Meet: Tom Paolino
TOM PAOLINO is an actor living in New York City. www.tompaolino.com
Catholic Artist Connection (CAC): What brought you to NYC, and where did you come from?
Tom Paolino (TP): I moved here for a woman. At the time I was living in LA.
CAC: What do you see as your personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts?
TP: The root word of theatre is “thea,” which is Latin for “heal.” Got it?
CAC: Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist? How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
TP: The Jesuits have been most supportive. The Church should follow the example of Jesuits where the arts are concerned.
CAC: How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?
TP: Multiple productions of Emily Claire Schmitt’s play “The Chalice” would help.
CAC: Where in NYC do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
TP:St. Francis of Assisi on 31st Street.
CAC: Are you a part of any theatre companies, artist collectives, writing groups, training programs, or similar professional communities you would recommend?
TP: I enjoy studying with Rob McCaskill.
CAC: How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist living in NYC?
TP: I worked for a while with Xavier Theatre Company which was great.
CAC: What is your daily spiritual practice?
TP: I pray and meditate daily. I stay sober from various substances and behaviors by attending spiritual programs of recovery.
CAC: What is your daily artistic practice?
TP: I write three pages each morning to drain my critical mind and make room for God’s creative flow. I follow my heart in all my affairs.
CAC: Describe a recent day in which you were most completely living out your vocation as an artist.
TP: Today! I went to acting class for three hours, then bought acting books at Drama Book Shop, then met an awesome new agent and now I’m sharing with you my day!
CAC: How did you find your current housing situation? Which neighborhoods would you recommend to artists moving to the city?
TP: Sunnyside, Queens is great. The Actors Fund has wonderful resources, including an online housing bulletin board.
CAC: But seriously, how do you make a living in NYC?
TP: I rent a car and drive for UBER and JUNO. Soon, I will make a lot of money acting now that I have agents.
CAC: How much would you suggest artists moving to NYC budget for their first year?
TP: You need at least $35K to be safe.
CAC: What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists moving to NYC?
TP: Breathe. Follow your heart. Repeat.
