Meet Your Host: Shauna Claire
Getting to Know You
Q. Tell us about yourself and how you got into performing arts.
I’ve been performing for essentially as long as I’ve been breathing! As soon as I could talk, I could sing. And as soon as I could walk, I could dance. As a child, I was a model for Ralph Lauren and Brown Thomas Children’s wear, and I was enrolled in stage school, ballet training, and piano lessons. The performing arts have always been a huge part of my life since as long as I can remember.
Q. What was the moment when you realised you wanted to pursue this career?
It’s funny, because I come from a background of having studied Law and Political Science at university. While my parents were always my biggest supporters, there were some other family members who really put me off the idea of pursuing performing arts as a career. I always had the potential, but I’d hear things like “that’s just a dream, what are you REALLY going to do?” But with encouragement from my first singing teacher, I auditioned at the major world conservatories and was offered a full scholarship to study in London. That was it for me really. I’d always wanted to be a performer, but to finally hear someone say “yes, you’ve got it. And you can make a career from this”, it was honestly the most freeing, and ‘right’ thing I’ve ever felt in my life.
Q. What inspired you to start a podcast, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
I’ve always felt this has been somewhat of a ‘smoke and daggers’ industry. My family members still don’t really know how I actually earn a living from this! And that’s why I was discouraged for so long. I truly want to help educate young, talented performers on how they can learn the business side of the performing arts, and really take their career into their own hands. I have qualifications from META, TikTok and Hubspot in Social Media Management, Social and Digital Advertising, Financial Wellbeing Coaching, and I’m also a certified ICF Personal Coach and Branding Expert. So now that I’ve gathered all of this knowledge, I want to share it with as many young performers as I can, and level the playing field in this industry.
All About the Podcast
Q. What does ‘High Notes and Hijinks’ mean to you?
High Notes and Hijinks was a name that Evan came up with and I just totally fell in love with it. To me, it describes everything my career has encompassed so far (as well as my friendship with Evan so far!!) and it embodies our message perfectly. I think it captures both the fun and the madness of a career in this industry, as well as the excitement for the opportunities to come. I’m so excited to share it with you!
Q. Why should people care about what you have to say?
This is the question I most wanted to answer. Because I totally understand that as it is, performers have so many different voices in their ears telling them what they should and shouldn’t be doing. But what I think myself and Evan bring to the table is firstly the fact that we’re both young professionals, still training, and breaking out into the industry. We’re committed and passionate to what we want to achieve, and we’re still young enough and fresh enough to understand the hardships and struggles that you’re going through first hand. We don’t have it all figured out yet, but we’re figuring it out together and want to build a community of people who are united in a common goal.
I also know an awful lot about personal branding and digital marketing, which is why I set up the ProArtist Academy to begin with. There’s going to be lots of episodes where I’ll share the information it’s taken me years and thousands of pounds to acquire. I’m so committed to helping young performers to rise, and building a supportive community where we can all thrive and succeed.
Your Career and Journey
Q. What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Without a doubt, it was playing the lead role in McNeff’s world premiere of his opera Spirits Unsurrendered. As a patriotic Irish girl whose grandfather and great-uncles fought in the 11916 Rising and the War of Independence, it was truly so special to be able to bring the art form that is opera to a story I know from their first hand experience. It was such an honour, and the energy in the room was so powerful that I still shudder a little when I think about it. I remember thinking, “this is what it’s all about, making people feel something”.
Q. What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have they shaped you?
Where do I even begin? I’ve had so many challenges, more than most in life. I’ve been wheelchair bound, learned to walk again, dealt with debilitating PTSD, given a month to live, told I was never sing again….. and that’s before all the natural rejection that comes with a career in the public eye and performing arts! I think challenges can either make or break you as both a person and a performer, and one thing I know I have in spades is resilience. And that’s a quality I know I can move forward in my life with.
**You can listen to my story here, on Alive and Kicking with NEwstalk. Timestamp: 4.10**
Q. What makes you feel inspired or motivated?
Art! in all of it’s forms. I personally love reading poetry to feel inspired. Live performances, concerts and plays are integral to feeling motivated for me. I also get inspired by brainstorming and planning projects.
I’m also a huge believer in the power of nature to both inspire and motivate. If I miss my weekend hike, or trek with the horses, I instantly don’t feel as refreshed and ready to take on the world. Sea-swimming, being around natural flora and fauna, beautiful architecture and art galleries… these are all my go-to motivators especially in a time of crisis!
Your Personal Brand
Q. How would you define your personal brand, and how has it evolved over the years? Can you describe your personal brand in 3 words?
As a ballerina, I always felt elegant. As I grew up in the modelling world, I started to feel sexy. And as a person, I love nothing more than to laugh. So my personal brand encompasses these core parts of myself.
My personal brand is:
Playful.
Elegant.
Seductive.
Q. What’s one thing that people would be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a major adrenaline seeker! I’ve done multiple charity skydives, I’m a regular scuba diver, horse-rider, mountain climber, and all round general lunatic.
Just for Fun
Q. What’s the last thing that made you laugh so hard you cried?
Hearing about Evan’s most recent night out… I live vicariously through this man and his wildness!
Q. If you could have dinner with three fictional characters, who would they be and why?
Easy. Jamie Fraser from Outlander, Klaus Mikaelson from The Originals and Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses. Do you see the pattern here?
Q.If you were a dessert, what would you be and why?
If I were a dessert, I’d be a gold-leaf opera cake—layered, rich, and unapologetically indulgent. It’s classic, sophisticated, and finished with a touch of gold because I love extravagance. The kind of dessert you don’t forget and probably can’t resist.
Q. What’s the most unusual item in your handbag or pocket right now?
Get ready to be shocked… finger condoms. HEAR ME OUT… I eat with my hands a lot and sometimes you can’t wash them before eating. PLUS as a singer I’m always giving my masseter muscles a massage, and I’m not doing that with bare fingers.
Hey, you asked!
Q. What’s a guilty pleasure that you’re not actually guilty about?
My obsessed with The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The extravagance, the fashion, the drama…. I may as well be describing an opera!
Where can people find you and follow your journey more?
You can find me on Instagram and TikTok where I spend most of my time. Username is @shaunaclaireofficial on both. I also have a YouTube channel and a Threads Account. I hope to see you all there!
