Welcome to the Creative College Journey podcast, the place to help raise awareness on the many pathways to a creative life and education and how college might be a part of it, because it's not where you go to school, but how you go to school that counts. Hosted by professional, creative, and college expert Scott Barnhardt, who is chatting with a variety of guests who have some amazing lived experiences from different universities, majors and creative industry interests. And we hope by hearing their stories, it might help give you some inspiration to find your own Creative College Journey.

I am so excited to have a really unique college conversation today with a former student of mine that I am so proud of, and this is a story about ways to thrive as a creative artist without college. If you know anything about my work, I hope you hear that I am someone who equally advocates for four year universities, community colleges, and straight to industry options for post high school, so long as they are a match to goals and growth. And Shane Norys has done that in spades. Shane is a dancer, choreographer, and performer. Originally from Orange County, California. He attended the Orange County School of the Arts to study musical theater from seventh to 12th grade, and I had the privilege of being his conservatory director for his junior and senior years at OCSA. Shane is currently a performer on the Disney cruise line, traveling the world on the Disney Magic, a job he's held since auditioning for Disney the summer after he graduated from high school. Shane has recently completed a professional development with Disney Cruise Line with a certificate in the Emerging Leaders Shipboard program. Shane began his theme park Adventures working as a performer at Lego Land and you can often find Shane teaching dance at Millennium Dance Center in Orange County, or even subbing for me, occasionally at the Professional School for the Arts and Torrance, or choreographing for musical theater of Orange County At OCSA, you could always see Shane dancing in a number of productions, including Jasper and Dead Land Sweet Charity. The Tree Lightings at Fashion Island, OCSA's Galas, Footloose, as well as leadership on Evita and Spelling Bee, and a teaching assistant for our middle school productions. On a personal note, Shane is a ferocious talent with a drive for growth. Unlike most his age, there was always a sense of joy, determination, and ease whenever Shane was dancing, and I'm so proud that he has been able to take those skills and live out so many dreams already in just a few short years. So check out his Instagram for incredible views of the many sites of the world that he gets to see. But for right now, we welcome to the podcast Shane Norys.

Hello everyone.

Hi Shane. Oh my gosh,

That was so fun.

I'm so excited to have this conversation specifically with you, but before we get into it, give us just an update. Where are you? I can see you are in like the most ornate, uh, backdrop, but give us a little, tell us where you are, how you're doing, how you're actually doing, and maybe where in the world you are.

So currently right now I'm sitting in the LA atrium of the Disney Magic. Um, we ported in Cozumel, Mexico today. Um, I really love this port. There's so much to do and like, I, that's why like oftentimes, like we come here, every cruise and like, I don't even really get off that much cuz I've been so many times, which I think is such a fortunate thing that I can say. It's like, oh, like I go to Mexico like every week and you know, I dance on the nights. You know, like that's so, like, I can't believe I say that, but, um, yeah. How am I doing? You know, I get asked that quite often and usually it's like, I'm good. How are you? Or, I'm tired. Um, but like, to answer honestly, I, I'm doing okay. I think that's been like what I've, the common theme of how I'm feeling is. You know, I've been on this ship since September 14th, 2022. I was originally supposed to leave February 6th, 2023, but it got extended, so now I'm here until May 13th, 2023. Um, and besides that, I was in Toronto for rehearsals before that, since August 14th. So I haven't been home since August 13th, which was, is is a long time. It's the longest I've ever been away. I'm out, out of the contracts I've done, I, this is definitely the longest I've been gone, and it's definitely been hard to be away from family and my friends back home. And, you know, the job aspect too, it's, it's very physically demanding and mentally demanding job. So having to go every day with no days off. Is is hard. Um, but I think, you know, obviously I love what I do and I love that I get the opportunity to be here. So I can't really complain on that. But that's, I think that's why I'm just like, I'm doing okay. We're almost, there we're two cruises away from a dry dock, which is where we're in port for a little bit with no guests or anything, and they're just fixing up the ship, doing any maintenance and then we, I do one more cruise and then I go home. So almost there, just in that final stretch. But yeah, I am doing okay.

Wow, that's

felt very long.

no, that's so inter, I mean, you've gone, I, if I put it in college terms, you've gone an entire academic year without being home, which brings its own, um, sort of sense of, of home sickness. That totally makes

Yeah, definitely.

Oh, wow. All right. No, this is, this is great. Uh, I mean this is, and I'm, I'm so appreciative of a, of a real answer in that regard. Not, not a, um, cuz it's, it's part of it, and that's part of the adulting process of like, yeah, this isn't easy, but here I am. Shane, talk to us a little bit. I know I sort of laid it out, you know, sort of naming you as a performer, uh, choreographer, dancer. Uh, give us an idea of how you identify creatively. What are those things that you put out into the world? What are you making? How do you, how do you define yourself?

