What's the short description of the podcast?
Classically (Un)Trained podcast is a companion for classically-trained performers who are on a journey to (re)invent themselves for the 21st century and (re)discover meaning in what they’ve trained so hard to master.
The podcast should launch sometime in September 2024. The first season should run for about three months. However, you can already subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, for example Apple Podcasts (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre), Spotify (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)…
How does the sponsorship work?
The idea is that by purchasing a membership, you sponsor one or more artists in the Classically (Un)Trained community. This is a community that the host is building which, for now, is taking the form of a monthly remote call to discuss projects/issues/the themes of the podcast as well as a group chat.
As a patron, you will also gain access to updates and all the past posts. And, if there is interest, a monthly call as well.
Of course, a performer can also pay for a membership for themselves, as well... up to them.
I'm intrigued, but not sure I want to commit just yet - what do I do?
The best way to keep up with this project is to sign up for the newsletter (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre), which I send out on the 13th of every month (you will also go on a 7-day Classical (Un)Training Mini-Journey for the first week of being subscribed).
You can also follow on Instagram: @ema_katrovas_podcast And, of course, subscribe to the podcast...
What do I get in the free monthly newsletter?
If you sign up for the newsletter, the following 4 things will land in your inbox on the 13th of every month:
1) Spotlight on 1 Classically (Un)Trained Artist of the Month
A short portrait of an artist working today or a historical figure who embodies the classically (un)trained spirit
2) (Un)Training Challenge
Something to think about or something to try – for artists trying to break out of their classical habits
3) My Classical (Un)Training
A short update into the host’s doctoral research into poor opera and/or how she’s applying the subjects of her podcast in her particular case
4) Something to Read or Listen To
Highlight of a podcast or blogpost about issues related to performers in the 21st century – on the Classically (Un)Trained platform or elsewhere!
IN ADDITION you will go on a 7-day Classical (Un)Training Mini-Journey for the first week of your subscription. What is a 7-day Classical (Un)Training Mini-Journey? Subscribe and find out…
What's the long description of the podcast?
Performing arts degrees are likened to pyramid schemes, auditions are called cattle calls, and artists who make a living from performing are the 1%. If you’re a classically-trained actor, singer, instrumentalist or dancer, you’ve heard these quips before and you’re well aware - thank you very much - that you’ve trained hard to fit into a very elite but, as it turns out, very overcrowded market - and one that is shrinking under your feet. Most advice for young performers focuses on how to break into the industry, make enough money from gigging, or find the right parallel career. Those things are important, but something’s missing. What about the need to find meaning in what you do, beyond just chasing after your next stage "fix"? What about the fundamental need to be part of a community of people you respect and admire, not just ones you need to outcompete? What about the importance of doing something you know is relevant, meaningful and even, dare we say, essential? In every episode of the first season of Classically (Un)Trained, we’ll explore artistic solutions to the economic, social, and technological problems facing the 21st century classically-trained performing artist and explore how performers can find meaning in their work not just despite of, but also thanks to, the unique challenges they face today.
Who is the host?
Ema Katrovas is a classically-trained singer. She spent her formative years singing in regional Czech theatres. After the pandemic, she pivoted to contemporary classical music and cultural journalism, attending the Aix-en-Provence festival’s cultural journalism workshop and completing a two year Artist Diploma residency at the High Conservatory in Lyon, where she created and performed in the one-woman vocal-theatre show Diva Lazarus*. She is currently working on a doctorate at the University of Strasbourg/HEAR with a thesis called* A Poor Opera: In Search of Vocal Theatre. www.emakatrovas.com (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)
None of the membership plans work for me or something doesn't make sense.
You can contact the host (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) to create your own membership plan (i.e. negotiate a price adjustment) or ask any questions!