresented artists.”

“I recently read an article by the Chicago Tribune highlighting gender parity in American Theatre. In that article, I found out the disheartening truth that plays written by women only account for 29% of all plays produced. Luckily, women theatre artists are taking a stand by speaking out against systemic sexism and ageism or “sageism.” Let me introduce you to another important group called Honor Roll.”

“I know it's hard to stay positive and hopeful right now, but if you keep working on your craft, you'll come out the other side of this in a much better place than where you started.”

“Having a full, colorful life and rich spirit will only make you a better actor. You cannot fill from an empty well.”

“To be honest, everyday is a new day of discovery of what interests me and how I enjoy spending my time. Live theatre will be back. It will be different, but it will be back … I think that the best way to ride out this crisis is to continue working on your craft. It’s about staying ready and being flexible. And no matter what you are doing to make a living, never stop the imaginative work of the actor.”

“To the recent theatre graduates please jump on Digital Theatre train and educate yourself about technology and the creative opportunities it offers. On-line reality will be our reality for some time, and we must not let it disappear as an art form.”

“I do feel that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. My advice to all actors and performers is patience. I have been doing this for 18 years now and the one thing I have noticed is that a lot of artists don't make it because they are unable to stick it out. The elevator to success is always going to be broken and not perfect so always take the stairs.”

“My advice (and the advice of many of the artists/actors I’ve interviewed) to aspiring actors is to STAY THE COURSE. Develop other skills if you are able during this time – a working knowledge of another language, perhaps?”

“There is this moment just before the final piece of production is added and I, as a producer, standing in the dark looking at the stage witnessing something new coming to life. Looking at all the people gathered there for the purpose of creating a new world. That belief that the new worlds are possible and that we can make them happen is something I strongly believe in…Nothing will ever be able to destroy that.”

“The break has allowed us time to ponder our place in society, our responsibility to the events happening around us, especially with regard to BIPOC conversations and inequities. There’s no going forward without more inclusivity and real change in all areas of production.”

“I’ve always tried to use anytime away from work to soak up whatever the world around me has to offer – so that I have raw material to use when I come back to work. I would think this is the perfect time for that – it’s an extraordinary time … and the theatre and work will come back.”

“I never get tired of being in the same room with a bunch of people who are all there for the same reason. They’re there to tell the story and together, in that big, beautiful room, Covid will never destroy my love of performing and telling a story.”

“The fire of creativity in me is burning hotter than it ever has…I was, somehow, able to preserve an ember to carry forward. I never really know quite how, but I know that I have an undeniable drive to survive. My creativity is at the centre of that flame.”

“There is a power inside each of us. Learn to replenish, release, and realign that power. Again, never stop growing.”

“Our show is particularly hit because of our direct contact with the audience’s clothes!!! Its been a hard one to pivot with. This is us doing the best we can and finding some joy and bringing some joy to “Sistering” in the process. Producing this reading has been like producing a play underwater…”

“I really miss the live feedback from an audience, that energy; the shared experience of people coming together in a space and breathing, gasping, laughing together (you know, all the risky and dangerous stuff right now). Heck, I even miss the oblivious patron unwrapping candy at the most inopportune moment…”