I am elated that Mark and I were finally able to make this conversation happen! I have been after mark for over a year to get him on Cue To Cue! Today is the day!
One sentiment that really stuck with me after my time with Mark is how necessary it is to be in pursuit of what you love in order to stay passionate. Evolution is not something that just comes with time or age, it is something we need to actively pursue. Moving forward and staying curious about the “whispers” we receive, as creatives beings, is the only way to ensure our growth. It can feel unsettling as artists because it means staying extremely present and tuned with ourselves. No checking out! Being ready and willing to let go of who we think we are as artists and courageous enough to allow ourselves to continually evolve.
To talk to Mark is to be inspired by this idea and to think about it as one of the most exciting journeys as an artist we get to embark on. This is the life of an artist.
In this episode:
- Why he decided to go back to grad school to get his masters in music Composition after having a successful career for decades
- The importance of valuing our sift skills as creatives and how to make sure you are bringing them into all areas of your life.
- How to ensure as a teacher of performers in post-secondary education you are supporting them in their transition into the entertainment industry
- How to use the rehearsal period as a learning opportunity to hone your interpersonal skills.
- The importance of learning to put the project first and the ego last.
Mark Cassius: How To Keep Your Creativity And Career Moving Forward!
A little about Mark:
Mark Cassius is a graduate of Sheridan College’s, Music Theatre Performance program. He has been featured on Broadway, in the original Ragtime and revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar and Shenandoah. He was most recently featured in the Toronto premiere of the new musical, Sousatzka. He has starred in Drayton Entertainment’s Damn Yankees, The Little Mermaid and Sweet Charity. Other credits include, the Toronto Premiere of the Off- Broadway Musical, The Musical of Musicals, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Donny Osmond), Miss Saigon, Showboat and Cats. He has also been featured on the stages of both the Shaw and Stratford Festivals.
He holds an ongoing position, as a Performance Instructor at The Randolph College for the Performing Arts, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
He spent eight years touring with the world-renowned acapella group, “The Nylons”, from 1997 to 2005.
He is a Songwriter, Music Producer/Director and Teacher, who is presently doing a Masters in Music Composition at York University, where he intends to continue his tireless pursuit of creative excellence.
Follow Mark!
Facebook: The Mark Cassius
Instagram: @themarkcassius
Twitter: @themarkcassius
Photo Credit: Sarah Stewart Photography
Did you enjoy the podcast?
What spoke to you the most today? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
