About The PROArtist Academy
Welcome to The PROArtist Academy, where the stage meets strategy, and artistry is united with entrepreneurship. Founded by Shauna Claire, a passionate performer and seasoned entrepreneur, our platform is designed to be your guiding light on the path to a successful performance career.
Why We Exist
The idea for The PROArtist Academy was born out of personal frustration. We know what it's like to stand in the spotlight, captivating audiences with your talent, and yet, feel uncertain about how to build a sustainable career. The performance industry is a dynamic and competitive arena, but it's often shrouded in mystery when it comes to personal branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Shauna Claire, the founder and CEO, is not only a full-time soprano and actress across Europe but also a certified expert in personal branding and marketing, with qualifications in neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive behavioural therapy, and ICT transformational and confidence coaching. This unique blend of artistic prowess and business acumen equips us to provide you with a holistic approach to performance success.
Our Mission
At The PROArtist Academy, we're driven by a singular mission: to empower performers like you to turn your artistic dreams into thriving careers. We believe that the world deserves to witness your talent, and that it's not enough to simply possess the skill — you need the know-how to navigate the business side of performance.
Shauna’s story
Imagine receiving a full scholarship to study opera in London, only to be confronted with two debilitating medical conditions and a prognosis that threatened her life. For Shauna, this dramatic twist is just one chapter in her remarkable journey, which ultimately led her to create a business that empowers others through the arts.
As an internationally award-winning lyric coloratura soprano, Shauna has performed iconic roles such as Nanetta in Verdi's Falstaff, Poppea in Monteverdi's L’incoronazione di Poppea, Susanna in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, and Morgana in Handel's Alcina, among others. Recently, she originated the role of Cis Power in Stephen McNeff’s opera Spirits Unsurrendered during its world premiere in November 2023.
However, her journey took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating disease often referred to as “the suicide disease.” This condition left Shauna wheelchair-bound, paralyzed, and in excruciating pain 24/7, leading to serious complications and dependence on opiates for pain management. When doctors told her that she might not survive the month, her mother, Elaine, refused to accept this fate. She rallied a team of expert medical advisors, including physiotherapist Simon Greene, who crafted a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that changed Shauna's life.
Through determination and resilience, Shauna learned to walk again, managed her pain with mental strength, and ultimately reclaimed her life—living free of opiates for over three years. While navigating her health challenges, she took the opportunity to further her education, completing multiple courses that led to her qualification with META as a social media strategist and personal branding expert.
Inspired by her journey, Shauna founded her business to empower and support fellow artists. She shares her story through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, inspiring others to defy the odds and pursue their passions, regardless of the obstacles they face. Today, she leads an active lifestyle, engaging in mountain climbing, horse riding, and caring for multiple small animals while performing in operas throughout Ireland and Europe.
Shauna's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and grace, illustrating that with the right support and determination, we can turn our challenges into opportunities to inspire and uplift others.