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After Friday night’s performance of Broadway Divas: A History In Revue, a patron approached me and told me how much he enjoyed the show. He then went on to compliment the cast and asked:
Are they professional performers?
I didn’t know what to say.
I remember when I first started out as an accompanist — I learned the ropes while playing at my church— congregational hymns, the choir, soloists. I played for everyone and anyone and learned more and more each time.
It was a sweet day when I was able to charge $20/hr to accompany someone outside the church sphere.
Professional at last!
So by that definition, I wasn’t professional until I was paid for my services.
But that’s a tricky thing to define in the musical theatre industry.
There simply isn’t enough work for each artist to insist upon payment for every performance.
(Ugh. So depressing seeing those words typed out in black on white.)
Even the most successful musical theatre artists usually don’t work 12 months out of the year solely in musical theatre.
So then what constitutes a ‘professional performer’ in this context?
For me, as a producer, it’s about everything other than the talent.
You can teach a dance step, you can coach a voice, but you can’t teach an artist how to be passionate about their craft.
The artist who embraces joy is the artist you don’t mind being stuck in a windowless room with during a choreography rehearsal when the air conditioning decides to break down.
Every email is dealt with efficiently, every question asked is answered promptly and when the TTC is being the TTC *insert eye roll here* they send a message to the Stage Manager.
A creative process with an artist who’s open to learning is heaven. The opposite is a nightmare.
An artist who can wholeheartedly support the success of their fellow artists is golden.
Talent is talent is talent. But generosity, willingness to learn, communication, joy and passion can make or break a creative process, every single time.
As my community grows and I become connected to more and more artists, I’m happy to tell you that there are many in Toronto who embody all of those traits. And then have remarkable skill sets and talent to boot.
Were the artists who performed in Broadway Divas professional?
Absofrigginlutely.
And I love and admire them all for it.
Equip Your Artists, Don’t Badger Them
Marion Abbott is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. She also has her Grade 10 Voice and A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music. Marion is the creator of The Confidential Project (which includes Musical Theatre, Theatre, Shakespeare, Opera and Operetta), The Plain Stage Theatre Company, The Women Of Musical Theatre Festival, New Works Series, The Artist Discovery Series and The Spirit Of Maud Theatre Company. Consequently, Marion has produced over 300 productions in both Toronto and other neighbouring cities. Of the many (many!) shows Marion has worked on, some of her favourites include The Scarlet Pimpernel, All Shook Up, Anne And Maud, No Safe Harbour, Ragtime, Streetcar Named Desire and Passion. As a Musical Director, Marion has worked for Drayton Entertainment (Aladdin: The Panto, Cinderella: The Panto) and was a part of the first Drayton Youth Program. She has also worked for Sheridan College: Musical Theatre Performance Program, Etobicoke School Of The Arts: Musical Theatre Program and Ontario Music Festival. As a private teacher, Marion taught voice, piano and acting for 28 years to students of all ages. From festivals to recitals to performing in Disney World, Marion cherishes her memories of her time with her students dearly. Many of her students now work in the arts full time. Walt Disney is Marion's all-time hero and she tries to visit Walt Disney World with her son at least once a year. "The way to get something done is to stop talking and get busy doing." - Walt Disney
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