02 - What's a "successful" career in opera? with Mark Wilkinson

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, host Alaina Viau is joined by Siobhan Richardson, a fight and intimacy director, actor, singer, fighter, and dancer.

Siobhan shares her experience and expertise in the opera and music theatre worlds, and they discuss the nuances of consent, compliance, and challenges of navigating the power dynamics of co-creation.

Timestamps:

[00:01:04] Work-life balance struggle.
[00:04:18] Work friendships and social boundaries.
[00:06:51] Coordinator overseeing theatre productions.
[00:11:26] Opera education and industry developments.
[00:14:13] Accessibility in live performance.
[00:18:02] Navigating discomfort in performance.
[00:19:22] Consent and boundaries in performance.
[00:24:42] Choreography and consent.
[00:24:59] Tolerance in opera vs. theater.
[00:27:18] Intimacy and fight directing.
[00:32:24] Working with directors in opera.
[00:38:23] Gender bias in workload perception.
[00:38:38] Balancing multiple careers.
[00:42:48] Power dynamics in creative collaboration.
[00:47:41] Constellations of Power.
[00:49:48] Cultures of directorial dictation.
[00:53:30] Perspectives and action-inspiration.

Links:

Connect with Siobhan Richardson
http://www.siobhanrichardson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/fighteractress/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, host Alaina Viau is joined by Alex Hajek, Canadian baritone, co-producer of Opera Revue.

Alex shares his experience with Opera Revue, which has sold out shows, diverse audience members across generations, and is opening doors to new perspectives within the opera industry. Discover how their unique approach has been successful and why people are craving more of these alternative expressions.

The traditional opera model is being challenged by the desires of new generations and the importance of embracing different expressions and ways of engaging. How do we find the delicate balance between giving the audience what they want and maintaining artistic integrity? What happens if we get rid of the stuffy rules, high prices, and boring acts that get in the way of enjoying opera?

Timestamps:

[00:01:55] The opera career in Europe.
[00:05:09] Opera burlesque fusion.
[00:08:20] Burlesque dancers collaboration.
[00:12:23] Violence on public transit.
[00:15:47] Repertoire concerns and audience engagement.
[00:19:58] Long opera performances.
[00:23:07] Decline in sports and entertainment.
[00:27:21] Comedy in opera and its impact.
[00:31:06] Opera as an investment.
[00:35:00] Performers feeding off audience energy.
[00:38:30] Pop artists as entertainers.
[00:42:27] Celebrity culture in opera.
[00:46:07] Local talent in opera.

Links:

Connect with Alex Hajek
https://alexanderhajek.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hazardust/
https://www.youtube.com/@operarevue

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, host Alaina Viau is joined by Daevyd Pepper, a singer, trailblazer, administrator, and spiritualist.

They dive into ways to embrace your woo-woo as an opera artist and getting comfortable with your inner world through meditation, self-talk, and neuroscience. The conversation is mystical and practical for creating one's own reality and shifting perceptions in order to navigate concepts of reality.

Timestamps:

[00:02:14] The power of screaming.
[00:04:34] Arts organizations and communication.
[00:07:28] Inclusivity and fostering belonging.
[00:13:34] Thoughts on capitalism and art.
[00:16:37] Reflection and artistic exhaustion.
[00:19:05] Asking yourself questions.
[00:23:29] Spiritual journeys and self-discovery.
[00:27:31] The power of affirmations.
[00:30:00] The power of visualization.
[00:34:28] Manifesting desires and expectations.
[00:37:23] Predatory practices in coaching.
[00:41:00] Fueling your purpose and passions.
[00:45:23] Discovering myself through running.
[00:48:47] Flow in achieving goals.
[00:54:18] Being an artist at the core.
[00:57:04] Arts-based mindset in different pursuits.

Links:

Connect with Daevyd Pepper
https://www.daevydpepper.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theybiespice/
https://www.instagram.com/heldenspice/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

Valerie Dueck (classical pianist, teacher, vocal coach) has moved at least 25 times in the past 20 years.

She’s lived in the Czech Republic, Austria, Norway, Kazakhstan, and most recently in Switzerland.

Now based in Ottawa, Valerie provides a unique perspective on Canada’s place in the global arts and culture scene.

