Performing arts degrees are likened to pyramid schemes, auditions are called cattle calls, and artists who make a living from performing are the 1%. 

If you’re a classically-trained actor, singer, instrumentalist or dancer, you’ve heard these quips before and you’re well aware – thank you very much – that you’ve trained hard to fit into a very elite but, as it turns out, very overcrowded market – and one that is shrinking under your feet. 

Most advice for young performers focuses on how to break into the industry, make enough money from gigging, or find the right parallel career. Those things are important, but something’s missing. What about the need to find meaning in what you do, beyond just chasing after your next stage “fix”? What about the fundamental need to be part of a community of people you respect and admire, not just ones you need to outcompete? What about the importance of doing something you know is relevant, meaningful and even, dare we say, essential? 

In every episode of the first season of Classically (Un)Trained, we’ll explore artistic solutions to the economic, social, and technological problems facing the 21st century classically-trained performing artist and explore how performers can find meaning in their work not just despite of, but also thanks to, the unique challenges they face today.