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In this interview we asked Maya to tell us about what it takes to build a career in the very competitive field of theater. A native of Syracuse New York, Maya has been passionate about acting and dancing since she was a little girl. Her parents, both musicians, encouraged her to perform at school and ever since, Maya has been advancing her career in the performance arts and focuses on helping other independent performers create a sustainable living in Syracuse.
Maya’s first influential experience in the theater world was with the Gifford Family Theater at LeMoyne College. She was a young child when she worked with them, but she remembers seeing all these performers and directors at work, which has continued to inspire her.
When Maya’s parents first transferred to MPH, she had a difficult time transitioning. However, she quickly realized that the faculty were truly interested in students’ interests and passions. They emphasized individuality in their young students, and this meant the world to Maya. MPH provided different opportunities for her to participate in the arts, musicals, plays, dance classes and opportunities to work with outside companies.
Maya initially applied to Geneseo during her senior year, but soon decided not to attend, because she struggled with what exactly she wanted to focus on. It was a couple years later when she decided to attend a music conservatory program for a full school year at Onondaga in Syracuse. However, even though vocal music interested Maya, she began to feel that too much time and energy was being spent on a focus that didn’t feel complete. After she completed the year she worked other jobs and explored other programs.
One of Maya’s regrets was not being able to attend arts school or theater school. Although SUNY Empire State is not an arts school, her advisor there was extremely helpful, by encouraging Maya to design an independent curriculum in which she received school credit for the performances she participated in. The biggest challenge for Maya in completing her degree was adhering to deadlines and keeping herself motivated when she felt overwhelmed. While perhaps not the traditional choice for an education in the arts Maya believes SUNY Empire State provided her with experiences and a practical education that prepared her for life as an independent professional artist.
Maya emailed the founder of a production company that was based in Syracuse. To her surprise and excitement, she received a message to meet for coffee. The director told her that he was in the process of creating Breadcrumbs productions. Maya joined him as Associate Artistic Director and helped develop the company’s mission. Maya credits this opportunity to her willingness to reach out to strangers.
“More often than not, people will contact you back” – Maya.
MPH had been a great source for support and motivation for Maya when she was young. Now, they welcomed her with open arms as their new Theater Director. Maya enjoys teaching here, and strives to find a work balance to continue with her independent work.
This field is extremely competitive, that even the minor roles have many actors auditioning for them. Although a bachelor’s degree is not required; actors with a degree have a better probability of being selected for a role. Work projects might last a day to a few months, during which a performer might have to do different jobs depending on the project pay structure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, streaming platforms are generating a lot of content to stay relevant and compete, which will produce more opportunities for actors. Smaller theaters will face the biggest challenge due to lack of funding.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data shows little to no growth in this field, with very high competition.
On average $40-$100 an hour.
There are different types or contracts, like a one-day contract or a week contract.
Auditions.
No required. But having an education is fundamental and helps understand different characters with different backgrounds. Attending a school for acting will help with techniques and develop skills.
My journey has been about:
How can I create my own opportunities and learn how to budget?
How can I create my own work and pay others to do it with me?
To be a performer there are many qualities to have or develop. Creativity, Memorization skills and physical stamina are fundamental. Developing speaking techniques to project your voice clearly or in different accents. Comprehensive reading skills to interpret how the writer has developed the story and character. Developing physical coordination will make you a better performer, dancer, or any other coordinated or predetermined movement. Persistence, is very important for a performer, who might audition for many rolls before actually getting hired.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
– Helen Keller