Timestamps:

[00:02:05] Relearning how to be social.
[00:04:19] Bernadette, the traveling piano.
[00:09:45] Opera's struggle in Ottawa.
[00:13:37] Funding challenges in music education.
[00:16:07] Promotion of Canadian culture.
[00:21:18] Art is not entertainment.
[00:25:07] Canadian identity in classical music.
[00:29:51] Underfunding the arts.
[00:35:08] Redefining Success
[00:39:22] Discovering true core values.
[00:43:36] Making mistakes and uncovering layers.
[00:46:14] Being generous with ourselves.

Links:

Connect with Valerie Dueck
https://www.valeriedueck.com/
https://www.instagram.com/valerie_dueck_keys/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, Alaina Viau and baritone Peter Bass discuss their shared belief about the mind-body connection within the context of opera. They both acknowledge that opera is not just about what happens on stage but encompasses the entirety of a performer's life and well-being.

Timestamps:

[00:02:22] Singer's multiple interests and projects.
[00:04:07] Osteopathy and psychotherapy integration.
[00:08:43] Early undergrads and performance anxiety.
[00:14:46] Singers need foundational practice.
[00:18:52] Responsibility of the student and master.
[00:21:08] Singing and self-expression.
[00:26:00] Brain growth and education.
[00:28:56] Metrics for teaching effectiveness.
[00:34:34] Mechanics of our instruments.
[00:38:58] Shifting to patriarchal framework.
[00:41:32] Make yourself marketable.
[00:48:31] Tools for safe learning.
[00:51:06] Responding to your body.
[00:55:21] Discovering emotional capacity in opera.
[00:59:22] The dynamic between performer and audience.
[01:04:26] Changing expectations in theater.
[01:07:11] Spontaneity in live performances.

Links:

Connect with Peter Bass
http://peterbass.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/bassthebaritone

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, Alaina Viau chats with Kristine Dandavino, a multi-talented musician, mezzo-soprano, pianist, vocal coach, director, conductor, mentor, teacher, and composer.

They discuss the importance of recognizing singers as musicians and the multifaceted nature of their work. Kristine emphasizes the need to break away from the pigeonholing of singers and embrace the full range of their abilities.

Timestamps:

[00:03:30] Nothing is ever permanent.
[00:04:52] Surprise show format.
[00:09:29] The community piece of opera.
[00:15:03] The cost of opera training.
[00:16:30] Training program challenges.
[00:22:52] Stop saying BS.
[00:25:05] Reaching out for feedback.
[00:28:10] Being on time
[00:31:14] It's not about you.
[00:35:43] Living with chronic pain.
[00:38:23] Singing through snot.
[00:42:33] Normalizing glasses in opera.
[00:44:46] Embracing visual impairment.
[00:49:15] Activism and political aspirations.
[00:53:53] Politics and making a change.
[00:55:19] Politics representing people.
[00:59:40] People pleasing and overthinking.
[01:03:27] Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
[01:07:21] Overcoming challenges with dyslexia.
[01:09:25] Embrace your old age.

Links:

Connect with Kristine Dandavino
https://oshawapianovocals.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kristinedandavino/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, Alaina Viau and Karen Choi explore the multifaceted nature of marketing, emphasizing that it goes beyond simply disseminating a message. Karen Choi is a performing arts marketer who also coaches musicians and creatives to lead with authenticity.

They highlight the significance of actively listening and responding to the needs and desires of the community, as well as the artists and leadership within the organization.

Timestamps:

[00:02:07] Trying something new in podcasting.
[00:05:11] Benefits of cold plunging.
[00:09:24] The purpose of music.
[00:13:39] Cold water horse trough experience.
[00:18:23] Hiring practices and generational differences.
[00:23:30] Egocentric vs. customer-centric marketing.
[00:28:15] Elitism in theater experience.
[00:30:04] Influence of older generations.
[00:33:20] The product as entertainment.
[00:39:32] Diversity and creating new art.
[00:43:03] Expanding the idea of diversity.
[00:47:19] Marketing new opera.
[00:51:17] Marketing and art integration.
[00:55:13] Embracing our dark humanity.
[01:00:37] Long-term relationship with audience.
[01:04:45] Embracing change and growth.
[01:07:11] Spilling the tea.

