From Stage to Startup: A New Jersey Acting Coach’s Unexpected Lessons on Entrepreneurship

Imagine standing in the middle of a stage with the spotlight glaring down at you. You’re alone, and a sea of expectant faces stretches out into the darkness before you. Your heart thuds against your rib cage, and your palms dampen. It’s showtime. You take a deep breath, channel your character, and step into their world. The stage and startup aren’t so different after all.

I’m Corey Skaggs, co-founder of Arts Edge, a performing arts studio in the heartland of New Jersey. For years, I’ve taught acting classes to ambitious young performers, instilling in them the techniques that have the power to command an audience’s rapt attention. Only recently have I realized how much those lessons apply to another of my passions: entrepreneurship.

Leadership Lessons on Stage

One of my first students was a shy, introverted teenager named Lucy. When she first joined our acting classes in New Jersey, she would barely raise her voice above a whisper. But beneath that timid exterior was a fiery ambition to express herself and touch people’s hearts.

Over time, Lucy learned to channel her emotions and convey them convincingly to an audience. She developed charisma and empathy, emerging not just as a confident actor, but as a leader. In entrepreneurship, as in acting, the ability to command attention, inspire people, and understand human emotions are indispensable leadership skills, which often go overlooked in traditional business courses.

The Art of Embracing Failure

Then there was Tom, a student whose fear of failure almost eclipsed his love for acting. The very thought of forgetting lines or tripping on stage paralyzed him. But acting, like entrepreneurship, demands risk-taking.

Tom learned to see every flubbed line or awkward performance as a stepping stone to mastery. He grew comfortable with vulnerability, finding power in raw, unabashed honesty. That’s an important lesson for entrepreneurs, who often fear exposing vulnerabilities and embracing failures. In reality, these are opportunities for growth, connection, and innovation.

The Role of Drama in Business

In the performing arts studio, drama is king. I’m not talking about temper tantrums and diva behavior. Drama, in its purest form, is about emotional engagement and storytelling.

I recall working with an ensemble on a particularly challenging play. The script was strong, but the performance was falling flat. We needed to engage the audience emotionally. So, we reworked the delivery, focusing on character development and dramatic tension. The result was a performance that touched the audience deeply, turning a ‘good’ play into an unforgettable experience.

This same principle applies to entrepreneurship. With today’s market saturation, a good product or service isn’t enough. Entrepreneurs must draw upon the drama of storytelling to emotionally engage customers and stand out.

As I look back, it’s clear that the stage and startup worlds are closely entwined. The lessons we teach in our acting classes in New Jersey have broad relevance – not only to our students dreaming of Broadway but to entrepreneurs as well.

So, here’s a thought: If you could step into the shoes of anyone in the world, who would you choose to be? The answer may very well change your approach to business and open up a world of opportunity. After all, in acting as in entrepreneurship, the world is your stage.

 

About the Author:

Internationally acclaimed performer Corey Skaggs has starred in feature roles on Broadway and London’s West End, and transitioned his success to writing, with multiple projects in development. Now, he co-runs Arts Edge, sharing his passion for performing arts with the next generation.