I, let's say I'm, I'm dancer, uh, choreographer, like you said, I would say actor, singer. Sometimes I can, I definitely used to be more singer and then I became more dancer and haven't really focused on singer, but. It's still there. I could, I could do it in audition, I could do it in ensemble, you know? Um, I really like photography. I'm a photographer, let's say that. I feel like those are the main things I focus on. I, as you said, as you said, I just recently completed an a leadership program here on board. And so even though I haven't had any real leadership roles in this company, I think that with all my other, uh, things that I've done in leadership roles, I would also say I'm a leader just because of how I've grown as myself and things I've learned and what I can, I think, bring to the table as a leader too. so yeah, I think those, those things are really the, the main ones I would define as.

Love it. Love it. And I would echo, I actually, I wholeheartedly agree that you're a leader. Having seen even in high school, like you take on leadership roles, with little to no fear, just like, boom, I'm gonna help make this happen, which is, which is leading. as you know, this is the Creative College Journey, so we're talking a lot about college. But that being said, you know, you were at OCSA, which is a school that prides itself on the college experience and statistics that come with that, but it, it was clear that getting into the industry early, and I remember chatting with you about it during your senior year, um, that getting into the industry was really top of mind for you. So I'd love for you to take us back to junior year high school, Shane. Uh, I know we never wanna necessarily go back there, but I would

no.

I would love for you to tell us a little bit about. How you were making those decisions during that time? How did you know that this was the, the path that you were going to go towards? Did you apply to any colleges? Did you consider that path at all? Like, tell us a little bit about your decision making as a, as a junior and senior in high school.

Yeah. Um, I mean, as you said, OCSA was a very college driven place. They really wanted you to like, take that next step, go to all these colleges, audition, apply, and I knew like that was never really gonna be what I wanted to do. Um, and I always knew from like, ever since I started doing more, Professional shows and working with more industry people. I saw like all the, you know, there was a lot of people that worked for Disney and I wanted to do that. Like that made me wanna do that. So I almost looked at them as mentors. And so that's when I, you know, I wanted to always just be like a parade performer at Disneyland or being one of those, you know, big large musicals that they do over there. and so that's what, that was always it. I said when I turn 18 and once I graduate, like I'm, I'm auditioning every single thing I can get to. and there was, you know, there was sometimes when I would hear, cuz obviously you're, you're surrounded by all these people, especially junior, senior year, that are applying nonstop and you know, you're, you're trying to make plans and it's like, oh I gotta do college applications. And I'm like not really understanding it cause obviously I'm not doing it. but you know, there is that like keeps a lot of people, like that's what. That's what they live for in a sense. Like they want to have that college experience. And I think there's nothing wrong with that, but I think that people often struggle to grasp that there are other paths you can take that there's, it's not always just high school, college. There's like, I mean, I went straight into the industry and I think that that's a totally acceptable other, other path you can take for sure. Um, it obviously is hard because it, but I also look at it as the same thing as applying for colleges. You're going on all these auditions,

Can you understand like what was it about Disney and like the idea of going straight to work that sounded so much more appealing to you than, uh, than the academic path? And again, I'm right there with you. I know you have learned. Copious amounts by putting yourself out there, by auditioning, by working a contract, working multiple contracts, getting through the hard pieces of, being a grown adult, right? You have to be an adult at 18. Like you have to pay your own bills, you have to, you know, meet job expectations. So with that, how like, and you were so clear about it, I will say you were like one of those unique 17, 18 year olds that were just like, oh no, that I'm doing this thing. Cool. You all go, go do the college thing. I am doing this thing and y'all can help me. Like, please help me get to this thing. But I am going down this path. What gave you that assuredness?

I think it's, it all stems from all throughout my academic life. I was never really big on school. Like obviously I, I went and everything. And I did everything, but, you know, I was never in like those honors classes or those like ap, I think that's what they're called.

Yep. The AP

Um, I, it just was never like, and that's why, like what going to OCSA, like I went. For the academic part, but really it was there for, just so I could like, you know, dance instead of run laps in pe you know, and I could do shows at school rather than having To leave school and go do them somewhere else. And I think that's when I knew, like performing is what I wanted to do. And even though I could do four more years of the same thing I just did OCSA, it's like, why do that when I could easily just keep, start auditioning and go straight into what I wanna do in life? and I think that there are things obviously, that I wanna do with my life that will need that academic piece of paper. Um, but I think that for right now, what I'm doing, I'm doing everything I wanna do without having that college education. And I think that's all I can really ask for is I don't regret not going to college.

This is this. Great. Jane, I have not heard anyone in the college sphere talk about not going to college. This is like, this is so important. So I just, I love, thank you for this. Like, thank you, thank

Yes. I'm so glad I very much will preach this.

yeah. So you don't regret not going to college. What is the greatest thing that, that Disney has given you instead?

