BWW Blog: Tara Folio - The Gypsy Life is a Happy Life

As I was getting ready to graduate college and figure out my first move as an adult, I was warned by many of my theatre friends about getting too attached to my new destination. I am constantly being told that actors live a gypsy life; you have to follow the work, wherever it may be. The idea of never settling down is challenging, especially for someone like me who depends on having a home base to retreat to after a hard day of work. In my naïve and romantic daydreams of being a working actress, I believed that moving to New York would be the only move I would need to make in order to begin working, but in this industry that is simply not the case. Over the past three months I have met some amazing people who have been very fortunate in this industry, and one of their biggest assets is their flexibly and drive to follow their art, whether it is for a gig across the country or a year long national tour. So many people believe that New York is the end-all-be-all for Theatre Projects, but the truth is that the auditions are in New York, and the work is scattered all over the country. At first, the idea of moving to New York in order to get a job that was far away from my cozy apartment seemed absolutely obnoxious, but after some slight whining (sorry, I'm only human) and some reassessment, I've realized how lucky I am to work in a field that provides this kind of opportunity. I am only twenty-two years old, I have no responsibilities that require me to be locked into one certain location, and I love to travel; all of these factors made me realize that this is the best time to get out there and do what I love.

There can be an upside to working away from home (well I'm sure there's many, but I'm just going to focus on my favorite), you get to travel to places you may not have thought you wanted to see. Summer stock was my first taste of the traveling actor lifestyle, and I couldn't believe how fortunate I was to work in such a beautiful environment. I would have never thought to visit the miniscule town of Meredith, New Hampshire, but now that I have I can't wait to go back and visit. Travel isn't the only benefit, expanding your horizons and reaching out to new theatre communities will give you the chance to meet new theatrical connections that you will keep for your entire career. Will it be hard being away from my family and friends? Yes. Will it be tricky to find someone to sublease my apartment (if by some twist of fate I find employment)? Yes. The gypsy life can be a difficult one, but the idea of adventure and following what I love while I'm young and able is also an exhilarating opportunity that I can't wait to experience. As everyone's favorite "UP" Wilderness Explorer says, "Adventure is out there", and this is the perfect time to go find it.

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