Leanne Bourgeois Of Starlightsing On How Live Arts Helped Teach Courage, Authenticity, Vulnerability & Career Success
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Struggling to handle my health has shown me the epitome of courage. An example would be when I try not to take anything for granted with my life. I know how much I have faced and still face to perform. I know when I couldn’t perform because of my health while living in Ajax, Ontario and I know when I wanted to give up, but I never did. I learned to ask for help and found support with a case manager and I joined a wellness group that changed my life, which explains vulnerability to a tee. I feel these experiences fueled my career success. My survival is my authentic truth.
The stage is a powerful platform for personal and professional growth. Through live arts, individuals learn to embrace vulnerability, project authenticity, and muster unparalleled courage. These experiences not only shape artists but also prepare them for varied career paths with a distinctive edge. From actors and dancers to directors and behind-the-scenes creators, the lessons learned in the limelight often translate into profound career success beyond the footlights. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Leanne Bourgeois.
Leanne Bourgeois is a talented performing artist, who is musically gifted, a writer, actress, dancer, and a speaker. She is an empath and a healer, and she loves helping people find their true, authentic selves. She sings and plays piano and plays harmonica. She has been performing since she was a little kid. She has a theatre degree, with an emphasis in acting from Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS. She is originally from Massachusetts, lived in Canada for 21 years, and now lives in South Jersey. She is also a published author.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career in live arts?
My early-stage experience began when I was three years old, while taking dance. Then I was playing viola in second grade and started doing musicals in 3rd grade; I was hooked. I got invited to go to the Days In The Arts Camp in the Berkshires in Massachusetts (MA), where I am originally from. There is something about being on stage that fills this obsessive need for validation. I don’t know why showing people on stage who I am in front of many does that, but it can. I wanted to try so many different styles of music, whether it was with dance, songs to sing, musicals to be a part of and stages to perform on. I realized when I took voice lessons with Jan Curtis at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, for the first time at thirteen years old that my gift was unique.
In high school, I was in show choir, the orchestra, musical theatre shows, and dance theatre. I was being asked to do solos. I also did a district choir that you had to audition for. I also did an audition based vocal academy week at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. I then performed for the American Cancer Society as a soloist and also with the show choir. I was singing at family weddings or funerals or doing the national anthem for various sporting events around Waltham, MA. Unfortunately, when I was 16, my first voice teacher had a massive stroke and it definitely hurt me deep inside. She survived thankfully, but we couldn’t work together anymore.
I ended up working with multiple teachers after working with Jan. On a side note, finding the right voice teacher is like finding a therapist. I then took my travels to Boston Conservatory of Music. I was first in the music education and vocal performance program. I then decided to switch to the musical theatre program because I missed doing it. I was struggling with my sexuality back then, so I decided to head to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to figure it out. I always wanted to go to school in Canada. That is where my parents are from originally.
I attended Dalhousie University. I graduated with a BA in theatre, emphasis in acting in 2006. I then had so many health issues and my journey took a stand still with performing. At this point my life took me to Ontario with my ex-wife. It was the most heart wrenching experience to have to focus solely on your health. I kept singing, but it wasn’t the same until I found karaoke while living in Ajax, Ontario (ON). What an interesting transition in my life to be living in pain and going to karaoke. I moved back to Nova Scotia and thankfully with determination, I found myself back to performing in church. Then after I went through a divorce, I found an ability to sing and play piano, and harmonica. I ventured out to open mics. Then I got some solo gigs, I did backup vocals for a Newfoundland artist named Doug Hawco, who resided in Nova Scotia. Then I had sustained some concussions, and my journey took a halt again.
Then I found my way back to the United States and residing in Massachusetts with my parents. I then moved to New Jersey last year. I have been performing ever since whether performing at senior residences, festivals, bars, and now I am in two bands. I have had many challenges with my health over the years and still do at times, but music has been this beautiful life force within me. Music is the glue that keeps me going. I love sharing my gift with others and couldn’t imagine my life without it.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
My first senior residence that I played at I met this woman who said bravo after I performed, and she shed some tears, too. I had performed Van Morrison’s Moondance as one of my song selections. That song happened to be her wedding song, and apparently her husband recently passed. I was humbled and honored to help retrieve a beautiful memory for her.
Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Three-character traits that are instrumental in my success, would be my determination to never give up no matter what, resilience when facing adversity and health challenges, and my driven attitude to go after my dreams.
My determination to never give up no matter what happens to be one of my strategies and it is my saving grace. My mom taught me that when she was traveling with my dad as chaperones for the high school trip to Europe. She said it to me just in case something happened to them while travelling, thankfully nothing happened.