I think that one thing which is more of like a perk is, you know, a lot of people choose colleges based on lots of different things, but I think a major component is location. you know, not everybody wants to stay where they've been their whole life to keep doing school. The whole fun part about it is getting to go to New York and do that whole dream or go out of the country and go to Europe and study at London. but I think for me, like I'm getting to perform and do my dream job and travel the world, which is like crazy. Like it's, it was so crazy cuz last contract, we, it took us to Europe at the end of it and I would like wake up in a new place in Europe every morning and like go out in Italy. Eat gelato and pasta and then come back and tap on the stage for an audience and then wake up the next morning in Barcelona. Like, it was so crazy. Like, and then some, and like I even, like I met up with another OCSA alum who lives in Barcelona and she studies there. Yeah. And she is living her life too, studying there. And she took me all around Barcelona and I was like, this is great. But I don't think I could, I don't think I could live here every day for four years. Like I'm, I'm getting like other experiences in Europe and stuff. Like I'm, it's, and not even just Europe, like there's so many other beautiful places that I've visited too, just in the US or around North America in general that are just, I think that's the main thing that this has given me that is similar to the college experience, but just in, it's more my cup of tea, I will say.

Yeah, it, it's a, and in going back to this idea, what, what I see so clearly that this is such a great match. This job experience is such a great match to you, the human, to you, the artist, and how it transpires as you move down the rest of your life. Who's to say? But at this moment, at this crossroads, this was clearly a. Much. Um, I'm, I wanna get into the audition piece of this because look, getting a job at Disney, getting your job at Disney can be highly competitive. many people audition for years before they actually have either the right, the right opportunity shows or their skills actually match what Disney needs. And again, you gotta kind of straight out the gate. Talk to me, how do you feel like you were prepared at 18 to nail those auditions? Or did you nail those auditions or were you just super lucky?

I think that there was definitely, I mean, I basically write when I, I think the weekend that I turned 18, there was probably like four auditions posted for four different parks. It was like Disneyland, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Cruise Line. And I remember I was like, I'm just gonna go to all of'em. Like, I'm just gonna, like, I'm about to turn 18. Like I'm just gonna go to every single one. And I think I think I was just prepared to just, you know, go out there, be myself and have fun because this is what I knew I wanted to do. I've been so passionate about doing it for my entire life, basically. and so I think that's why it was like, I didn't seem to me like an audition. I mean, me personally, I treat every audition like another dance class. Like, you go in there, you're, you're there to learn, you're there to have fun. You're there to observe others in the room because you can always learn from other people. And I think that's like a big lesson I learned too, is like, If you go in expecting something, it's, it might not always come out the way you want it to. Um, whereas if you go in just like to have fun and just be there and audition, like you never know what will come out of it. And I think that's exactly what happened is like, I can touch on, like, one of the story for Cruise Line was I went to audition in la um, there was, the first part of the day was for, uh, main stage dancer. The second part of the day was for a specialty performer. And I went, was only planning on going to the main stage dance audition, went, got cut the first round. I was like, okay, no worries. Like we'll go to a, we'll go to a different one. I was ready to like leave, but the person I drove with was like, well, let's just go to the second one or the specialty performer one. It's, it's right after. Like, we're already here, let's just go. And I was like, yeah, you're right. Let's just go. So I went, got through all the rounds, got asked to read some sides. And then like about three weeks later, got that offer from that audition, which is like really crazy to me because like I almost didn't go to that audition, but I did. And I like, look what happened. Like I think that even if you're not always, maybe it's not always exactly what you want, but so you're like, I'm just not gonna go. Cause I have a really specific thought in my mind of what I wanna do. Like, I think still go because you never know what will come out of it. Because now I'm able to do all these opportunities plus dancing in the shows, plus doing other various things around the ship that I'm kind of getting like the best of all the worlds and the entertainment like department. So it's crazy.

I love that. Go to the freaking audition. Just go to the audition. See what, because

audition.

I, I mean, I love that you were like, first cut. In the morning and by two o'clock in that afternoon, you are an ideal candidate. Like, and it's, it is, there's so many, uh, so many ways towards a lot of these jobs that just being willing to go to the audition and go through the hoops if it is what you want. And again, I love this idea that you're like, I know what I want. I want to be on the other side of that. And you just relentless. Great. Beautiful.

