At its core, circus arts encompass five central pillars: acrobatics, aerials, clowning, equilibristics, and object manipulation. So, when the opportunity arose to delve into this season's exploration of interdisciplinarity, I was fortunate enough to discover CircusTalk, an international online platform previously led by Canadian Casting Director and Career Coach, Stacy Clark.
1. Know thyself, and keep checking in!
Human curiosity can often take us to opposite ends of a spectrum. On one end, you have the adventurer — someone eager to traverse the world in search of the new and vibrant. On the other, there's the individual who finds comfort in settling within a familiar environment. Neither approach is better than the other; each comes with its own set of challenges, especially with regards to interdisciplinary work. Venturing beyond one’s genre can sound thrilling, but the lack of familiarity often leads to feelings of distress and uncertainty. This is particularly true in the world of circus arts. If you've ever watched a circus live, you’ve likely noticed the overwhelming array of acts — sometimes happening simultaneously, other times in sequence — that differ vastly in technique and aesthetics. Yet somehow, they all harmonize to create a breathtaking, cohesive spectacle.
It might sound cliché, but Stacy has learned the importance of truly understanding your "why." Having a clear sense of purpose — as an artist, creator, and human being — provides a strong foundation. It acts as a personal "ground zero" for authenticity and true intention. Take CircusTalk, for example. Created to be the leading online career and casting marketplace for the circus and multidisciplinary performing arts industry, the business has had to be clever and proactive when faced with challenges.
Despite difficult times, CircusTalk has remained true to its core. Instead of drastic changes, they’ve made strategic pivots that continue to position the platform as a vital resource for their community. As humans, we change, grow, and evolve. It’s essential to make space for that evolution — acknowledge it, celebrate it. It’s okay to alter our course, whether in personal or career goals, as long as we keep checking in with ourselves and continue to refresh our "ground zero."
2. Life by design
As aforementioned, CircusTalk has evolved into what is now more widely known as StageLync — a dynamic platform that offers an expanded array of features, resources, and databases. While CircusTalk was once exclusively focused on the circus arts community, StageLync has broadened its scope to encompass everything from music and dance to theatre, puppetry, comedy, and, of course, circus. This new platform is packed with educational and practical content, delivered through blogs, podcasts, news articles, and more. StageLync has quickly established itself as the ultimate brainchild of some of the best minds in the performing arts industry. But was this transformation purely coincidental, or was it a deliberate design?
Life as a professional circus performer is notoriously challenging, with the high-risk environment and demanding conditions making it a tough career path. Just as in any other industry, success often requires more than just hard work; it demands strategy and adaptability. The mantra of "work smart, not just hard" resonates deeply here. Stacy, with her extensive experience, has navigated similarly treacherous terrain throughout her career, eventually securing some of the top positions in the industry evidenced by her history in both CircusTalk and Cirque du Soleil. As highlighted in our earlier lesson, understanding your "why" allows you to design your life and professional path intentionally. This doesn’t mean that everything will always go according to plan, but Stacy believes in being an active participant in shaping her own journey. It’s about working smart and aligning your efforts with your core purpose, even when the path is anything but straightforward.
3. Don’t be an a**hole
The newly formed team at StageLync definitely intrigued me, resonating with many of my own personal work experiences. As a performing artist, particularly as a dancer, I often find myself in multi-ethnic and multidisciplinary environments. These settings, while enriching, present a constant challenge: communication. StageLync’s team is a global tapestry, with members hailing from the USA, Ukraine, Peru, Canada, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Ireland, and the UK. Such diversity is exciting, but it also demands a high level of tolerance and cultural sensitivity—skills that aren't typically taught in schools but are learned through life experiences.
However, there might be a simple, yet powerful approach to navigating these complexities. As Stacy succinctly puts it: "Just don’t be an a**hole."
Stacy emphasizes this point with refreshing bluntness because in an industry where personal and professional relationships are paramount, it’s crucial. While being a good person won't necessarily land you the job of your dreams, being an a**hole is a surefire way to lose it. As a casting director, Stacy looks beyond raw talent; she values working with kind, generous, intelligent, and open-minded individuals. This highlights a paradox in the arts: you can encounter some of the most artistically gifted people in the world, but also those who lack basic human decency. So, if you want a smoother journey in the performing arts, why not take Stacy's advice to heart: just don’t be an a**hole.
Check out the full episode here
| 09.12.2024 |