My resilience when facing adversity and health challenges has been a gift. Every time I got knocked out of commission, whether it was a concussion or a car accident, I kept trying to do whatever I could to heal. My doctor from Ontario taught me to allow yourself to heal one percent at a time. If you can get to one percent, you can get to two, and so on. She said if you get to 70%, then celebrate it. I interpreted what she said as to remove the all or nothing kind of thinking and celebrate the small wins.
My driven attitude to go after my dreams started when I was kid. I knew I wanted to perform even at eight years old. I kept getting messages in my mind to perform and to fight for what I want in life. I guess that is what makes me brave and courageous. My dreams kept me going even when I couldn’t even carry groceries or walk longer than two minutes at one point while living in Ajax, ON. I was so driven to heal, so I could perform again. I would try anything I could to heal, whether it was therapy or mental health groups, nerve injections at the pain clinic, botox with the neurologist, physical therapy, osteopathic or chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, wellness groups, and medication. I had a lot of side effects too, so I couldn’t take what I wanted for pain, but my driven attitude kept me alive past the thoughts that wanted me to end it. I manifested wanting to feel better so I could go out for my dreams and purpose again.
How has a live performance experience directly influenced a critical decision or leadership style in your professional career?
Live performance can be so beautiful. I remember when I was in the show Anything Goes and there was a number we did called Blow Gabriel Blow. We got a standing ovation after that one song for every show and that was not the last number either. There was this incredible addictive feeling that is not easily explained in words. It is this rush of positive energy that fills your entire body and heart. I never wanted shows to end because I always felt a sense of withdrawal when they were over.
I learned from doing performances like this that it was a huge responsibility because I had this unique voice. I was given opportunities that not all would have. I learned young to be humble with my success. This has changed my leadership style into leading by example. I got big roles like playing Peter Pan in Peter Pan with the Reagle Players Youth Theatre and yes, I did fly on a wire. I played Marion Paroo in the show called the Music Man at Waltham High School in MA. I sang a big solo, gospel number with Birch Cove Baptist Church choir in Halifax, NS and so many other opportunities. I have faced adversity when people witnessed me getting roles or parts others wanted. I have not always got the parts I wanted, but I always made the best out of every opportunity regardless. This has created a very solid work ethic. I also learned from Boston Conservatory from the director at the time named Neil Donohoe that you got to enjoy the work. You will spend more time doing that than, performing. If you can do that, then you have a chance to succeed in this business.
Can you describe a moment on stage that taught you a profound lesson about vulnerability and how you’ve applied that lesson offstage?
My first time I performed the national anthem; it did not go quite as expected. I was singing for a hockey banquet. I started to sing and three words in, I had no voice to come out. I went outside to hide for a moment. My parents came to my aide, thankfully they had a recording of the anthem as a backup. The following year I recorded myself on cassette tape and they played it at the banquet. The year after that I sang live and succeeded. I learned that life may not go as planned even in front of a lot of people, but never give up trying to go after the goal or task you seek. No one remembers when you flop or bobble. There is a concept in theatre that goes if you are going to make a mistake make it big or go home. I have also learned to keep standing up for what you believe in and never let yourself down. Always rise to the occasion even if it takes you two to three times to get you there.
In what ways has the discipline and creativity demanded by live arts shaped your approach to career challenges and opportunities?
The discipline and creativity demand your quality time when it comes to live arts. The only way to get better at it is to practice. As I mentioned above, learn to enjoy the work and it will make your life more complete and easier. Always be prepared because you never know when an opportunity will knock at your door. I find learning a song can be challenging at times especially if the musical rhythm is more difficult to do. I have figured out a system with learning songs. I break difficult passages down until I cannot break them down any further. Then I slowly expand from that point to the whole measure where the rhythm was challenging me. I then keep expanding until I can go back from the beginning and keep going all the way through the song without stopping. Some stop this work and say it is too hard, but don’t give up. Practicing can be easier at times when you pick up a song quickly. Breaks are super important with learning music. This process is no different from working on a college or high school paper. The strategy is to use your time wisely, but breaks bring back a fresh perspective. I get surprised every time I overcome a challenge because I remember how it was when I began. I see the songs I have advanced to and the progression from doing the work.
How do you think the authenticity required in live performances has impacted your personal brand or leadership identity in your career?
