The Artist Behind the Art

The stage is what we work for. But it's everything in between the performances that often shapes the opportunities that come next. In this solo episode of The Artist Behind the Art , Jennifer shares a collection of career lessons, observations, and practical advice that every circus artist should revisit throughout their career. Some of these ideas came from incredible mentors, some were lear...

What happens when the excitement of a new act wears off? When you're on tour, in a long-running production, or repeating an act over and over for stamina, one of the biggest challenges performers face isn't the performance itself—it's staying emotionally engaged inside the repetition. In this solo episode of The Artist Behind the Art , Jennifer shares the mindset shifts and practica...

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , Jennifer sits down with Courtney Butler, Head Athletic Trainer for Orlando Ballet and Sports Medicine Supervisor at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, and Katelyn, Registered Dietitian and Performance Nutrition Specialist working with Orlando Ballet performers. Together they tackle one of the biggest conversations facing performers today: how...

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 th...

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 prepa...

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...

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...

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 se...

What is your artistic voice — and can you clearly communicate it when it matters most? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , Jennifer breaks down what she calls your artistic voice: your ability to introduce yourself confidently at an audition, explain your act in words, and articulate what makes you unique as an artist in a highly competitive industry. For many circus artists and perform...

What does it actually take to sustain a career on tour? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , I’m joined by professional circus artist Elise Southwick , currently touring with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child . From cruise ships across the Mediterranean to bus tours across the U.S., Elise shares what it really looks like to maintain your discipline, your strength, and your professionalis...

Episode: What Makes a Circus Act Truly Great You asked for this episode—and I’ll be honest, it made me nervous to record. Because the moment we start defining “great,” people want to debate it (and they should). Art is subjective. So instead of declaring a universal truth, I’m sharing patterns I’ve witnessed over time—what consistently shows up in acts that evolve from “good” to unforgettable . Th...

What does it really take to stay healthy in a career where your body is your job? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , I sit down with Samantha Oft , PT, DPT, ATC — Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Athletic Trainer, and former Head Therapist for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba in Disney Springs. Sam has spent the past decade working with athletes and performers, bridging orthopedic reha...

Every New Year, we set goals like the future version of ourselves has unlimited time, energy, money, and emotional capacity — and then we wonder why we burn out or fall off track by March. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , we’re breaking down why most goal-setting fails — and how to plan in a way that actually works. This is a practical, honest conversation about capacity, sacrifice,...

What is it actually like to be part of the creation of a brand-new Cirque du Soleil production? In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , host Jennifer Pierce sits down with Alexis Bernatchez to unpack the realities of show creation from the performer’s perspective. From AXEL to Canadian contemporary circus companies, Alexis shares how characters are discovered, how ideas are born (sometimes...

In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , Jennifer sits down with aerialist, performer, and educator Dan Saab to talk about what it really looks like to build a circus career without a rulebook. Dan shares how he went from studying Theatre in college to working in circus full-time, performing in everything from cabaret and nightlife to large-scale productions and theme park shows — all while...

⭐ Episode #7 — Show Notes Presence That Connects: Four Ways to Stand Out Without Saying a Word In this episode, we’re breaking down the often-overlooked skill that separates solid performers from unforgettable artists : the way you show up before you ever speak. Choreographers, casting teams, and directors aren’t just watching what you do — they’re paying attention to how you enter the room, how...

Charting Your Path with Casting Director Stacy Clark Episode snapshot Former elite gymnast and pro circus artist Stacy Clark ( Former Director of Casting at Cirque du Soleil) joins me to unpack how artists actually get seen, get hired, and build careers that fit their lives. We talk personalized career paths (with or without circus school), where to network so it counts, the video materials that m...

Your energy walks in before you do — and it’s often the quiet reason you get noticed, rehired, and remembered. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer dives into one of the most overlooked skills in a performer’s toolkit: the ability to generate and direct your energy with intention. Drawing on Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s wisdom — “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring int...

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s both ambitious and extremely practical: what it really looks like to pursue a college degree or take online courses while performing professionally on contract . First things first— never forget your job is to be a performer . A class, test, or assignment should never interfere with your responsibilities on stage. That’s a non-negotiable . Setting a hard boun...

Have you ever come home from a tour and felt… off? One day you’re in the rhythm of shows, surrounded by your cast family, and the next you’re back home wondering what to do with the sudden space. That “in-between” can either drain you — or it can become one of the most rewarding parts of your career. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to turn the gap into a season of rest, growth, and possibil...

Life on tour isn’t just about what happens under the spotlight — it’s about how you take care of yourself in between shows. In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art , I’m sharing what it really takes to set yourself up for a long-term contract that feels sustainable, rewarding, and unforgettable. We’ll dive into: ·       🥗 Fueling like an athlete — how to think ahead with nutrition, supplemen...

Contracts can launch your career — or leave you burned out. In this episode, I’ll share the three questions every performer should ask before hitting “submit,” plus stories and strategies to help you choose wisely, protect your body, and set yourself up for a long, thriving career. Thanks so much for listening to The Artist Behind the Art . This podcast exists to support performers in building sus...