The Artist Behind the Art
The Artist Behind the Art is a podcast designed to help performers thrive on and off the stage. Through honest conversations, coaching, and real-world strategies, you’ll learn how to prepare, perform, and create a career that’s sustainable, rewarding, and unforgettable.
Episodes
19 episodes
Email Communication Tips Every Performing Artist Should Know
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 r...
Circus Competitions vs Festivals with Julian McTaggart: What Artists Need to Know
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 exp...
The Art of Reflection: Post-Show Questions for Stronger Performances
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...
Trust the Process: From First Contract to Consistent Work
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 ...
Rooms of Possibility: Career Lessons from Cheryl Ann Sanders
Your Reputation Enters the Room Before You Dowith Cheryl AnnWhat happens when you say yes to something completely outside your comfort zone?In this episode of The Artist Behind the Art, Jennifer sits do...
From Mind’s Eye to Words: Finding Your Artistic Voice
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...
Staying Castable on the Road:Training, Strength & Studio Etiquette with Elise Southwick
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
What Makes a Circus Act Truly Great: Creating Acts That Make Time Stand Still
Episode: What Makes a Circus Act Truly GreatYou 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.S...
The “This Tall to Ride” Standard with Samantha Oft : Strength + Capacity for the professional circus Artist
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, Certifi...
Stacking the Deck in Your Favor: How to Plan With the Life You Actually Have
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
Inside the Creation Process with Alexis Bernatchez: What It Really Takes to Build a Brand-New Show
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 reali...
Building Your Own Path: Contracts, Teaching & Asking for Help with Aerialist Dan Saab
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 ...
Presence That Connects: Four Ways to Stand Out Without Saying a Word
⭐ Episode #7 — Show NotesPresence That Connects: Four Ways to Stand Out Without Saying a WordIn this episode, we’re breaking down the often-overlooked skill that separates solid performers from unforge...
Charting Your Path with Casting Director Stacy Clark
Charting Your Path with Casting Director Stacy ClarkEpisode snapshotFormer elite gymnast and pro circus artist Stacy Clark ( Former Director of Casting at Cirque du Soleil) joins me to unpack how artists actua...
Intentional Energy: The Hidden Skill That Changes Everything
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 t...
E4 Balancing Acts: How to Earn Your Degree While Touring as a Circus Artist
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 for...
Thriving in the Gap — Navigating the Space Between Contracts
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 c...
Beyond the Stage — Thriving on Tour
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-te...
Before You Hit Submit: How to Set Yourself Up for Contract Success
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 yo...