Links:

Connect with Karen Choi
https://www.karenchoi.co/
https://www.instagram.com/karenchoi.co/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode, Alaina Viau, founder of Loose Tea Music Theatre, speaks with Maureen Batt, a soprano and producer, about paving their own way in the industry and living with ADHD.

They discuss the misconception that success in the opera world requires being in a major city, as well as the unique challenges and perspectives that come with ADHD. Join them as they dive into a candid and insightful conversation about breaking barriers and creating change in the opera community.

Timestamps:

[00:03:22] Learning languages as a singer.
[00:04:37] Saxophone players and connection.
[00:09:18] Stripped-down opera productions.
[00:13:37] Starting a company as artists.
[00:17:11] Art's relevance to changing world.
[00:19:00] Art as a dynamic process.
[00:23:10] Being true to oneself.
[00:26:23] Recording process without preparation.
[00:30:30] Deviation from classical music.
[00:36:46] Blazing your own artistic pathway.
[00:40:12] Competition in the arts.
[00:44:56] The competition in music.
[00:46:23] Being an artist in a capitalist hellscape.
[00:50:07] Sticky note productivity.
[00:54:36] ADHD diagnosis and affirmation.
[00:59:22] Productive procrastination and sticky notes.
[01:02:39] Emotional state in art making.
[01:06:02] Learning through movement.
[01:08:39] Motivation and deadline strategies.
[01:14:07] Resting is important, too.

Links:

Connect with Maureen Batt
https://maureenbatt.com/
https://www.instagram.com/maureenbattsoprano/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

This episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast is a conversation between Alaina Viau, founder of Loose Tea Music Theatre, and Saman Shahi, Canadian composer, conductor, and pianist.

You might not like the answer they have for "How to better manage money, energy, and expectations." Through their combined experience, they delve into the importance of giving oneself time to breathe, process, and learn, acknowledging that not everything happens instantly or as expected. They also highlight the notion that sometimes it is better for things to unfold later.

Timestamps:

[00:03:34] Lack of payment for artists.
[00:05:27] Financial challenges in artistic endeavors.
[00:09:09] Being an artist in this day and age.
[00:12:35] Late bloomer and career impact.
[00:15:09] Pressure on young singers.
[00:18:41] Developing as an artist.
[00:22:24] Learning from failed compositions.
[00:26:00] Repetition and its impact.
[00:29:10] Finding time for artistic pursuits.
[00:34:34] Internships and fair compensation.
[00:38:43] Burnout and creative apathy.
[00:42:02] Mental noise and burnout.
[00:46:49] Professionally sanitized.
[00:48:39] Taking in others' opinions.
[00:53:36] Patience in professional settings.
[00:55:36] Thought-provoking and action-inspiring.

Links:

Connect with Saman Shahi
https://samanshahimusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/shahipiano

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/

In this episode of the Compassionate Revolution podcast, Alaina Viau (founder of Loose Tea Music Theatre) and soprano Jonelle Sills talk about building trust with community and creating a safe and inclusive space for engagement.

Are younger audiences more interested in how art can positively impact people and bring about change in their hearts and minds?  Observations show they're particularly drawn to the social work and social justice aspects of classical music, wanting to understand how it affects their communities and relates to them as individuals. In contrast, the older generation may prioritize prestige and elitism in classical music. How does the classical music industry balance these two opposing needs?

Timestamps:

[00:01:06] Developing community around opera.
[00:03:49] Opera's elitism problem.
[00:07:11] Making space for community engagement.
[00:10:42] Creating space and engaging community.
[00:11:43] Building community in opera.
[00:15:50] Warmth in the opera industry.
[00:18:33] Work environment dynamics.
[00:22:30] Judgement and support in adversity.
[00:26:13] Compassionate care for artists.
[00:30:50] Volunteer opportunities in opera.
[00:36:13] Building community through intentional connections.
[00:37:21] The challenges of sustaining a career in classical music.
[00:40:28] Impact of art on people.
[00:43:38] Community engagement in theater.
[00:48:34] Collaboration in the arts.
[00:50:20] Authenticity in artistic spaces.

Links:

Connect with Jonelle Sills
https://jonellesills.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonellesills/

Connect with Alaina Viau
https://www.alainaviau.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alainaviau/

Connect with Loose Tea Music Theatre
https://looseteamusictheatre.com/
https://www.instagram.com/looseteatheatre/