Living the Dream

Kirstin Chávez has sung leading operatic roles on many of the world’s great stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, and the Sydney Opera House. In addition to her extensive performing career, she is Artist‑in‑Residence at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and a Certified Financial Planner. Johnathon Pape is a stage director of opera, theatre, and musical theatre with numerous credits in the US and abroad, including New York City Opera and HaBimah National Theatre of Israel. He has served on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music and most recently was the Director of Opera Studies at Boston Conservatory.

Introduction








About You


About Us

PART I :Defining the Dream

1 Your Career as a Business








What it Takes for a Career


Adopting Best Practices


Portfolio Careers

2 Mission



Why Mission is Important
Assets and Deficits
A Mission Exploration
Values
Questions to Consider
Elements of a Dynamic Mission Statement
Vision
Writing Your Mission/Vision/Values Statement

3 Branding








Brand Identity


SWOT Analysis


Building a Branding Platform


Competitive Landscape


Final Thoughts on Branding

4 Creating Business Plans








Strategic and Tactical Planning


Short‑ and Long‑Term Goals


Strategic Plan Statements


Goals, Tactics, and Timelines


A Business Plan Template


Review, Assessment, and Revision

5 Support and Accountability








Creating a Board of Advisors


Working With Your Board


Evaluation and Evolution of Your Board

Further Reading and Resources on Defining the Dream

PART II: Sharing the Dream

6 Facing Outward While Grounding Inward








Appropriate Professional Communication


Getting Your Materials in Order


Performance Resumés


Curriculum Vitae (CV)


Work Resumés


Bios


Repertoire Lists


Quote Sheets


Pictures


Audio and Video Files


Websites


Social Media

7 Business and Artistic Relationships








Networking


Setting up Productive Professional Relationships


What to Look for in Specific Relationships


How to Cleanly End Unproductive Professional Relationships

8 Key Allies








Mentors, Colleagues, and Role Models


Collaborators


Patrons and Benefactors


Agents and Managers


About Contracts


Union Affiliations


Philanthropic, Topical, and Developmental Support Organizations

Further Reading and Resources on Sharing the Dream

PART III: Financing the Dream

9 Budgets (ugh!)








Fixed Expenses


Variable Expenses


Periodic Expenses


Budget Templates


Take on the World…

10 Liabilities, Assets, and Net Worth…oh my!



Liabilities
Assets

Net Worth
Balance Sheets

11 Savings








Reasons for Savings


Different Savings Vehicles for a Smooth Ride to Financial Success

12 Managing Your Risk








What Are Life’s Biggest Risks?


The Risk of Damage or Loss


The Risk of Illness or Disability


The Risk of Dying Too Soon


The Risk of Living Too Long


The Risk of Being Sued

13 “Nothing is Certain Except Death and Taxes”








Taxes


Deductions


Retirement Savings Plans for the Self‑Employed

Tax Credits
14 Plan Your Estate/Leave a Legacy








The Will


Living Will and Advanced Directive for Healthcare


Durable Power of Attorney


Legacy

15 Organizing Your Dream Business








LLC


Partnership (General or Limited)


S‑Corporation


C‑Corporation

Further Reading and Resources on Financing the Dream

PART IV: As Dream Becomes Reality

16 Career/Life Balance—At Home



Choosing a Home Base
Supporting Yourself
Managing Daily Life While Working

17 Career/Life Balance—On the Road








What to Expect as a Working Performer


Maintaining Your Health and Well Being


Getting Re‑Hired

18 Facing the Future








Assessments and Benchmarks


Reconnecting with Mission


Stuff Happens—Cultivating Resilience


Is it Time for a Bigger Pivot?


Pivots within the Industry


Pivots Outside the Industry


Final Thoughts on the Future

Further Reading and Resources on the Dream Becoming Reality

Conclusion: Keep Dreaming!