I wanted to really break down the “it’s hard but it’s great” phrase that I feel we so often hear when it comes to this space - I wanted someone to tell me / talk deep about exactly why it’s hard, and why it’s great. In diving into detail with the whys, I hope that this convo (and others) can begin to shed some light for women / caregivers in the arts space.
In this convo, I chat to operatic soprano Samantha Crawford, about the practical (and emotional) realities of having a baby, as a freelance performer. Sam generously and vulnerably shares her experience - hopefully this can add to an informed, open, honest dialogue about parenthood in the arts.
We talk about:
- Unexpected joys of parenthood.
- Vulnerability.
- Community.
- Positive dialogue around parenting.
- “The fourth trimester”
- Living away from family support.
- Preparations and plans.
- Boundaries, communication, and the power of asking for support.
- Financial planning.
- Travelling with a baby.
- Reaching out when lonely.
- Specific joys, and specific challenges.
- Real / perceived influence of pregnancy on auditioning / getting cast.
- The experience of women in this space / women in opera.
- Pressures.
- Being kind to yourself, and in the moment.
- The power of conversation.
- Women’s power.
- Some practicalities, when it comes to breastfeeding on the job.
- Auditioning after giving birth.
- Some helpful resources.
Resources mentioned:
- “SWAP’ra” https://www.swap-ra.org/
- The singer’s guide to complete health, Anthony F. Jahn
- The positive birth book, Milli Hill
Guest details:
IG: @samanthacrawfordmusic
FB: https://m.facebook.com/samanthacrawfordsoprano
Twitter: @S_H_Crawford
Website: Samanthacrawford.com
Disclaimer: As ever, please bear in mind that this is just a conversation between two individuals; your feelings and experience may differ from what we discuss. My hope is that this conversation can help you more deeply understand and converse about what’s most important to you / what your feelings are on this topic; everything is valid, and there’s space here for everyone.
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Intermission
Experience(s) of Endometriosis as a Performer
On why we create
Reintegration
Welcome to Season 2!
What now? What next?
On Fear (and Courage)
Freelance Artist Relief Australia (and the state of our art)
More (quite hilarious) Freelancer Finances.
On Grief (and Hope)
Artist Relief Tree (and hope for artists)
Finances in a time of crisis
Freelancer Finances
Wellness
Procrastination (and what we can do about it...)
Vocal Health, Part Three
Vocal Health, Part Two
Vocal Health, Part One
Introduction Episode
Create your
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minutes
It is Free
The Marty Ray Project: Chats
What’s the Res?
It’s All An Act
The Turn of the Screw
A Tale of Two Cities
The Magnus Archives
The Moth