I think that's something to add on that too, is like, I went to one audition and got it, or, and like I booked it, but I think that it's, it, it could being said that even if I didn't get it, I would've had to go to more auditions and I would've kept auditioning until. Something came out of it, because I think that a lot of other people too, like I, I mean, I talk to people all the time about their audition processes and like, I've heard people, we've auditioned 20 times, we've auditioned 10 times, I've auditioned 36 times. And I think that a lot of people struggle to grasp that with Disney specifically. A lot of it is about timing. Like you have to audition in the right place at the right time. and you know, there's one audition, there could be the perfect spot for you and the next audition there could be all the spots taken. And then you, they're like, let's try again later. You know? And I think that that's another thing is like, if you're passionate, passionate, and you want this just to keep going and keep auditioning, no matter how many times it takes, because you never know that 45th time you go could be the one that gets you it. And then you're there for however many, however long you wanna stay employed. You know? I think that's something else to add.

Uh, it go, it, it all goes back to, uh, I, I talk a lot with students resiliency, um, perseverance and adaptability, and you're, that's like the perfect demonstration of, of all three of those, of like, I'm gonna keep going. I may get nos, but I'm gonna get back up and, and try again, and I'm also going to adapt what jobs I may be actually open to so that you. You are casting an appropriately wide net for what it is you're after. Woo. Shane, you're preaching some truth. You're preaching some truth. what, having been on the ship for as long as you have, what do you think you've learned most? Like if I, to me, it feels like you have gone to college. I feel like working on the Disney cruise line is the, the lessons you've learned. The ideas you've learned, like what do you think you've learned most?

Oh, I've learned a lot. Let me tell you, I think that I definitely, um, four years ago when I, almost four years, four years in September ago when I started this whole journey, I was a completely different person. I think that last month I was a completely different person. Last year I was a completely different person. I am always, always learning something new about the, the work, about the job, about the industry, about myself. Um, and I think that's like the really amazing thing about this job too, is that like you. It's not, you're not going to college and staying with the same people for all four years. You're on contract for six months with a group of people and then you're on contract for another six months with a completely different group of people. And your managers are always changing, your guests are always changing because you're always moving ports and changing home ports and bringing on different cultures and meeting a whole lot different cultures. Um, and I think that in a sense, like it's, I learned a lot about HA handling, how do I put this, like. Change is a really big thing that I think a lot of people struggle with. But here it's kind of something that you just have to deal with, but you learn to get better at it. and you know, there's, You get really close with the group of people that you're spending your entire 24 hours, seven days a week on this boat for with, but you spend all this time seven days a week, 24 hours with the same group of people, and then you blink and then everyone goes home. And I think that then having to reset with a whole different group of people can be challenging, but it's also a good way to. Expand and open yourself to new personalities and different types of people and all that jazz. And so I think that growth and change have been two big learning curves for me because I definitely feel like I've grown into a complete different person, but in a, like a really grand way. Like I love the way I am now. Um, I love the person I am now. Um, but I think there's still always room to grow more. And I am, I'm always open to growth and change, so, but I think that's like one of the sad parts, but also the, one of the most amazing parts about this job that differs from the college experience.

this is, this is gold because again, even just you being able to articulate this, uh, you can see the, the benefit, uh, you know, there's, there's this idea, I don't know how you feel about this, but like, you know, we're in a time globally of like immense change. There's change happening in every industry, in every, uh, bit of creativity and, and like, Be between, you know, technological advances or geopolitical issues or, uh, you know, even just weather patterns. Like there is constant change. Experts will not agree on what is going to change, but everyone agrees that change is coming. So being adaptable, resilient, and persistent, like, and, and honoring those skills and strengthening those skills, to me is, is actually the thing that brings a young person some security. Like, you will be secure because you know how to navigate change. You'll make a next right decision accordingly. oh, it's so cool. This is so cool, Shane.

Yeah.

I, I'm curious, what are the aspects of the job that light you up? What are maybe like, what was like the biggest surprise about this job that you weren't prepared for? And then maybe what are, that's like a thing or two that you could maybe do without, and I have a funny feeling it has something to do with home sickness.

Um, I mean, just my, my job in general, what I get to do on the ship is amazing. I. Have a lot of fun with that. Um, that's all I'll say on that. Go to my Instagram if you wanna see more. Uh, I think that traveling part is amazing. When I really went on a lot of vacations, we, if we did it was mostly like two hour drives to another city to watch my sister play softball or going to Idaho to see family. Like we never went on these extravagant vacations that all my other friends in middle school and high school always went on. Like, they would get back from spring break and be like, Cabo was so fun. And I was like, oh yeah, the waterpark down the street was also so fun. But you know, there's nothing wrong with that. Um, but yeah, I think that getting, like pretty getting going to travel for free is a really good perk. Um, what else?

What are the surprises? Any surprises?

