Bowing Out, Letting Go, and Saying Goodbye

Bowing Out, Letting Go, and Saying Goodbye

Author: the Association of Performing Arts Professionals August 2, 2022 Duration: 28:38

Even a simple setback can derail a career, so knowing when it’s time to change direction – or step away entirely – is invaluable. The storytellers in Episode 6 share their experiences navigating health crises, job transitions, and personal loss and the unexpected and welcomed relief, joy, confidence, and grace that can follow.

Content warning: This episode mentions eating disorders from 2:15 to 3:23 and from 5:05 to 8:24. You can find mental health resources on APAP’s website.

Intro: “Pushing Buttons” and Act One: “A Coda and A Compromise” with Roselie Samter, the founder and violist in the Videri String Quartet.

Act Two: “Encore” with Randall Prestwood, a theater consultant, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Act Three: “Aha Moment” with Madia Cooper-Ashirifi, the chair and associate professor of dance at Brenau University.

You can find a full transcript and more on APAP’s website: https://apap365.org/podcast/arts-work-life-podcast-season-1-episode-6/

Are you a performing arts worker with a story to tell? Submit it here: https://bit.ly/AWLpodsubmit


Behind every curtain, every rehearsal room, and every touring schedule, there's a complex human story about making a living in creativity. ARTS. WORK. LIFE., produced by the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, pulls back that velvet rope to share the candid, often unheard narratives from performers, administrators, technicians, and all the professionals who make the performing arts happen. This isn't about reviewing shows; it's about the realities of the workplace itself-the triumphs, the tensions, the unique culture, and the sheer grit required to sustain a life in this field. Each episode offers a grounded conversation that moves beyond the glamour to explore what it truly means to build a career centered on expression. Through these personal stories, the podcast builds a deeper understanding of the arts as an essential ecosystem of labor and passion. Tune in for honest reflections that resonate with anyone who has ever dedicated themselves to a craft, highlighting the vital intersection where artistic pursuit meets the everyday challenges of work and survival.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 39

ARTS. WORK. LIFE.
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