Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Goore.
Audrey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for performing, but growing up I never considered it to be something I could actually pursue. It felt like such a pipe dream because the world I grew up in felt so small. It was a small town with very few opportunities, and the expectation was that everyone in my graduating class would follow a very “white fence” path.
I spent years shoving down those passions. I was working a job that I loved but it paid nothing and required me to lie about who I was. I also spent a lot of time and effort supporting the dreams of others around me while ignoring my own needs. One day I just kind of snapped. I picked up voice lessons, started pursuing theatre again, started attending open mic nights that I hadn’t attended in years, and I even changed careers. I also made a new friendship that would change my life.
She lives in New Jersey, and I took my first ever trip to New York City with her. In return, she came down to Alabama for a visit and we went to my first burlesque show. I found myself talking to the performers and thought to myself “wow, this is where I want to be.” That snowballed into auditioning for a Rocky Horror Shadow Cast, pursuing drag, and auditioning for various singing gigs.
Since then I’ve had opportunities I never even dreamed of. I’ve sung with musicians well out of my league, shared the stage with incredible talent, and I’m now producing shows with some absolutely fantastic fellow performers that I’ve looked up to for years. If I could go back and tell my younger self what my life would look like now, she’d never believe it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest obstacles I have had to overcome is navigating being a performer while also having a full time day job. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do the things I love and have a fulfilling job that helps me feed myself and fund those things that I love. That does not come without a LOT of sacrifice. I barely have time to rest between work, rehearsals, photoshoots, preparing for shows, designing costumes, applying to shows… Etc.
I often find myself passing out shortly after getting home and waking up the next morning to start all over again. Sometimes it feels a bit like being on a hamster wheel. I try to remind myself that young me would be so impressed with everything I’ve done.
In addition, like most artists, I also carry my fair share of scars and baggage. It seems almost like a prerequisite to creativity that you have a tragic backstory of some kind. I, unfortunately, am not immune. I’ve always been determined to drag myself out of whatever mire I find myself in though, and so far I’ve been relatively successful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multifaceted performer and from Birmingham, Alabama. I do burlesque, drag, theatre, and I am also a vocalist!
I’m known for combining all of the above into unique and often humorous acts.
I call myself the Shapeshifting Siren of the South because I come in many different forms, though I can still often be recognized by my distinctive makeup style.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In my day-to-day life I don’t consider myself much of a risk-taker. Audrey however is much bolder. This is my outlet to do all of the wild and silly things that roll around inside of my brain!
I am constantly putting myself out there and seeking out opportunities, often making sacrifices to do so.
On top of that, my day job is typically something where someone with passions like mine could cause you to be unable to find employment. I am however fortunate enough to work for a very inclusive company who is not only aware but supportive of my work.
I feel that risk is necessary for performers who want to pursue the arts to the fullest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @audreyg0ore
- Other: https://ko-fi.com/audreygoore
