Business Literacy for the Artist – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, we get to know Skipper Mari through her very first podcast interview. Having been in the business since her child and teen years, Skipper is a booked-and-busy commercial actor who has boldly taken her career into her own hands. With experience both in front of and behind the camera, she’s developed a sharp business mindset that keeps her thriving — not just auditioning, but consistently working.

Her career has taken her around the globe, from national commercial spots and major campaigns like Bank of America, to working alongside icons like John Cena, to a wide range of unforgettable sets (yes, even the coffee commercials!). Through it all, she’s learned the power of curiosity, ambition, and granting herself permission to show up authentically in every room.

In this episode, Skipper shares candidly about forging your own path, infusing personality into every booking, and building a sustainable career — one where both artistry and humanity shine.

Tune in — her story just might be the spark you need to elevate your own. 🎙️✨

🌐Skipper Mari:

https://www.instagram.com/skipperfilm/?hl=en

🎓 About Business Literacy for the Artist:Business Literacy for the Artist helps performers bridge the gap between artistry and industry — giving you the tools to own your art, run your business, and build a lasting, fulfilling creative career.

📲 Stay Connected✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizlitforartist/✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizlitforartist✨ Website: https://businessliteracyfortheartist.com/👍🏻 Like, Subscribe, and ShareIf this episode helped you get clearer about your money and career, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with an artist who needs it.

Great artists aren’t just talented — they’re problem solvers, investigators, and lifelong students.In this conversation, I sit down with Sheri Sanders, who has spent 20+ years as an actor, educator (Rock The Audition / Vocal & Performance Coach) and is currently earning her Master’s in Dramaturgy across the pond in Leeds, England. Together, we go on a powerful deep-dive into what it really takes to grow as an artist in today’s rapidly shifting industry.We explore what it means to make intentional choices, build community, stay curious, and understand the why behind the work — not just the notes, but the story, the purpose, and the deeper human truth that brings material to life.Sheri also shares wisdom on how the business has evolved over the decades, what today’s industry demands, and how performers can stay grounded, empowered, and purposeful as they navigate their own creative journey.🔍 What We Talk About in This Episode:- Becoming a problem-solving artist- Making intentional choices about your craft and your life- Learning to be an investigator in your work- Why staying a lifelong student is essential- How the industry has changed over the years — and where it’s headed- The role of community, curiosity, and self-awareness in artistic growth- How to stay grounded in an unpredictable business🎙 About Sheri Sanders:Sheri is a renowned actor, vocal and performance coach whose work has shaped performers for over two decades. Through her teaching, research, and continued academic pursuit in dramaturgy, she brings a unique blend of artistry, investigation, and humanity to every room she walks into.https://www.instagram.com/sherisandersishere/https://linktr.ee/rocktheaudition?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=ac2b7dd9-0593-43d5-9f32-7b71ef326ce8🎓 About Business Literacy for the Artist:Business Literacy for the Artist helps performers bridge the gap between artistry and industry — giving you the tools to own your art, run your business, and build a lasting, fulfilling creative career.📲 Stay Connected✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizlitforartist/✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bizlitforartist✨ Website: https://businessliteracyfortheartist.com/👍🏻 Like, Subscribe, and ShareIf this episode helped you get clearer about your money and career, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with an artist who needs it.

Annie Schiffmann, the CEO and founder of Downstage Media, takes us through the evolving world that is social media. In this episode you’ll learn do's and don’ts and tips and tricks. She’ll help you to broaden the scope of how social media can be used so that you can make the most of the time that you spend on these platforms. Annie will be sharing her journey which began in the early days of Twitter and eventually led to the creation of Downstage Media.

Part Two:

- 4 pillars of Downstage Media

- How to make content about your audience

- Repurposing your content for different platforms

HTBISB MEDIA:

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@htbisb

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

https://twitter.com/htbisb

APPLE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-business-in-show-business/id1547219280

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3p1ytQ64BYKRXM3VJQnFsw

Annie Schiffmann, the CEO and founder of Downstage Media, takes us through the evolving world that is social media. In this episode you’ll learn do's and don’ts and tips and tricks. She’ll help you to broaden the scope of how social media can be used so that you can make the most of the time that you spend on these platforms. Annie will be sharing her journey which began in the early days of Twitter and eventually led to the creation of Downstage Media.

Part One:

'Most of it is just time. It's trucking along. It's building up your following, it's doing that stuff you don't think you're gonna have to do, it's answering every single comment.'

