030 - The Musician as CEO
Description
Today I am talking to contralto Cindy Sadler. In our chat Cindy talks extensively about the various issues that affect creating and maintaining a portfolio career in the arts and she highlights the importance of accepting the responsibility of being the CEO of one’s own career.
Cindy Sadler’s eclectic operatic career represents the benchmark of entrepreneurial artistry. A standout performer in any cast with her rich, abundant contralto and charismatic characterizations, she has made herself indispensable in the classical music arena not only through her performances, but also her consulting and educational work, writing, and fresh vision for the stage.
When COVID-19 hit, Ms. Sadler quickly established an online opera training program with an international faculty for young and aspiring singers who had lost roles or programs. She pivoted Spotlight on Opera, the training program she founded and runs, to an online format and produced two operas and a number of scenes and concerts. Throughout 2020 and into 2021, she has continuing presenting virtual career workshops privately and to institutions such as Cal State University Stanislaus, San Jose State University, Texas Tech, Georgia Southern University, Ithaca College, and the Aaron Copland School of Music.
Ms. Sadler’s most recent article, “It’s Not Over Until the Fat Lady Sings and Dances”, on the damage that weight bias does to the performing arts industry, was published on the Middleclass Artist blog. She was the featured guest on the Teacher Talk and Opera Box Score broadcasts, and will next appear on baritone Weston Hurt’s Under the Hood YouTube series.
Ms. Sadler has continued performing via socially distanced outdoor concerts and a turn as La Zia Principessa in Valley Opera and Arts’ upcoming virtual production of Suor Angelica.
For more information, please see www.CindySadler.com and www.SpotlightOnOpera.com.
Facebook: CindySadler
Instagram: @cindy.sadler
Twitter: @CindySadlerTX