Arts Career Changes: Learning to Pivot at the Gate

Welcome, Young Traveler.

At this very moment—regardless of whether you’re just starting out or thinking about taking that leap from your chosen path—we’ve all become either masters or casualties of the great art of pivoting. If COVID taught the world anything (aside from how to bake sourdough), it’s that control is an illusion. A comforting, cozy, completely delusional illusion.

If you’re a student staring into the existential void, wondering whether to be a stage manager, director, choreographer, technician, or designer, take comfort: you’re not alone. It’s a daunting world out there. And if you’re already knee-deep in the trenches or feeling the slow crawl toward burnout, you’ve likely faced the same question: What now?

Those of us brave enough to freelance our way through this industry are well-acquainted with the ancient, noble art of pivoting. We practically have honorary black belts in Master Shifu’s School of Zen Practice of Inner Peace.

And now, with our current administration doing its best impression of a never-ending anxiety spiral, it honestly feels like COVID 2.0—no virus required. Organizations are dissolving faster than your post-grad hopes and dreams, and the government agency you thought was funding your next project? Oh, they ghosted. You lie awake at night, haunted by the words of your Baby Boomer parents: “Maybe it’s time for a real job”, whatever that means.

In times of chaos, we’re told to “focus on what we can control.” Cute, right? Easier said than done when everything you thought was stable is melting faster than an ice sculpture at a summer wedding.

But here’s the thing—entertainment, in all its glittery, unpredictable glory (circus, musicals, Shakespeare, cruise ships, theme parks, TV, film—you name it), has always been about staying one step ahead of total collapse. It’s practically our brand.

So, to you, young traveler—just setting out on your journey—know this: the noise will be deafening. It’ll come from every direction. Well-meaning parents. Idolized mentors. Social media. Your own self-doubt.

But like any brave explorer heading into the great unknown, your best weapon is research—and maybe a stiff drink (or two, depending on the day).

In the 80’s I lived by the after school special quote that Knowledge is Power. That knowledge will be your armor.

Knowledge is Power.
Knowledge is Armor.
But even armor needs tools to be forged.

To build your armor, you must first build your toolbox.

Curiosity – The spark that drives you to ask why, how, and what if.
Critical Thinking – Your compass in a world full of noise.
Learning Skills – Reading, listening, observing: the ways you gather materials.
Application – Turning theory into action, knowledge into results.
Emotional Intelligence – Because knowing yourself is the strongest shield.
Communication – Tools are only useful when you can share them with others.

As you build your armor, keep the following ideals in mind as you learn to Pivot:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings
  • Oh yes, feelings. That wonderful emotional rollercoaster we never actually asked to ride. But seriously—acknowledging them is key. Life’s a mess of highs and lows, but guess what? You’re still the boss of how you react. Emotions are temporary, unlike that awkward phase in 8th grade (unfortunately).
• Stay Positive
  • Negative people can find something wrong in a rainbow. But positive folks? They flip the script like it’s their full-time job.
  • Anxious? Go for a run, dance in your kitchen, scream into a pillow—whatever burns that anxious energy. Then take a leap of faith and remember: life’s setbacks are really just plot twists in your very dramaticcharacter arc.
• Be Flexible
  • During COVID, I went from center stage to stocking shelves at Target. Talk about a character-building montage. But hey, humility looks good on a résumé—right next to perseverance and knowing where the Clorox wipes are stocked.
• Set Small Goals
  • Because “become wildly successful by Friday” isn’t exactly realistic. Tiny goals give you that dopamine hit and help you figure out if you’re cruising down the right road or need to make a U-turn with flair.
• Seek Support
  • Life coach? Mentor? Online class? Yes, yes, and yes. Because contrary to popular belief, winging it is not a sustainable life strategy. Stay curious, stay humble, and maybe, just maybe, learn something new.
• Practice Self-Care
  • Whether it’s yoga, binge-watching stand-up comedy, or treating yourself to an aggressively overpriced latte—do what clears your head. You can’t pour from an empty cup, especially if it’s chipped and full of burnout
• Stay Informed
  • Social media is cute and all, but real industry insight lives elsewhere. Spend an hour a day catching up on actual developments and connecting with people who aren’t just sharing cat memes.
• Focus On What You Can Control
  • Job hunting, career plotting, networking—it’s all part of the grind. Even when you land the “dream job,” the hustle doesn’t exactly stop. Keep your radar on and your inbox checked.
• Bonus Tool: Volunteer Your Talents
  • Got free time and a skill set collecting dust? Lend your gifts to a school or community theatre. I spent three years volunteering at Northeast Middle School as an assistant director and production designer—and yes, it was as chaotic and heartwarming as it sounds. It’s fulfilling, builds your armor, and keeps your creativity from fossilizing.

So, Young Traveler,
As you begin your journey, know this: every step is a lesson waiting to unfold.

Whether you’re in your mid-20s or well into your 60s, the path of growth never ends. We are eternal students in the classroom of life.

Let your curiosity be the flame that lights your way. It will ignite your creativity, guide your questions, and help you build the knowledge that becomes your armor.

Stay open. Stay wondering. Stay building.

“White. A plank page, or canvas.  So many possibilities.”

Tony Yamashiro

Creative Consultant and Life Coach -United Arab Emirates

Over 40 Years of Theatrical Experience

- Production Stage Manager
- Cruise Ship Wardrobe Supervisor and Install Project Management
- Head of Wardrobe – Franco Dragone
- Community Theatre
- Children’s Theatre
- Dramaturg
- Creative Consultant
- Life Coach, Specializing in Entertainment with a focus in Transiting

Passion, Purpose, & Passion

As children, we were captivated by the theatre, circus, events, and concerts—each experience igniting a burning passion to “join the circus.” We dove in headfirst, absorbing every ounce of creativity, conducting deep research, and continually educating ourselves. Every project became an opportunity to prove our worth and push ourselves to new heights.
That passion propels us toward the levels we strive for, and in some cases, it reveals a greater purpose. A purpose that drives us to not only share our craft but to learn more about ourselves along the way. This purpose often sparks new passions, encouraging us to pivot when the time is right. This pivot may introduce us to a new generation with fresh ideals, or it may signal a shift in our personal journeys when our bodies no longer align with our previous dreams. It’s in these moments that we embrace change as we write the next chapter of our lives.

The true gift of the entertainment industry is its remarkable fluidity—a vast umbrella of possibilities for exploration. As a Life Coach Specialist in Entertainment, I focus on guiding individuals through the transitions in their careers and personal lives, helping them uncover new passions and ultimately find a sense of purpose in the ever-evolving journey.
As a manager, supervisor, and mentor to young minds, I lead with the belief that we all must focus on five key elements to grow: building teamwork, following through, cultivating confidence, and fanning the flames of passion that can lead to purpose. Whether you choose to be a stay-at-home parent, a cashier at a supermarket, or the CEO of a major corporation, these elements are the core of your development. Age is irrelevant; we must continue to learn, evolve, and grow every single day of our lives.

Allow me to guide you through your transition. I am here to be the light in the darkness or to help you find the clarity needed to take your next step. Together, we can unlock the next chapter of your journey.

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