The craft and the business.
Career coaching for performers, from someone still doing the job.
Artists are creative people, and the business side of things does not always come easily. Sophia has spent two decades auditioning, booking, touring and building a voice-over career from scratch, and she coaches other performers on both halves of the job: the work in the room and the work that gets you into the room.
Sessions are practical and personal. Expect clear feedback, a plan you can actually use, and a lot of encouragement. Singers, dancers, actors and visual artists have all worked with her, from first headshots to first Broadway contract.
Typical topics
- Auditions: preparation, nerves, callbacks, self-tapes
- Materials: headshots, reels, resumes, websites and what casting actually looks at
- Representation: when, who, and how to reach out
- Voice-over: getting started, demos, home studio, agents
- The long game: staying sane, staying working, turning disappointments into revised opportunities
I started working with Sophia because I was at a crossroads. I was working, dancing, singing, acting, auditioning, everything I could, getting so close to major opportunities, but not getting a job. Sophia gave me great advice and new ways of approaching this industry. I put her advice into motion and the result blew me away: in late October I booked my first Broadway show, Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway. I had written her advice in the planner I took with me to the callback. I'm so thankful for her wisdom and encouragement.
More kind words
Artists are creative people and the business side of things does not always come easily. Sophia has coached me in both the creative and the business aspects of the theatre, TV and film industries, and has helped me to marry the two. Confidence is key in a business with so much rejection, and in working with Sophia I have learned how to be the best I can be, with grace, and to accept the challenges we face as artists without backing down. Her clear-headed view and positive reinforcement got me through a difficult business move I might otherwise not have made. And it paid off.
One of the things I admire so much about Sophia is her willingness to help. I was new to the business and wasn't sure how to pursue my career. She listened to my fears and frustrations with genuine concern and steered me in the right direction. Sophia is a performer herself, so she could tell me exactly what worked for her and what didn't. I still use her advice today.
You really inspired me and cheered me up at the same time. You got a huge, real laugh out of me as well. Normally the shoe is on the other foot and I'm the one giving advice and uplifting. Thank you so much, Sophia, you're the best.
As long as I've known Sophia, she's been looking for ways to create a forum where actors can find support and community. As a career coach she is a perfect match of a personality finding a forum for what it does best: nurturing, fostering, and helping others figure out exactly what's really going to make them happy. I always leave my time with her feeling renewed, invigorated and hopeful again. What she has given me over the years has been immeasurable.
Sophia Thomas was such an integral part of my premiere art showing. She was incredible at encouraging me, a great help in finding the space, promoting me to friends and colleagues, participating in the set-up and being present throughout the entire event. If you get a chance to work with her, do it!
Sophia, I am so grateful to you for your artistic nurturing and for introducing me to two of the most amazing make-up and photographic artists I've ever met. We had an incredible shoot, and the untouched photos I saw in the camera were magical.