We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amber Shea Hodge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amber Shea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a child, I always said I wanted to be a singer, and as I grew up that changed slightly to also focus on acting and dancing. I was told that as a kid I loved being on stage and grabbed every opportunity to perform. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was simple. I wanted to be fulfilled creatively and that meant acting. However, I have always been reminded of how hard it is to pursue a career in the arts so I tried other paths. I have been a sous chef, nanny, caterer, teacher, and office assistant. After everything I have experienced, nothing has challenged and impacted me more than performing. I know I could never be fully happy without the stage.

Amber Shea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Amber Shea Hodge. I’m an actor as well as a dancer, choreographer and singer. I’ve been performing for the last 15 years as well as teaching dance and theatre to students and working on film projects. My passion is to tell stories. My goal is to let the audience in and explore real feelings and situations. I truly believe that as humans one of the biggest elements we are missing in today’s world is the ability to connect and understand one another. Sometimes all someone needs is to be heard and find a story they can relate to. This also is a point that I make when I’m teaching my students. Another very important point I make in my lessons is the impact we have on our audience and how we can make the best impression.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I have always firmly believed that we as a society can do more to help structure, uphold, and maintain safe and supportive environments for all creatives. I strongly believe that it all starts with our education and developmental years. I have experienced the pressure of putting my artistic dreams aside to prioritize a “real job” and I don’t believe anyone should be told that what they are passionate about isn’t enough. As I have worked in the school system in many ways, I have experienced firsthand the way creative career paths are not looked at as feasible and are discouraged. Though there is indeed less certainty and more risk in becoming an artist, photographer, or dancer, that shouldn’t be why we cast down the dreams of students who want to pursue a “less conventional career.” I think the more we encourage students and adults alike to be more expressive in the arts, we will see a shift in the way we view creatives. We were all once children and so we all have mini-artists inside.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As I stated earlier, my goal has always been to tell a story. Everyone wants to be seen and heard by those around them. Maybe we try to connect through social media or shared experiences, and there is power in finding people who you understand and who understand you. A story or message can bring together people in an inspiring way and fuel them to create change or union within a shared experience. As an actor, I have the unique job of being a part of sharing and bringing to light untold stories and I take that very seriously. I can remember a time in my own life when I was struggling and all it took was for someone to say, “I hear you.” I will carry that with me as I grow and change through my craft. You can save someone by just hearing their story or sharing yours.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ambersheahodge.wixsite.com/ambersheahodge/home-1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersheahodge/

Image Credits
Chris Jon, Hayley Silvers