Like, I think the most surprising part is just like, how, just basically learning how like a, a cruise ship operates. Like, I think that, that's so interesting. the operation on cruise ships is very different than anywhere else. Like, I think you're basically taking, especially with Disney, you're taking a theme park, a hotel. And you're doing this. I classed my hands together. I forgot. This is a podcast. Um, uh, you put them together and it's, it's finding the balance between all of those things, you know? Cause there's like characters, but then there's the restaurant service, but then there's the sleeping part, and then there's the stuff upstairs, there's the pools, and then there's the port adventures and getting off. And there's all these things that work together to create this happy vacation time that is really. It was really cool to learn about. And obviously there were some things that are a little mm-hmm. But you learn to live with them and grow with them as things change. And that's another thing about cruise ships change is constant. because obviously an a boat this size, it has a lot to do with weather too as well. Like if it starts raining in a port and they have to cancel all the port adventures, everyone stays on the ship and then the whole thing change. The whole day changes. Your whole day flips around. Which I think is another surprising thing about like, you don't, not every day's the same. There's always something different. There's always step that's changing and always different for each. to go on things that I could probably go without. Um, I think that this job, like I said, is very physically, mentally demanding. and I think that what would benefit everyone is like, I don't know how it's would even be possible thinking about operation needs and stuff like that, but like a, like a full day off just to like rest and reset would be something good or something beneficial. There's not, I mean, there isn't really much, honestly, I, I can't complain much about this whole experience. It's pretty amazing. But I think that that's like the one thing too like you said, the home sickness, that's very hard not being able to really see any family unless they come sail or come to the port, which is hard because I'm, this whole contract I had been on the east and south coast. Um, and obviously my family's on the West coast, so that's been hard. but yeah, I mean there's, you can always call and stuff, but obviously with being on a ship as well, always changing locations, service and WiFi's pretty hard to come by too, but there's always moments for it. But I think just that part, like the not being able to see family and those friends back home and then the, those all things just kinda blend together. But overall, it's just amazing Here. I can't really complain at all.

yeah. I'm curious, are you able to, while you're doing this job, and, I know it's a demanding schedule and there are demanding, you know, duties that you have to attend to, but are you able to stoke any of your own sort of creative fires? Like, are you still working? Are you able to dance choreograph? Like how, how are you maintaining your own personal creativity while you are on the ship?

Um, that's a great question cuz I, I mean it's perfect timing cuz I just recently, about two weeks ago, I think, time is such a struggle here. I barely know what day it's ever. Um, but um, I did teach a dance class for the cast, which was really fun. being able, it was my first time doing that since I was home, so that was really great just to be able to, choreograph something and dance and not dance, you know, the Mickey Sail wave party that we do upstairs. Like, it was like my style, my choreography, and I got to share that with my friends, which was really cool. I think the hardest part is about finding time for my creative juices to flow is because we work so much, it's like most of the time on my breaks, I just kind of wanna rest and, or I, or I eat or I go outside and read. And it's hard to find time too because there's not really spaces for it. obviously our rooms are little, little cabins, so the, if I, uh, kick my leg, I'm gonna kick something. It's either gonna be the closet, the bed, or the the bathroom. Um, wave my arm, I'm gonna do the same thing. So there's not really room in there. It's a lot of sitting and arm movements if I wanna choreograph anything. But, um, there's. I do try to find time to just, even if I'm just like sitting on deck for outside, like to listen to songs I wanna dance to and even just like do it right there. Like it's still something. I do get a lot of the fill from just dancing in general, like doing the shows that we do. it's of course not my choreography, but it gives me ideas for other things and keeps me inspired for what I wanna do, and what I want to become professionally and in like, the future of my career.

Yeah, totally. All right. I'm gonna, I'm gonna pivot this. I'm actually really curious about this answer. if Disney, And that's like any Disney gig, including the parks. If it hadn't gone your way, let's say worst case scenario, Disney Cruise Line said, no, Shanghai, Tokyo, Disney, Disneyland, Disney World. They were all like, no, thank you Shane. Uh, what do you think you would've done? Are, are there other jobs, schools, paths that you've daydreamed about, that you've considered? Like, what do, what do you, how would you have pivoted?

I think that's, that is also a great question cuz I've never been asked that. Um, cause most people just ask about the job, but, I don't think that I would've done, I mean, I think I would've maybe done online school for like a community college just because I probably would've been home. something that's always interested in me is like marketing and communications. another thing which is really off brand for everything I've talked about, but like clinical psychology is an interest for me. So I probably would've studied that maybe cuz that's always fumbled with my brain to learn about. but I think I also probably just still would've done industry at the same time by like getting an agent in dance or maybe even modeling cuz like my mom always tells me I should get a mo uh, an agent to go modeling and.

