The Artist Behind the Art

Email Communication Tips Every Performing Artist Should Know

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 jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 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.

Circus Competitions vs Festivals with Julian McTaggart: What Artists Need to Know

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 jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 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.

The Art of Reflection: Post-Show Questions for Stronger Performances

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 jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 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.

Trust the Process: From First Contract to Consistent Work

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 jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 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.

Rooms of Possibility: Career Lessons from Cheryl Ann Sanders

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 jennifer@aretementorship.com 📲 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.