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The Artist Behind the Art is a podcast designed to help performers thrive on and off the stage. Through honest conversations, coaching, and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to prepare, perform, and create a career that’s sustainable, rewarding, and unforgettable.
15 Episodes
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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 Nou...
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...
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 introdu...
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 sp...
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 k...
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 w...
What is it actually like to be part of the creation of a brand-new Cirque du Soleil production? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, host Jennifer Pierce sits down with Alexis Bernatchez to unpack the realities of show creation from the performer’s perspective. From AXEL to Canadian contemporary circus companies, Alexis shares how characters are discovered, how ideas are born (sometimes from “failed” moments), and why honesty and adaptability are essential skills in any creation room...
In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer sits down with aerialist, performer, and educator Dan Saab to talk about what it really looks like to build a circus career without a rulebook. Dan shares how he went from studying Theatre in college to working in circus full-time, performing in everything from cabaret and nightlife to large-scale productions and theme park shows — all while traveling as a sought-after workshop instructor. Together, they unpack how to navigate your path w...
⭐ Episode #7 — Show NotesPresence That Connects: Four Ways to Stand Out Without Saying a Word In this episode, we’re breaking down the often-overlooked skill that separates solid performers from unforgettable artists: the way you show up before you ever speak. Choreographers, casting teams, and directors aren’t just watching what you do — they’re paying attention to how you enter the room, how you engage, and what your presence communicates. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: 1. Why appearan...
Charting Your Path with Casting Director Stacy Clark Episode snapshot Former elite gymnast and pro circus artist Stacy Clark ( Former Director of Casting at Cirque du Soleil) joins me to unpack how artists actually get seen, get hired, and build careers that fit their lives. We talk personalized career paths (with or without circus school), where to network so it counts, the video materials that make casting care, and how to stay on the radar—while being a great human to work with. What you’l...
Your energy walks in before you do — and it’s often the quiet reason you get noticed, rehired, and remembered. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer dives into one of the most overlooked skills in a performer’s toolkit: the ability to generate and direct your energy with intention. Drawing on Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wisdom — “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into the room” — this episode explores how your physical, mental, and alignment energy shape every i...
Today we’re diving into a topic that’s both ambitious and extremely practical: what it really looks like to pursue a college degree or take online courses while performing professionally on contract. First things first—never forget your job is to be a performer. A class, test, or assignment should never interfere with your responsibilities on stage. That’s a non-negotiable. Setting a hard boundary around that will protect your career and your integrity. But here’s why this is a conversation w...
Have you ever come home from a tour and felt… off? One day you’re in the rhythm of shows, surrounded by your cast family, and the next you’re back home wondering what to do with the sudden space. That “in-between” can either drain you — or it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your career. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to turn the gap into a season of rest, growth, and possibility — instead of uncertainty. Here’s what we’ll cover: ✨ Why transitions after a big projec...
Life on tour isn’t just about what happens under the spotlight — it’s about how you take care of yourself in between shows. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, I’m sharing what it really takes to set yourself up for a long-term contract that feels sustainable, rewarding, and unforgettable. We’ll dive into: · 🥗 Fueling like an athlete — how to think ahead with nutrition, supplements, and fueling strategies so you can stay strong and consistent on stage. ·&nb...
Contracts can launch your career — or leave you burned out. In this episode, I’ll share the three questions every performer should ask before hitting “submit,” plus stories and strategies to help you choose wisely, protect your body, and set yourself up for a long, thriving career. 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. Ready to Unlock What’s Next? If...
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