Thanks, mom.

think that, I think mom, yeah, number one fan. I do think that would be something cool. but yeah, still probably sticking more industry, going on auditions for other things. other, you know, work that's not Disney music videos, anything like that. Just still, I mean, I'm still, I would still be very interested in doing that, but of course, since I would have be at home more, I would probably do school just to get that, like, since I have the time, because I always said like if I was ever home long enough, in between contracts, I would probably do a little bit of online school just to get that education in for the jobs that come up that do require that degree. Um, yeah, that's, that's a very hard question because I think I was just so passionate and stubborn on working for Disney that I never thought about other things I would do if it didn't happen. I was kind of just, Hoping it would happen very strongly.

and clearly that it, and it, what, what's so interesting about a question like that is that clearly you do have some, like some other fires stoking out there, but very clear that this Disney driver was a huge one for you. Uh, uh, it's, it's so clear. I'm gonna hop to finances because I also talk a lot about finances. I'm a huge advocate for whatever way possible, walking away from college as lean as possible financially. I'm not opposed to people taking on debt, but being eyes wide open towards why and how you're taking debt and how much you're taking. Now you're in a very, you know, unique situation in that regard. I ask most people, do they, uh, underspend, overspend, or get it just right. Well, we know you certainly got it, you know, just Right. You're certainly underspending and making money accordingly. So I wanna flip the question and I'm curious, how are you sort of saving, investing or thinking about your money that you've earned over the last few years in terms of reinvesting in yourself into your creative projects? Like how have you handled the money piece? working at such a young age.

Um, not, well, actually, to your surprise. Um, I think that I'm a person in general who loves to spend money. I, I also love when it's like spending, when I started making my own money and I was spending my own money. Cause then I was like, oh, I worked for this. I deserve it. And that would be, That would be my reason for it all, which now I know I don't, I, I'm better at it now, but in the beginning what was hard is that it was my first contract. I was making all this money and then I would be spending it and then the pandemic hit. And I think if I knew we were gonna go into a worldwide global pandemic, I wouldn't have spent as much as I did. I would've saved more. Cuz I always said, I was like, oh, I'll do my first contract. I'll spend money, I'll enjoy my life. And then the second contract, I'll save like right away. Of course you see the issue. And where we went wrong. But, um, then during the second contract, I was good, but then we went to Europe and it's very expensive in Europe, so that took a lot of money too. Cause it was my first time in Europe. And so I was just like, oh, when am I ever gonna get this experience again? Like, I'm not, I don't think I'll ever like, fly back here in the near future. So like, I should just like live my life. And then that was of course, wrong advice to myself again. and now we're here. And this contract, I was like, okay, now we're doing much better. We are saving, and I have been better and we're great now. But I think that, it's, it's different because in I'm not paying for rent, I'm not paying for food unless I'm going off to ship and eating. really the only money I spend on board is my caramelized latte with soy milk three times a day. that's basically all, it's, uh, so, Saving money is, is, it can be very easy on a ship, but very hard too, because easy in the sense that you're not having to pay for any things like food and rent and stuff like that. But you are spending money on stuff in ports and you know you're going to all these new places. It's like, you could say, I'm not gonna spend any money. But it's, it's hard to say that. And it's easier said than done, is what I'm trying to say is, you, you wanna save money, but then you go out and port and you see, and everyone's like, we're gonna go to this really cool restaurant. We're gonna go to this really cool resort. It's like this much for a day pass. And then you're like, well, you don't wanna miss out and you don't wanna, you wanna live this fun life too. So then you go, and then you, next thing you know, you're, you didn't save anything from the last pay week, pay period. but that's something that I've definitely struggled with spending in general. You can ask my mom again. I bring her up like I, she's always been my, like my. At home banker, I usually, what I used to do is I would send her money and she would put it in her savings account so that it wasn't easy for me to switch into mine. but then I would find myself texting her, being like, Hey, can you transfer this? Hey, can you transfer that? Hey, can you transfer that? And she was like, are you ever gonna start saving? And I'm like, yeah, I will. Next contract. Um, but of course here we are, we're doing much better. I now manage my own finances and I actually, I, I mean I pay for my own bills, obviously the only bill I have is phone, so that makes it pretty easy. but I've definitely been better at saving, especially because this contract, a lot of the ports we're going to it are a lot of the same ports I've been to, which has been great cuz then I don't feel like I'm missing anything if I don't go off for the day. so I think that that's what's pretty great. Is once you've been somewhere so many times, it sounds so bad, but it's like, well, I don't, I don't need to go off in St. Martin today. I don't need to go off in The Bahamas today. Like I've been there. but it's true. I mean, you don't, if you don't wanna spend the money, you, it's so easy to just not go because you, you just, you're gonna be there next week. You were just there last week, so

I That's so real. That is so real. And I feel like this is such a real conversation for many artists, especially artists who go on tour, who take a cruise ship because you're like, you're literally, uh, You know, you're in a perennial vacation, like you're in vacation spots, which are, you know, they're not known for being cheap and they're not known for being inexpensive. and I would imagine, especially again at 18, 19, you know, as your brain is still forming, uh, I would make perfect sense why there would be some impulsive spending. Um, especially if it's part of, if it's part of your brand as your mom might say. Um,

it's,

but the, the, the learning lessons along the way of how can you, you know, we live in a feaster famine sort of world. The, the creatives, artists, dancers, you know, there are moments where you're making money and then there's moments where it's like dried up and it's like, how do you put out those buckets during the feast moments? How can

Yeah.

you know, to help you get through any of those famine moments?