Authenticity starts from within. Your performance will reach people more when you do the work and connect to the pieces you perform. Actors are taught to find attributes and objectives in the characters with the roles they play and compare them to themselves. The more insight you have, the better your performance. I take the lyrics of song and relate it to a story from my life, then I find the message within the musical accompaniment. When you love what you do and do the work, people will see and feel it. Your personal brand expands while displaying your leadership, especially when you show up and people will want to work with you again. I always show up even if there is one person in the crowd versus a full room. It is so important to reach at least one person and everything after that is gravy. I have learned as well that it is important to show up when you make a commitment to an event, gig, or show. The only exceptions are health of course and accidents. I feel health comes first no matter what and the only one in charge of that is you.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways That Live Arts Helped Teach Courage, Authenticity, Vulnerability and Career Success?”
1 . Struggling to handle my health has shown me the epitome of courage. An example would be when I try not to take anything for granted with my life. I know how much I have faced and still face to perform. I know when I couldn’t perform because of my health while living in Ajax, Ontario and I know when I wanted to give up, but I never did. I learned to ask for help and found support with a case manager and I joined a wellness group that changed my life, which explains vulnerability to a tee. I feel these experiences fueled my career success. My survival is my authentic truth.
2 . I remember when I moved back to Nova Scotia, I would go for walks to help me. I would find different types of quartz rocks and I would pick one to bring back. I made a beautiful rock garden with how many times I walked and came back with a new piece. I had courage to walk and walk again. I was so vulnerable with what I was living through every day, but it never stopped me from continuing. I feel learning to create something out of pain has helped me with my future endeavors with performing. I am so authentic because I am a truth teller with my stories.
3 . A divorce is not something people sign up for. I guarantee it is not like waiting in line for a Disney ride. I certainly did not want that experience, but it taught me courage with how I handled it. My divorce was painful, and it caused lots of PTSD. I kept speaking my authentic truth to heal with a good amount of mental health experts or programs I could find. I was not embarrassed, but I was vulnerable and in agony. I asked for help to heal and to make sense of what just happened. I fought hard for my rights. It is amazing what people do to get their way. I was always honest no matter how much it hurt me inside. My ability to learn from this moment of my life changed how I viewed the world. I learned that people are not perfect, and neither am I. I learned you can’t count on everyone, but you can count on yourself to show up. I did my own form of self-exposure therapy to help me emotionally detach from events that were horribly triggering. This mental boot camp has brought so much success in performing because it taught me to move forward towards my goals and dreams. I do not quit unless I have to for health reasons, but even then, I am too stubborn to quit. It is an amazing work ethic to have in life and career.
4 . I remember when I first signed up to do my first senior residence gig. I was a bit vulnerable making the call. I was referred to one from a neighbor and it was a beautiful one because I landed it. I made an impression with my neighbor, and someone wanted to help me succeed. I have booked other gigs and not all call you back or want you. I have been lucky with the gigs I do get. You need the courage to keep calling in this business. I learned that if a door closes, let it. Put your energy and focus into the opportunities that do open for you. I have learned in sales that you got to get the no’s before you get the yes’s. I learned in theatre that rejection is expected but celebrate when you get the wins. I recently learned from spiritual healers on Instagram that rejection is redirection. All these experiences have shaped the way I see my career success.
5 . I learned last year that I had arthritis in my right hip and then in my right lumbar of my spine. I had to be vulnerable once again and ask for help. I got some injections and then ultimately an ablation in my lower back. I needed courage like the cowardly lion to get that ablation done. This procedure impacted me getting back to performing once again, but as I have mentioned previously this is not my first rodeo. I have had to overcome my challenges in the past and to learn how to heal. I did physical therapy, changed medications, changed my diet, learned about my food sensitivities and my allergies too. I have been able to do more again, and I just did two dance classes recently. Hard work pays off. All these experiences have shaped my work ethic and my dedication to my craft.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
My movement would be teaching people to keep going no matter what because the thing that is around the corner could be the thing you always wanted. If you cut out too soon, you will miss it. I would want to help people go after their dreams, their passions, and what brings them joy. Living with a disability is not life over as we know it. A disability is redirection to learn how to live your life differently. Don’t sustain the labels that are placed on you when it comes to pain or any type of diagnosis. You can always improve, even if at one percent at a time. Never stop moving, you are not concrete. Take a step and watch your life change. Make your bed everyday even if that is all you do; you can check that off your list.
How can our readers further follow you online?
https://youtube.com/@leannebourgeois1544?si=n131QkUMvyoon6cB
https://www.facebook.com/leebourgeois?mibextid=ZbWKwL
@starlightsing
(Instagram)
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Leanne Bourgeois Of Starlightsing On How Live Arts Helped Teach Courage, Authenticity… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.