Allow me to explain why we are here. I am not a 50 year old opera star comfortably recalling tales of bygone auditions and career-starting moments. I’m someone who’s hustling right alongside you— taking those random gigs, receiving “sorry to inform you’s,” and cheering on friends and colleagues as they go off to young artist programs.
In case this is our first time meeting, I am a 25 year old soprano with a beautifully chaotic life in NYC. I am also known as “the bathroom girl.” Having almost peed myself in Times Square three years ago at the start of my Master’s at Mannes School of Music, I created Got2Go— which evolved into virtual bathroom reviews, an online community of over half a million, and a bathroom map that is to date Google’s largest and most frequently used in the world. Whether I am navigating the frenzy of a last minute gig, editing a bathroom review on the subway, or interviewing Nick Jonas after an opera, I will be uncovering it all. So, let’s start by erasing any preconceived notions about what boxes artists are supposed to live within.
I will be the first of us to proudly admit— I have no idea what I am doing. But honestly, does anyone? We are all perpetually shaping the composition of our destinies with every decision. Tempo. Repertoire. Accepting the insultingly low gig rate. From the very first hum of a show tune, note played, or the moment we picked up our instrument, we’ve been harnessing our power to learn and choose our next move.
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We will be chatting monthly— and together navigating the insanity of launching a career in the performing arts. There’s managing performance anxiety, painfully learning that rejection is redirection and of course, dealing with inevitable long-distance relationships or (even more difficult, how to date a tenor! (kidding of course– love you Toby!). I’ll be answering all your questions: whether it’s finding the best spots to grab a bite before heading to Lincoln Center or strategies for keeping that creative spark alive— even on the days you receive a snarky remark as you leave the audition you rearranged your whole schedule for.
Diva Diaries will chronicle the wild, wonderful adventures that come hand in hand with chasing the dream. But what is this dream anyway? Finally having your name on a
private dressing room door? A seven minute standing ovation? Hearing an audience member shout “Brava?” There’s a lot here to unpack.
We can begin with the real reason the term “diva” has garnered such a bad rap. Let us travel back to the 19th century where “diva,” originating from the Italian word for goddess, was initially used to describe celebrated female singers who captivated audiences with their extraordinary vocal prowess and commanding stage presence. By the mid-20th century, the label had taken on a derogatory edge. Meanwhile the male counterpart “divo” still maintains its ethos to this day as the most talented and distinguished leading male singer, usually a tenor. Are we surprised? From Maria Callas to Taylor Swift, we have repeatedly witnessed how quickly society scrutinizes and diminishes strong, ambitious women using their voice—literally—and in song.
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To me, a diva is simply someone who embodies Beyoncé’s magnetism, Prince’s flair, and Liszt’s audacity. No matter your voice part or instrument, we are all divas at heart. And of course, I mean that as a compliment. Here’s to shamelessly unleashing our authentic voices and commanding center stage- both on and off.
So welcome to Diva Diaries—a community where we can unapologetically celebrate the unique joys, struggles and behind-the-scenes realities of being a young person in the arts today.
Your fellow Diva, Teddy