HTBISB MEDIA:

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@htbisb

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

https://twitter.com/htbisb

APPLE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-business-in-show-business/id1547219280

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3p1ytQ64BYKRXM3VJQnFsw

What does connection with the voice as a whole look, sound, and feel like? Chris Dilley; singer, producer, teacher, lover of all things voice. Takes us through his curated syllabus he uses as a guide for his students. Be it when he’s teaching the students of NYU, for his own career when he sings a part of the Broadway Inspirational Voices, or his own clients through his voice studio. Breaking down the instrument and how each breath, each muscle, even the tone of the day and how it plays a vital part of our voice's journey.

'Understand how you want to connect with your voice as an athlete'- Chris Dilley

Part Two: 

-Breaking down Chris vocal syllabus

-Your Ah-Ha moment in the voice

-What it feels like to achieve freedom of your voice

HTBISB MEDIA:

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@htbisb

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

https://twitter.com/htbisb

APPLE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-business-in-show-business/id1547219280

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3p1ytQ64BYKRXM3VJQnFsw

What does connection with the voice as a whole look, sound, and feel like? Chris Dilley; singer, producer, teacher, lover of all things voice. Takes us through his curated syllabus he uses as a guide for his students. Be it when he’s teaching the students of NYU, for his own career when he sings a part of the Broadway Inspirational Voices, or his own clients through his voice studio. Breaking down the instrument and how each breath, each muscle, even the tone of the day and how it plays a vital part of our voice's journey.

'Understand how you want to connect with your voice as an athlete'- Chris Dilley

HTBISB MEDIA:

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@htbisb

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

https://twitter.com/htbisb

APPLE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-business-in-show-business/id1547219280

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3p1ytQ64BYKRXM3VJQnFsw

What do the people of SNL, Second City, and comedy troupes have in common? Improv. As actors, we’ve heard the saying ‘yes and’. Well, it goes deeper than that.

Deb Rabbai, co-creator of Broadways Next Hit Musical is a Professor at AMDA, American Academy of Dramatic Arts alum, improv comedian, producer, performer, and voiceover actor with an extensive career in anime. Hailing from a musical family, the New York native shares her experiences and introductions to the business like George Balanchine that shaped her not only into the woman but the artist she has become.

‘The reasons you become a performer are sometimes different than the reasons you stay a performer’- Deb Rabbai

Part two:

-Letting work come to you (by putting in the work)

-Creating opportunities for yourself (connecting with your bliss)

-Give yourself space to be the creative

HTBISB MEDIA:

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@htbisb

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

https://twitter.com/htbisb

APPLE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-business-in-show-business/id1547219280

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3p1ytQ64BYKRXM3VJQnFsw

What do the people of SNL, Second City, and comedy troupes have in common? Improv. As actors we’ve heard the saying ‘yes and’. Well it goes deeper then that.

Deb Rabbai, co-creator of Broadways Next Hit Musical is a Professor at AMDA, American Academy of Dramatic Arts alum, improv comedian, producer, performer, and voiceover actor with an extensive career in anime. Hailing from a musical family, the New York native shares her experiences and introductions to the business like George Balanchine that shaped her not only into the woman but the artist she has become.

‘The reasons you become a performer are sometimes different than the reasons you stay a performer’- Deb Rabbai

HTBISB MEDIA: 

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@htbisb

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

https://twitter.com/htbisb

APPLE:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-business-in-show-business/id1547219280

SPOTIFY:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3p1ytQ64BYKRXM3VJQnFsw

Are you prepared for the reality vs expectation of moving to a major market? Michael Wordly shares his perspective on the topic. Things to look out for and consider when making the choices. Working smarter and not harder. Believer, family member, friend, actor/artist, and fitness enthusiasts Michael Wordly is a working actor whose love of the arts came when he watched the three mole tenors on pbs Greatest performances. Having most recently finished the title role of Lola at the Paramount theatre. Part two: Coming up with a budget plan Prioritize the audition life/ side hustle Roommate situations HTBISB SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/about https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8mcu6Cu/ https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/

Are you prepared for the reality vs expectation of moving to a major market? Michael Wordly shares his perspective on the topic. Things to look out for and consider when making the choices. Working smarter and not harder.

Believer, family member, friend, actor/artist, and fitness enthusiasts Michael Wordly is a working actor whose love of the arts came when he watched the three mole tenors on pbs Greatest performances. Having most recently finished the title role of Lola at the Paramount theatre.

Part one,

• Speak to everyone and be kind
• Read your contracts

HTBISB SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.businessinshowbusiness.com/about

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8mcu6Cu/

https://www.instagram.com/htbisb/