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When an opera singer contemplates turning down a Metropolitan Opera debut (for financial reasons), it raises immediate questions about the realities facing working artists today. In this episode, host Elizabeth Bowman sits down with bass Andrew Potter to unpack his recent retirement from staged opera at 43 (OperaWire). Potter shares his perspective on the industry's economic model, sparking a broader conversation about performance fees, rising overhead, and how shifting regional opportunities are impacting freelancers across the field.

Together, they examine the real-world economics facing freelancers today: flat fees alongside escalating costs for housing, travel, coaching, and health insurance, as well as the unglamorous realities of early-career work and the financial impact of sudden contract cancellations. The conversation delves into industry norms, post-pandemic casting pressures, and how current structures affect transparency and artist stability.

Looking toward the future, Potter discusses how he’s applying a problem-solving mindset to both climate tech—through his venture Intelligent Harvest—and the performing arts. They explore potential paths forward for the industry, including housing support, updated sponsorship models, and bringing artists into administrative conversations as true partners.

All episodes are also available in video form on our YouTube and Spotify Channels. All episodes are hosted by Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowman.

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