My name is Caitlin. I am an opera singer, a mezzo-soprano with a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University (opera and a musical theater certificate) and a Master of Music from Roosevelt University. Needless to say, I know a crap load about opera, art songs, chamber music and musical history. I may not be Maria Callas (yet... well, and I'm not a soprano, so I guess that would be difficult no matter what), but I've learned to sing better than most people you'll see at Tuesday night Karaoke. I have been paid to sing, but this past couple of weeks I was paid to do something else. (Here's a hint: I still used my voice... alot.)
Any guesses??? Ok, ok... I'll tell you.
Telemarketing.
Yes, with two expensive higher education degrees and a fancy operatic resume, I've found myself using all my learned stage charm and vocal lilt to convince these unsuspecting recipients of my calls to sign up for an exposition being held at a huge convention center in Chicago. One where they generally play pop music and "Musak" before Mozart.
And this is just one of many funny jobs I've held that are completely (or distantly) related to my operatic training. And that's why I've started this "blog", to examine the "Artistic Dichotomy" of the double lives of "starving artists"... One night being exalted for your great talent, be it a painting, a composition, a rockin' concert at the best venue in the city, being applauded by the masses... The next morning you're the one serving Starbucks to those same people.
Please share your stories, the funny jobs you've held in the service industry and the interactions you have with the public, possibly comparing it to the interactions you have while playing the role of "artist". Pass this call on. All stories will be posted and they may remain anonymous or bear your name.
Send all stories to artisticdichotomy@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I want to tell you to stop that as soon as possible. But that doesn't resolve the need to support yourself. Why is it that certain things/activities (Muzak, harassing grandmothers during soaps) are valued more highly than unique and revelatory performances - insights into existence - and the people who (like you) perform them? What determines this value for the majority? Why do people spend money this way? Its abundantly clear that they do. Opera (in whatever form) will never be tv. Why? What is it about Americans, or humans, that causes most to seek something easier, less flavorful, less challenging?
ReplyDelete