The countdown has begun until the day my family packs the moving truck and heads from Atlanta to Kansas City. We have been planning this move for a year, but now that the date is rapidly approaching I am starting to feel the effects that this move makes on starting over my career in the theatre business.
I have been working professionally in the Atlanta area for the last 15 years and during that time have built a solid professional foundation and network of like gifted individuals. Leaving this network and having to forge a new path 900miles away has left me feeling like a teen about to start college or better yet that new college grad about to enter the “real” world.
So, what am I going to do when I get to Kansas City?
Well, I assume that I will be doing what I have always done and that is be creative and use my talents to not only satisfy the artistic hunger inside of me but also to help support my family financially. The hard part is that I am usually the one that is sought out to be hired because of my reputation and now I am the seeker, just hoping someone will give the chance. Sometimes it feels like I am starting over, which can feel scary and a tad helpless.
As I do my research about the Kansas City theatre scene and reach out to organizations that seem to be like minded as myself, I can’t help but feel like that kid that just wants to be picked for the kick-ball team.
Then the questions and doubts enter my head like “What if no one likes me?” or better yet “ What if MY talents aren’t needed?”. We all know in the crazy entertainment business that there is a need and spot for everyone, though sometimes it takes a little time to find it!
With my friends and colleagues in Atlanta all assured that I will “be amazing” or “do great things” in KC I can only hope they are right. Even though I am leaving the thriving arts culture in the ATL, I am heading for a equally diverse arts scene in KC and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
The one thing I do know is that to make a splash you have to go in the water.
So, ready or not Kansas City here I come!
P.S.
If you are reading this and live in the KC area please pick me for your kick-ball team 😉
Also by Michelle:
Starting Over In A New City: Part 2
Hey, That’s Mine! Maintaining Your Intellectual Property