Someone has a birthday approaching! In celebration of Executive Producer & newly appointed Creative Director, Shane Smith's birthday, we decided to republish 7 questions from a recent interview with Errea A. - Dance Appreciation student at California's El Camino College. (Special shout to Tin-Tin & our west coast readers!) Be sure to wish Shane Happy Birthday in the comments below!
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Describe your career path.
I’m a girl of many hats. My job titles include Choreographer, Executive Producer, International Performer, Creative Director, and Fire Performer, among a few others. I studied performing arts in both high school and college, and started performing professionally while in grade school still. Shortly into my professional career, I started an entertainment company, which provides entertainment for corporate & social events; as well as consulting, advertising, and video production. Now celebrating 8 years, under Stella Entertainment, I manage 5 brands, one of which is an online destination for events, fashion, and entertainment. But as a performer, some of my more notable credits include working with Ne-yo, Sugarland, and Sesame Street Live, in addition to performing internationally for various resorts and cruise ships. Did you experience any struggles while pursuing your career? I would consider any career in arts & entertainment to be a struggle in itself. For me, in the beginning the struggle was all about getting started and finding opportunities. Now that I’m more established, the struggle is about creating fulfilling opportunities, not only for myself, but for the next generation as well. What are pros and cons of your profession? I would have to say one of the cons of my profession is the gray zone. There’s not a lot of black and white, so you have to have a clear vision of what you want, while being focused on achieving it. But, that’s also kind of what’s so great about it as well. You’re free to do, create, or become whatever you want. What has been the most memorable moment of your career? There have been quite a few memorable moments in my career. But, the first one that comes to mind is a children’s hospital visit years ago, while touring with Sesame Street Live. I spent the morning in the intensive care unit with the patients and their parents. And just seeing how much something so small could mean - it made me realize that artists have the opportunity to really make a difference in people’s lives. Has your career lived up to your expectations? I definitely think my career has lived up to my expectations. I’m far from where I want to be, but I’ve had some incredible experiences that I’m truly grateful for. And, I’ve been able to build a career without limits. There’s nothing more that you can ask for. What do you wish you knew when you began your career? That the only limits that we have are the ones we create for ourselves. Regarding your career choices, would you have done anything differently? Not a thing. I’ve had some ups and downs, but if you learn from your lessons, nothing is ever a wasted effort. |
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Special thanks to Marc Turnley & Kevin Voth Photography! Be sure to check out the video for a teaser for what's to come in THE SUITE 2015! You may also like Canada vs USA: Atlanta Photographer's Guild Shoot or Style Up Your Summer Look.
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