It's Okay to Say ‘No’: Protecting Your Energy as a Performer
Self Care Shauna Claire Self Care Shauna Claire

It's Okay to Say ‘No’: Protecting Your Energy as a Performer

As performers, we often hear the mantra, "Say yes!" Say yes to opportunities, to auditions, to every job, and to every skill. And while a positive mindset can open doors, it’s equally important to know when and how to say "no." Sometimes, choosing to decline an opportunity isn’t just okay—it’s necessary for your growth and well-being.

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Identifying and Avoiding Industry Red Flags
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Identifying and Avoiding Industry Red Flags

In the competitive world of performance arts, staying safe and aware is just as important as honing your craft. Red flags often signal danger, whether it's a person, opportunity, or situation, and recognizing them can protect your mental, emotional, and professional well-being. Here’s how to navigate your career with caution and confidence.

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How Blogging Can Boost Your Artistic Career
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

How Blogging Can Boost Your Artistic Career

Have you ever thought about starting a blog? You may have seen others doing it and wondered if it’s worth adding to your already busy schedule. Could blogging really make a difference for your career as a performing artist or entrepreneur? Let’s break it down together.

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Mastering the Art of Memory for Performers
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Mastering the Art of Memory for Performers

Memorizing sequences, choreography, or lines can feel overwhelming, but understanding how memory works can help you develop strategies that improve your ability to learn and retain information.

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Maximizing Your Time as a Performer
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Maximizing Your Time as a Performer

As life returns to its usual hustle and bustle, many performers are finding themselves busier than ever. With rehearsals, auditions, social gatherings, and other commitments filling up our schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But does being busier mean we need to work harder to keep up?

The answer is no. While hard work is essential, there’s a smarter way to approach your time. Often, we confuse being busy with being productive. The key is not to work harder but to work smarter.

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What is Your Inner Voice Telling You?
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

What is Your Inner Voice Telling You?

Did you know that you talk to yourself all day long? It’s true—and this “self-talk” can significantly impact your mindset, confidence, and performance. Whether it’s silently berating yourself for a mistake or dismissing a well-deserved compliment, your inner dialogue shapes how you see yourself.

But here’s the good news: you can change the way you talk to yourself, and it starts with awareness.

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3 Essential Tips to Improve Your Vocal Skills Between Lessons
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

3 Essential Tips to Improve Your Vocal Skills Between Lessons

For most singers, a voice lesson is just one hour of their week. While working with a vocal coach is invaluable, real progress requires effort beyond the lesson itself. So, what can you do during the other 167 hours in your week to enhance your vocal skills? Here are three effective tips to maximize your growth and keep your voice in top shape.

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7 Steps to Artistic Success
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

7 Steps to Artistic Success

Success in the creative arts isn’t just about talent; it’s about having a clear plan, maintaining consistency, and building a strong foundation for growth. Whether you’re running a studio, building a personal brand, or chasing big artistic goals, these seven steps will help you get on the path to long-term success.

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Habits That Could Be Blocking Your Success
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Habits That Could Be Blocking Your Success

Success looks different for everyone, but one thing is universal: the biggest obstacle to success often lies within us. Here are nine common behaviors that might be holding you back, along with tips to overcome them and reach your full potential.

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Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: Essential Tips for Performers
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Mastering the Art of Self-Taping: Essential Tips for Performers

Self-taping has become a vital part of auditions, with most opportunities now requiring some form of video submission. It's not just a trend—it’s here to stay. Making a great impression on your self-tape could be the key to landing your next role. To help you stand out, here are some essential tips for nailing your self-tapes.

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Building a Feedback-Driven Culture for Your Studio
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Building a Feedback-Driven Culture for Your Studio

As studio owners, we pour our hearts into our businesses. It's not just work; it's a passion that feels deeply personal. For many, our studios are like our “babies,” nurtured with care and attention. But as with anything close to our hearts, constructive criticism can be intimidating.

It’s time to embrace the power of feedback. Whether the critique is glowing or constructive, it’s essential to our growth. Yes, asking for feedback might reveal some tough truths, but those insights could be the key to elevating your studio to new heights.

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9 Times to Say "No"
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

9 Times to Say "No"

In the performing arts industry, we're often encouraged to say "yes" to every opportunity that comes our way. While being open to experiences can lead to growth, knowing when to say "no" is equally essential for protecting your mental health, values, and boundaries. Here are nine scenarios where saying "no" is not just okay but necessary:

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The Art of Conscious Breathing for Performers
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

The Art of Conscious Breathing for Performers

Breathing is life. For performers, breath goes beyond survival—it’s fuel for creativity, a source of clarity, and the foundation of emotional expression. Let’s take a closer look at how mastering your breath can elevate your performance and overall well-being.

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Stanislavski's Techniques for Better Acting
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Stanislavski's Techniques for Better Acting

Hello, November! Halloween has come and gone, fireworks are lighting up the skies, and Christmas is right around the corner. It’s that time of year when preparations for drama school auditions and seasonal productions begin in earnest. Whether you’re polishing your headshot, crafting your showreel, or drafting the perfect cover letter for agents and casting directors, November is all about taking steps closer to your goals.

To help you prepare for your best acting performance yet, let’s dive into some of Stanislavski’s renowned techniques and how they can elevate your craft.

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Help! My Voice Feels Tired!
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Help! My Voice Feels Tired!

As the busy season ramps up for performers, many of us are diving into rehearsals, preparing scripts, and learning songs for upcoming productions. It’s an exciting but demanding time, and you might find yourself asking, “Why does my voice feel so tired?”

Vocal fatigue can sneak up on anyone, especially when the workload increases. The good news is that with the right care and awareness, you can refresh your voice and prevent strain. Let’s explore what might be causing vocal fatigue and how you can nurture your voice back to its best.

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Muggle Jobs: What Are They & Why Are They Useful?
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Muggle Jobs: What Are They & Why Are They Useful?

In the performing arts world, the phrase "muggle job" has become shorthand for any non-performing role that helps support your artistic dreams. Whether you're just starting out or managing the unpredictable nature of auditions and gigs, these side jobs can be incredibly helpful in building a sustainable career.

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Why TikTok is a Game-Changer for Artists and Creatives
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Why TikTok is a Game-Changer for Artists and Creatives

Let’s talk TikTok. Whether you love it, hate it, or haven’t quite figured it out yet, there’s no denying the incredible opportunities it offers to performers and creatives. For many, TikTok began as a space for dance trends and viral videos. But the platform has grown into so much more—a vibrant hub for motivation, education, and a sprinkle of humor. So why should you, as an artist, join TikTok? Let’s explore.

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Struggling with Habits? Try These 3 Tips!
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Struggling with Habits? Try These 3 Tips!

Half of the year is gone—how are your New Year’s resolutions holding up? For many, resolutions start strong but often fade within weeks. Why is this? Often, it’s because they lack a foundation or realistic planning. Without these, resolutions quickly dissolve, leaving you back in old routines.

The good news? You can create habits that stick! Here are three simple yet effective tips to help you build dependable habits.

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Tips for Successful Costume Fittings
Shauna Claire Shauna Claire

Tips for Successful Costume Fittings

Costume fittings are an essential part of any performer’s journey, whether you're working in TV, film, or theatre. They’re not just about finding the right outfit; they’re about ensuring your look aligns perfectly with the vision of the production team. To make the process seamless and leave a great impression, here are some vital tips to follow:

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