Inside the Artistic Mind: A Q&A

Lauren Irving

Atlanta Parent spoke to three professional artists about their creative careers. Here’s what they want you to know about living and working in the professional arts community.

Lauren Irving

Showguide & Vocalist, Ringling Brothers Circus

What would you tell an aspiring singer?

First, you are your own business card. You are representing yourself, so represent well. Second, recognize who’s in your corner and who isn’t. In the moments that you need a safe space, you’ll know where to turn. Third, do it for the love and passion of performing. Be sure you feel fulfilled.

What makes working in the circus so exciting?

Being a part of the circus with Ringling Brothers has been thrilling because I get to work with people from all over the world who use their human ability and create a spectacle. The circus has such a legacy and being part of it is an honor. The fearlessness and concentration the performers have is thrilling to me. I am in awe of them and watching each show is like a new experience. It never gets old!

What was your favorite part about growing up in Atlanta?

I grew up in the metro area in Suwanee. I always remember Turner Field as a kid. I loved going to the Braves games and the atmosphere of being that close to the game was so special. We’d drive through the city, go to The Varsity — it was different than the suburbs. Though, there’s something comforting about that environment as well. You can make a friend in line at the grocery store. It’s great to be a part of a community.

What is the toughest thing about being a professional singer?

You have to be disciplined off the stage. Most of the maintenance is done outside of the show on my off days. I have to go to bed on time, eat well and drink plenty of water. All of these things help me take care of my body and maintain my instrument well. When it’s showtime, you have to be ready to go. It’s worth it.

Tim Sweeney / Photo courtesy of Center for Puppetry Arts

Tim Sweeney

Resident Artist & Executive Producer, Center for Puppetry Arts

What would you tell an aspiring puppeteer?

Be sure the arts and performing are where your heart is. You have to have the passion because it can be a challenging career path. If you have specific ideas of what your genre or arts area is, get the best training for yourself. This is how you can best set yourself up for success.

How did you get into this art form?

I went to school for drama and after that, I came to Atlanta. The Center for Puppetry Arts was holding auditions and, ultimately, I got a part. That was 25 years ago, and I haven’t looked back.

As a kid, I was a huge Muppets and Sesame Street fan, so this is a natural fit for me. When Jim Hensen died, I was 11 or 12 and was really sad about it. I also always played with my toys a certain way. I was concerned about their movements looking realistic.

What is the toughest thing about being a professional performer?

It’s often freelance work. So, making a steady living can be tough. Specifically with puppeteering, there is a lot of physicality. It can be challenging on the knees, back, etc. since you are often in weird positions for various characters.

What is your favorite arts-related activity in Atlanta?

XPT at the Center is absolutely my favorite! Amateurs and professionals put on a show of short puppet pieces, live and on film. It’s so cool to see what people put together with puppets on a limited budget.

What advice do you have for other parents when it comes to the arts?

Parents know their kids the best. Look at the potential and see what they might be interested in. Then, expose them to the right things. Some kids don’t have a long attention span and others do, regardless of age. My kids always loved Toddler Takeover at the High Museum of Art.

Joseph Quintana

Management Assistant & Performer, Theatre for the Very Young – Alliance Theatre

What would you tell an aspiring performer/musician?

Be open to learning everything possible. If you’re offered the chance to be a clown, be a clown. If you play an instrument, play as many as you can get your hands on. The more I have offered to the world, the more things that have come my way. Playing the violin has led to roles in Shakespeare and other plays. Just do it! There is so much opportunity out there.

In the arts, when you audition for things, you hear “no” a lot. My first voice teacher always told me you have to ask for what you want, and I’ve taken that to heart. Sometimes the answer is “no” and that’s okay, but you won’t find out if you don’t ask.

How did you get into the arts?

I grew up as a musician and always wanted to perform for everyone, all the time. Around age 8, I started playing the strings — violin, viola, cello. Then, voice became my main thing led, which led to theater. I try to blend my talents and passion as much as I can. With Theatre for the Very Young, I am a non-verbal actor and play violin.

What is the toughest thing about being a professional performer?

It is a lot of job seeking. You are your own manager at times; you are looking for jobs, managing travel and finance. It’s a lot to juggle and keep track of. You must be willing to fund yourself and your art. It’s possible to do it, you just have to have the right attitude. I am a professional artist and sometimes I have other jobs — thinking of it that way has been super helpful for me.

What is your favorite arts-related activity in Atlanta?

Readings of new work. So many cities just focus on the tried-and-true big musicals, but we are lucky. The Alliance has working title playwrights and there is always advocacy for reading new works in this city. It’s my favorite thing!

-Tali Benjamin