Empower Yourself: Lead a Successful Life as an Artistic Entrepreneur

Allyson Ditchey, Founder of Connect the Arts

Allyson Ditchey, founder of a new platform, Connect the Arts (connectthearts.com), will lead an interactive discussion on preparing for a career in the arts.  Topics will cover defining and growing your network, creating your own opportunities, strategies for getting more work and building meaningful connections with your audiences.

Bio: From a young age, Allyson found her second home and family in the arts. Her experiences onstage and off have solidified her belief in the incredible community and connection that can be found when people work together in creativity. Along with its driving social and community impact she values the arts as a means of self-expression and exploration to which she believes everyone has a right. As CTA’s ambassador for artists near and far, her work is driven by the knowledge that art is a reflection of humanity and a critical component to life.

ARTISTIC BACKGROUND

Allyson trained in vocal performance and has worked in various roles for performing arts companies for over 20 years.

Her collaborations as an operatic stage director have played a significant role in her growth as an individual and in developing her world view. Her most recent directing credit was a realization of THE CLEVER ARTIFICE, a piece composed by Leanna Kirchoff of Denver, CO and presented by Gateway Opera of Saint Louis, MO. The performance was described as “rich and rewarding and brave and beautiful” by theatre critic Steve Callahan of KDHX. Directing credits include THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, TROUBLE IN TAHITI, THE MINI RING, AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, ACIS AND GALATEA, THE OLD MAID AND THE THIEF, THE BOOR, CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA, and GIANNI SCHICCHI, among others.

Allyson has also worked a stage manager and assistant director for many years. Most recently she also had the great pleasure of stage managing for Union Avenue Opera’s presentation of DOUBT starring Christine Brewer and directed by Tim Ocel.

Her belief in the importance of art in education led to her additional work as a teaching artist. Along with private coaching she has been a guest instructor for various programs including Washington University’s Opera Program, Opera Theatre Saint Louis' Edward Jones Opera Camp for Kids and Spring Training programs, Mozingo Music, and Humboldt Light Opera KidCo, among others.

It is necessary that Allyson continue her work in the performing arts in some capacity. When she can, she works as a freelance stage director and coach. She holds a MM in music with an emphasis in vocal performance from Washington University in St. Louis.