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How This Young Woman Turned Her Passion Into Money

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Courtesy Amy Sapp

Amy Sapp loves her job! As the Late Night Programming Associate and Original Programming Producer at Feinstein’s/54 Below she books artists to perform and gets to champion shows. “I cast the show, manage the budget, present them and maintain press relations,” says Sapp.

It’s an impressive gig for anyone, especially for someone who just turned 22 last week. But ever since she can remember Sapp knew a career in theater was ideal for her. “Broadway has been my intense passion since I was four-years-old as I danced along to the Cats DVD for hours,” she explains. “Live musical theater speaks to a part of my soul that brings me joy. I have found a job that sets my soul on fire."

Sapp feels that buzz each time she sees an actor take the stage at Feinstein’s/54 Below for the first time. She feels it when she hears an actress finally hit that F chord that has imbued her with such fear. “Though it may sometimes feel scary, I do this job to help people discover they can make it in this industry,” she adds. “When I am immersed in a show, doubts and fears fade away as the music takes over and I see my own hopes arise from the lives of the characters.”

This past July 4th Sapp produced a concert staging of the classic musical 1776 at Feinstein’s/54 Below. The cast of 54 Sings 1776 was led by Broadway powerhouses Kyle Scatliffe (The Color Purple, Les Miserables, The Scottsboro Boys) and Carrie St. Louis (Wicked and Rock of Ages). Sapp brought together a team that included director Matt Redmond and musical director by Geraldine Anello. “With this show, I sought to remind audiences of the values upon which our country was founded through the conduit of a positive, musical theater experience during one of the most divisive periods in recent American history,” says Sapp.

Courtesy Amy Sapp

As a producer and champion of artists Sapp offered her best tips on turning your passion into something entrepreneurial.

Embrace the fear. Pursuing an unconventional career path is scary. Take it from me, freelancing and the Broadway industry are two beasts. But the key that has kept me sane while I have maneuvered this industry is to recognize the fear. Yes, this business is fluid and unpredictable. But it is the industry, this enigma of Broadway, that gives me the utmost joy.

Ignore your imposter syndrome. I studied political science in college with an intention to pursue international intelligence. My passion for Broadway never crossed my mind as a profession, yet here I am today, producing concerts and booking Broadway cabarets. As a result, I constantly feel like I am going to be “found out” by my colleagues in New York. That is classic imposter syndrome. Right? The truth is, however, most creatives feel this nagging suspicion that they are not good enough and that everyone around them has it all figured out. Ignore this little voice! Plot twist: it’s wrong.

Prepare to hear “no.” When I am casting a show or booking a concert, nine times out of ten, I receive a “no.” I strive, however, never to back down from a big ask. Even the most acclaimed Tony Award-winning actor may be interested in tackling a role in concert he or she has never been seen for in the casting room. For 54 Sings 1776, I had the joy of casting Kyle Scatliffe who was in The Color Purple and Les Miserables as my John Adams. Kyle is a six-foot-five black man. He constantly shared his joy that he got to play a role for which historically he probably would never play in a full production.

Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Henry Ford famously said, "I am not the smartest, but I surround myself with competent people." A life as a booker and concert producer could not be more accurate. When taking on a new project, I know that I am not a director. I am not a music director. The best concerts and shows for me arise when I research and hire the best creatives to make up my team. I seek the guidance of our Feinstein’s/54 Below Creative and Programming Director, Jennifer Tepper, constantly. When in doubt, I know to seek wisdom and guidance.

Chloe Lind/@chloealind

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