Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Lieneke Pisters, I graduated in 2014 as a physical performer from my master in modern music theatre “T.I.M.E.”: a collaboration between the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and music theatre-ensemble de Veenfabriek.
Besides being a performance-actress I used to work as a fitness trainer. Now I’m specializing in educative projects concerning wellness and health, in which sport and art are integrated. My company is called “L.A.F.P. Training & Performances”.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
So far, it is to have started my business as a trainer. During my start-up year I gave fitnesstraining for great clubs and organisations all around Amsterdam. At the moment I’m following a personal trainer program. Fitness is about progression by self-improvement, so that means you need to stay educated forever. I like it because it enriches my practice and it gives me inspiration for my performances.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to my performance debute. I miss being in the creative process with my team, but it takes time so I just keep on building every day to make it happen. I choose to wait untill I have the circumstances in which I can give it my 100% heart, soul and passion.
Right now I can’t go much into detail about my project, but if you want to stay tuned about the developments follow my Facebook page or Instagram.
Which advise will you give to other professionals?
Be patient and don’t settle for anything unless it’s great. You will have to deal with disappointments, but the good thing about them is that they make you more focussed. These turn-downs, as well as the mistakes you’re making, usually contain the biggest lessons to be thankful for. So hang in there, take a breath, and you’ll get the job done in an even better way. Just follow the beauty and think like: “Watch me..!”
What are the challenges that we need to overcome to make cultural entrepreneurship more accessible?
I think it’s important to collaborate. For example: Why should I try to be a businesswoman when there are managers who have studied to be one and actually like these matters? To my opinion it’s wise to know what your strengths and weaknesses are, to focus on your power and leave the rest. That doesn’t mean you can passively wait until someone comes along to support you, though. It requires a hands-on attitude and having the courage to ask for what you need. That’s when we can start to complement each other.
So I’m happy to be connected to “The Artist and The Others”, and I’m open to meet new people for collaboration such as directors, composers and other artists.
