Ep. 76: Am I Ready For A Tour? with Faith Candino
- Melissa Cartwright
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever felt that little nudge—that whisper in your gut that maybe, just maybe, the next step in your performance journey is auditioning for a national tour—you’re in the right place.
We're kicking off season 3 of the Passionate Performer Podcast with my friend and powerhouse artist Faith Candino to talk about exactly that: what it takes to land (and thrive on) a tour.
But first, a quick life update from me.
A Summer of Reset and Renewal
This summer looked different for me. Gigging was slower than usual, and at first, I’ll be honest—I grieved that. But in hindsight, it was exactly what I needed.
I took time with my family, worked with a nutritionist for the first time (shoutout to actually being able to eat food without pain!), and started hormone therapy with my doctor. It was a summer of dialing inward—listening to my body and prioritizing my health.
And that pause? It gave me the space to set stronger boundaries in my teaching schedule, nurture my creativity, and prepare for all the exciting things ahead this fall.
By the time I hit record for Season 3 of the podcast, I felt energized and ready to bring you conversations with incredible artists like Faith.
So let's dive in!
Meet Faith Candino: A True Triple Threat
The first time I saw Faith perform was when we were both performing in Pelagius The Musical at the Legacy Theatre in Georgia, and let me tell you—her presence on stage is magnetic. She’s a dancer, singer, and actor who leads with both heart and excellence.
Her resume is a dream:
Two national tours of Chicago
Regional credits like West Side Story, Crazy for You, and A Chorus Line
Cruise ship contracts with Norwegian and Regent
TV and film roles in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Father of the Bride, and more
In short: Faith knows her stuff, and she’s lived the touring life from multiple angles.
From Callbacks to Contracts
Faith shared how her first Chicago audition happened almost by chance. She had just signed with a new agency, and before the paperwork was even finalized, her agent pitched her for the tour.
With the support of her friends (including one who used airline points to fly her to the callback—talk about community!), she auditioned, let it go, and got the call a few days later: she had booked the job as a swing.
Her big takeaway?
“When you stop obsessing over the audition and let it go, that’s when the gift comes. Gratitude and community are everything.”
Life as a Swing
For those unfamiliar, a swing is the backbone of any show—covering multiple roles and ready to step in at a moment’s notice. On her first Chicago tour, Faith covered all six female ensemble tracks.
She developed her own system for learning the material, using color-coded charts in the GoodNotes app to track every movement and prop. She also leaned on advice from seasoned swings:
Always stay prepared
Create a system that works for you
Know that coverage saves the show
Even though she excelled in the role, Faith was honest: swinging left her feeling on the outside at times. Performing only once every week or two didn’t fulfill her creatively or spiritually.
Returning as Mona
When the chance came to tour with Chicago again, Faith asked for something different. She advocated for herself and expressed her desire to perform eight shows a week in a set track.
The creative team listened. She returned as Mona (yes, the “Lipshitz” monologue Mona), and this time, her talents were showcased in new ways.
“Sometimes all you have to do is ask. When you advocate for yourself, you open the door to the opportunities you’re really ready for.”
Lessons for Performers Considering a Tour
Faith’s journey highlights some truths that apply whether you’re eyeing a national tour, a regional gig, or another step in your performance career:
Trust your intuition. That gut feeling isn’t random—it’s a signal you’re ready for something new.
Community matters. Surround yourself with friends and colleagues who lift you up.
Let go after the audition. Do the work, then release it. Obsessing won’t change the outcome.
Be prepared. Swings and covers are vital—systems and organization are your best friend.
Advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for the role, schedule, or opportunity that aligns with your goals.
Final Thoughts
Touring life isn’t always easy—but if your heart is pulling you in that direction, Faith’s story shows that it’s possible. With preparation, gratitude, and a willingness to speak up for yourself, you can take that next step confidently.
And if you’re in Atlanta, you might even catch Faith live in The Producers at City Springs Theater Company—she’s still out there shining and inspiring. Follow her on Instagram as well! (@curlycandino)
So, mi gente, what about you? Is a tour the next right step in your performance journey?
✨ If so, we can get your voice and your mindset ready inside the Passionate Performer Program! Try it for free for 7-days when you join. CLICK HERE to get started.
YOU GOT THIS!
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