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ABOUT

Who I am

Seisa Ito — Founder and Artist Support Specialist at The Artist’s Stop

I’m a performer based in New York City —  my name is Seisa, but I didn’t start out this way.

I trained as a performer in both the UK and the USA. I’ve worked internationally in live performance, musical theatre, and cabaret— including producing a 6-part series at respected NYC venues. 

Before performing full-time, I worked in IT as a UI developer, and before that, earned a degree in hospitality management. That path might sound unrelated, but it shaped how I approach everything I do. Hospitality was all about creating meaningful experiences for people — and developing an attention to how things feel on the receiving end. That mindset carried into my UI work, into this space I offer to artists, and into how I create and perform as an artist myself — always with the same care, clarity, and respect for the person on the other side.

I created The Artist’s Stop because I remember how hard it was to find clear, honest information when I was making this shift — especially when working across different countries, I had questions about the industry, about what life as a working artist really looked like… and most of the time, the answers weren’t easy to find.

This isn’t a traditional coaching service. I don’t promise results, and I don’t teach technique. What I do offer is real, experience-based support — and a chance to stop by, take what you need, and keep going on your own journey.

Why I Do This

During my training in the UK, I attended a class specifically for international students. I asked about working professionally after graduation — and was told, flat-out:

"You won’t be able to. There's nothing you can do."

They were referring to the visa situation — how difficult it is for international performers to obtain a work visa in the UK. And while I understand that immigration can be a hurdle in any country, what hurt most was how quickly they shut the door.

There were things they could have done — like bringing in guest artists who had made it to the West End, or at the very least, sharing stories of those who had found a way.

I remember thinking: “Then why am I here? And why are you offering this class, taking money from students like me?”

That moment lit a fire in me. Because while some things in life are hard, they’re not impossible.
You’ll always meet people who tell you you can’t do it. But I believe you can — and that artists deserve access to honest guidance, real examples, and a place to ask questions without shame.

So many artists don’t give up because they lack talent or passion — they give up because they don’t know where to start, who to ask, or what’s even possible.


I want to change that.

Why It Matters

In my own journey, some of the most valuable moments came from personal conversationshonest exchanges with mentors, tutors, and professionals who had lived through it.

Something someone shared about their experience would suddenly make things click — whether it gave me clarity, a new idea, or a sense of direction.

Even when I was figuring out my next steps, hearing how others achieved their goals and built their careers helped me understand what was normal, what to expect, and what really mattered. From there, I could pick what worked best for me.

That’s why I believe personal conversation is powerful. Not just for answers, but for perspective — something real and grounded in experience.

The truth is, you can’t do this alone. Especially in this industry, support is everything. You need people who can guide you — and in time, you’ll be there for others too. That’s how this community grows stronger.

Why I Charge 

Coming from tech, I was shocked at how underpaid performers are — especially live performers.
We are the product, and maintaining ourselves takes enormous work, often without fair pay.

That’s why I charge for my sessions, and why I also take a one-time referral fee when connecting you to professionals in my trusted network.

After the introduction, you and the professional connect directly — and they set their own rates. This way, they can be fairly compensated for their time and expertise, which I believe is essential in an industry that often undervalues artists.

It’s not about getting rich — it’s about creating a space where support and insight are valued, and where working artists can give back while also being paid fairly.

If someone helps you get clarity, direction, or encouragement when you need it — that’s worth something. And if they’re able to earn from sharing what they’ve learned, that’s how we keep this ecosystem growing.

This isn’t coaching, and it’s not built as a mentorship program.

I see this as a checkpoint — a place to pause, get clarity, and keep moving.


My hope is that you won’t need to come back after one (or a few) sessions. But if you ever feel like checking in — whether you’re stuck, shifting direction, or just want to talk something through — I’m always here.

From Me to You

Training in NYC, surrounded by wildly talented artists, was a dream — and a necessary step. There are times in this journey when you just do the work. You show up, stay focused, and move forward, even when it’s hard. That part matters. It teaches you. But later on, something shifted. Even though I was pursuing what I had worked so hard for, I wasn’t feeling right. I wasn’t motivated — and it confused me. This was supposed to be it, wasn’t it? That’s when I realized I had started chasing what others saw as success — what the industry celebrates, what people expected — and I’d lost track of what my version of success really looked like. I forgot what I actually wanted. That moment was important. Because both things are true: sometimes, you need to push through. And other times, you need to pause and reflect. I hope The Artist’s Stop can be a space for the latter — a chance to check in with yourself, realign, and move forward with more clarity. That’s part of why I started The Artist’s Stop. To help other artists come back to their path. To offer a space for honest, human support — the kind that helped me, too. Some of the professionals in my network were once — and some still are — my mentors, teachers, or collaborators. Others crossed my path just for a season, and that’s okay too. Some offered guidance when I was their client; others shared their kindness and insight simply as friends. I’m grateful to each of them. This service is one small way I hope to give back — to them, and to you. Wherever you’re headed, I hope this can be a place where you pause, reconnect, and move forward with a little more clarity. Hugs, Seisa :)

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