Yeah.

Ooh, I've got some books for you too. I'm gonna, uh, we're, we'll, we'll chat offline, like, uh, there's, there's some great books that may help, help you easily sort of account and think of your small business, you as a small business. Uh,

Yeah. When you said that you advocate for that, I was like, I definitely should probably talk to him because I'm not the best at saving money.

yeah. Oh, we'll chat, maybe we'll have, we'll have a, we'll have a separate podcast episode just about, about that, about ways to. I'm gonna, I'm gonna ask this next question. You've learned so much on the cruise line and in these four years post high school. I'm curious what you plan to do with what you've learned. Like do you imagine any additional like industry pathways for you? Um, and maybe that includes these ideas of moving into choreography and teaching directing. Like how do you think what you've learned on the Disney cruise line might like influence your next steps as a professional?

I think that being here and kind of touching on like the, the leadership aspect, I have become very passionate about this job and its operation specifically on cruise line. and I think that. You know, when I was always before this, I would always, I would always tell people like, oh, I wanna be a choreographer. Whether that's in like, um, musicals or on a dance team or, uh, at a colleges like I, I was, it was always just I wanted to be a choreographer in any capacity. recently though, I have stepped foot into a world of two different jobs. That's like, um, one is being entertainment manager, which is, well it's entertainment character manager on board, which is one of the roles they have here that manages all things that, and then another role is casting, which has become quite a, uh, passion for mine as well, which, because I always enjoyed when I did, like, um, when I used to be assistant choreographer for different shows and such, like that, I loved being on the other side of the table. not even just because of like, Being able to put my ideas in the choreography world, but also being able to put my ideas forth for where we're gonna put people in roles that whole puzzle has was so fascinating to me. And I think that casting for like Disney, specifically is a, a whole nother world of a puzzle, especially with Cruise Line because there's so many different tracks and each track is so different that building that puzzle seems so stressful, but so fun for me. so I think that that's something that I would love to, go for in my life. I know it's like obviously a ways to go and there's still so many things I wanna accomplish before I get to that like dream goal job of mine. But, Yeah, I think that's one of them. the other role on board, the entertainment manager is just, it's all centered around the operation and leading that operation, leading your team of performers, which I. Have become very passionate about. Um, and I think that's where my, um, there's these two roles within the cast that are like cast captains. So there's, you know, there's the dance captains and vocal captains, staging captains in the main stage world. And then in my team there's animation captain and line captain, and they're just responsible for the upkeep of the job and the roles in general. And I, that is the next step I wanna take. Like, I would love to be in one of those positions for my next contract if that comes around. because both of you prepare both of those roles, prepare you for management positions and growing into that side of the world if you choose, um, or that side of the job if you choose. so I think those two specifically are what I have my eyes on. I'll just say I think that this company and this, this job in general, it gives you a lot of different pathways that you can grow into, and learn about. And career exploration is a big thing too here, which I really love. So definitely lots of in, in opportunities and areas for growth and stepping up into different roles

So, I mean, what I'm hearing, and this has not changed since 17 year old Shane, like, do you imagine like a, a, a lifetime career at Disney if possible, or is that one path that you would consider?

Honestly, I. As crazy as it sounds? I think so. I mean, I mean, actually I don't think it's too crazy. I've met people who've been here their whole lives. Um, I think with just what I'm doing right now, me being so young, I could continue this for a while, obviously with change and there is a lot of change. I mean, there's, I've been on two ships working, but I mean, there's five ships right now. There's two more coming out. Things are always changing. and so I don't think it'll always be the same. And I think that's what I love too, is that like each contract could be something totally different. So I do think that I could see myself being here for a while because even if there's so many ways I could step up and step towards different positions, I wanna do that make me excited to keep going and keep staying inspired to work here.

huge. Beautiful, beautiful. And the clarity is just, is is amazing. Um, okay, let's move into this last question, and I think this one's probably the most important. I'm always so curious. know, you've, you've grown so much, you've become your own leader. You're, you're living your best life. Just look at Instagram. it's, you are a sleigh, sleigh, left out, left right, and center. Um, what is the one thing you wish you had understood about life post high school or the college experience, um, or not having the college experience, like, again, I, I say this specifically for those students who are maybe surrounded. Who are only talking college all day, every day. What would you have told 17 year old Shane? then that, you know now

