We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel Chavez Jr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Daniel, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I am very fortunate to be able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. The pay is more modest than higher paying careers, but I am able to find joy in what I do everyday.
During my University years, I volunteered a lot as a performer and lended a hand wherever I could. The exec producer of the local community theatre was a very good friend of mine so I was able to be a part of a lot of the planning and conversations that were had that gave me the knowledge and experience that a classroom didn’t teach me.
After college, I moved to NYC as most performers do and got a job at Music Theatre International which is a licensing agency for musicals. At this time, they were just in development of THE BROADWAY JUNIOR COLLECTION (TM). I was placed on this team as they were editing musicals to make them more accessible to Elementary and Middle schools. I mainly assisted in sales and development of the program including counseling newer teachers who have never managed, organized, directed, etc. a musical theatre program in their school or studio.
While I was working this 9-5 job, I was also on a work-study scholarship at an NYC dance studio and taking classes in the evenings. I worked 6 hours a week on Saturdays which sponsored 6 classes per week. This is where I met my dance mentor. He helped me refine my skills. I remember when I tried his class the first time, I went to him after and thanked him for the class and mentioned I’d like to be mentored by him. His opinion of my dancing was, “you’re a big ol’ mess, but I can fix it!” That directness connected with me and he mentored me for a few years. The day he said to me, “you are NOW a dancer” was one of the best days of my life. He also said, “you are ready to audition”. Within a couple months, I got my first professional job playing BERNARDO in WEST SIDE STORY on a tour in Italy. Again, what a privilege and an exciting time in my life.
After that, I returned to NYC, continued to work hard in dance class and audition as often as I could. I had a handful of jobs after that for a couple years. After a couple years on tour, I decided I was ready to settle down. I decided to move back to CA to be closer to my family.
Eventually I ended up at California Arts Academy formerly known as Cynthia Merrill School of Performing Arts. I was assigned to be a children’s theatre director. I was reluctant at first, but it ended up being my greatest success. After proving myself in many different genres, I was hired on full time. After many years and a few leaders before me, I am now the Artistic Director and General Manager of CAA. I spent many years building a clientele and reputation for raising good, young human beings through the performing arts. I do what I love and I love what I do and when you are in that situation it’s very easy to present your best self. It’s not always easy or fun but when you see the joy you bring to so many students and their families, it’s easy to remember why you face the struggles each and every day.
Could I have sped up the process?… probably, but I am happy where I am and how I got here. Faster isn’t always better. Taking your time to know the right things and see others work and succeed or struggle is a great way to start more strongly.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the artistic director and general manager of California Arts Academy.
We are a performing arts studio with different styles of dance and performing arts. Our strongest departments are our ballet program and our musical theatre program.
We put on 5-7 musicals per year as well as 1-2 ballets and additional concerts.
We teach ages 2 and up. We have adult classes as well so some of our clientele are into their senior years.
For our younger students, we try to raise good human beings, teaching life lessons through the performing arts. Spacial awareness, team work, taking direction, listening skills, social skills, self confidence, being a supportive team member, kindness, artistic expression, self awareness, creating a safe space, etc. are all important lessons to learn.
We teach that these are skills they can use moving forward to whatever career or life choices they make for their future.
I feel the most pride when I see an artist find their voice, strength and courage. Some come to us very shy or with a lot of self doubt and when you see them lead a team or a cast for the first time is very exciting. The joy on their faces when they succeed and the happiness on their family’s faces when they see the shy or quiet child come out of their shell in front of a crowd for the first time is indescribable.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The best way to support artists is to show up. Support your family and friends in the arts. Support their interests. I feel that way in general whether it’s art, sport, academic, etc.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I would say the ability to pull up any music at any time. It’s not a matter of knowing about it sooner since I am old enough to remember when YouTube and music streaming services were not available. These tools have made teaching dance, theatre, voice and the ability for students to practice so much easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calartsacademy.com
- Instagram: @calartsfresno
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/CalArtsAcademy
- Twitter: @CalArtsAcademy
- Youtube: CAA Musicals @caamusicals4726
Image Credits
Daniel Chavez Jr.