Um, I think a big thing is with, with everyone around you, like you said, always constantly talking about college. Um, there were oftentimes when I would go home and I'd be like, you know, maybe I should apply for, for colleges just so I can. In talks with all those, with all those people, you know, when they're asking, when they're talking about turning in their, their essays and their things like that. Like, I wanna be in that conversation. But I think that honestly, like you don't, there's no point. If that's not what you wanna be doing, then why do it? Why, why waste the time? Why waste the energy? Why waste the money? Because applying to colleges, I cannot believe how expensive that is. And

to apply.

just to apply. And so some people like also spend money on getting like college coaches. Like it's, it's honestly, it's so, it's, it's so shocking to me. I mean, whoever does it, I have no, that's you, you go live your life. But I am not one to. Spend money on that. And that's the other thing, auditions for Disney free. but I think that I would just tell myself like, don't worry about feeling left out. Like you're not left out. Like you can talk about other things. There's, you're doing your own thing. And if that's, if you're, you're loving what you're doing and if you're passionate about what you wanna do and what you go into, then that's all that really matters. People can be applying to colleges and you can be there for them and support them and, go through that with them. But then on the other hand, you're going to all these auditions and you're talking about your future, and that's just as important as getting a college education and experiences doing what you love to do. yeah.

Again, college does not corner the market on growth and learning. Like to me, the, the big issue is, I mean, I'm also a huge advocate for college. I love college cuz I know. It can do wonderful things for people. Uh, but so long as you are going in eyes wide open and, you know, making the most of those experiences and keeping that growth mindset and that piece, you, you don't get that at college. You have to show up to college with it, or you have to show up to the job with it. And I, I just love that you're such a great example of, of that in finding your own path and continuing to grow and, um, cultivate skills and cultivate, you know, your leadership qualities.

Thank you. Yeah, I, I definitely think that it goes both ways, honestly, with, you know, I, I say that about going into the history of the industry, but I think that if you're auditioning for colleges and that's what you wanna do, that's great, but if you. If you are just auditioning to these certain colleges, because you're like, well, everybody's going here. If they wanna be in musical theater, everybody's going here if they wanna be a dancer, you know? But if it's not actually what you want to be doing, and like, do what you wanna do, like do what you love to do. I, I, I don't, I think I cannot advocate for that enough. Like, I think both sides are great and there's so many different paths you can go through after high school, but if you're loving what you're doing, then it doesn't really matter.

Yep. Being clear about your goals, being clear about what you're after, and setting and staying in your lane, staying true to your, to your lane.

Don't swerve.

don't swerve, baby. Don't swerve. Um, Oh, this has been such a great conversation, Shane. I'm, I'm just so grateful and again, I just want to name it cuz I think it's so important, this part of the conversation, realizing that there are in fact multiple ways to move towards a creative life and a creative

Mm-hmm.

And Shane, I'm just so proud of you. You know, I said at sort of the beginning of the episode, you are someone I will always remember being in a dance room with, and when you were dancing, you had such freedom and determination and clarity and I'm just so, so proud to watch you really take those skills and keep'em going and keep

Thank you.

It's really inspiring.

That means a lot. Thank you so much. I'm just grateful I met you because you're such an amazing just person and director and human in general. So glad you decided to come teach at OCSA for a little bit.

It worked out. It worked out. And shout out to your mom. I love your mom. Uh, your mom is amazing, so give her, give her my love as well. Oh, Tracy. so tell me if people wanna get ahold of you and see what you're up to, how might they do that?

Um, you can follow my Instagram, which is at Shane w Norys.

Great. I'll make sure that Instagram link is in our episode description. And Shane, I just wanna say one more time. Thank you for joining the Creative College Journey podcast.

Thank you.

Oh, let me ask this question, Shane. If someone sees you on the boat, are they allowed to say hello and say, Hey, you were on the Creative College Journey podcast. Can they do that or are there are there like major rules of like not interacting with you?

um, if I'm wearing a name tag for sure, say it. If I'm not wearing a name tag, wink wink. Please do not say that.

Got it. Great. Love it. Noted. Um, thank you Shane, so, so much. That's another interview episode of the Creative College Journey podcast. We hope this episode with Shane Norys was beneficial to you. And we wanna thank you for taking time out of your busy day to listen. If your need of some encouragement, guidance, and inspiration for your college journey and would like to work with Scott, don't hesitate to head to our website, www.creativecollegejourney.com to schedule a free no obligation, one hour consultation to find out the many ways that Creative College Journey can help you on your path. You can also find Scott Barnhardt on Instagram at Scott Barnhardt. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcast. It helps others find us. And be sure to come back in the coming weeks for more discussions about creative college admissions, lowering the temperature on the process and the many industry pathways and transferable skills that a creative education in life can offer. Don't forget, it's not where you go to school, but how you go to school. The counts. Thank you. Sweet.

is so professional.