Paige Wilhide performs for the first time outside of the USA with her show Breakup Addict at the Edinburgh Fringe. We asked her about her background, her show and her work as an empowerment coach.
This show is the perfect fusion of my love for theatre and the desire to empower others.
Let’s start with your telling me something about your background, where you’re from and how you started in the business.
Let me tell you about my journey! I first found my passion for theatre and the spotlight in my hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. But Little Paige had a dream so big that it could only fit in the Big Apple. So, in 2011, I packed my bags and took the bold leap to New York City. There, I honed my skills at the legendary Upright Citizens' Brigade, where improv became my weapon of choice, and I trained at the prestigious T. Schrieber Studio, perfecting the art of performance. But my path took a surprising turn when I ventured into the world of coaching. You see, I've always been on a personal development journey, and I couldn't resist the urge to share my wisdom with others. I have first-hand experience of the power of live theatre as a means for personal transformation. And that's how Breakup Addict was born! This show is the perfect fusion of my love for theatre and the desire to empower others.
What’s your EdFringe show about? The inspiration. The message. What you want people to take away.
Breakup Addict is an exhilarating, non-stop ride of a show, exploring all the beautiful and messy parts that come to life in our relationships. It's far from your ordinary theatrical experience; it's raw, it's real, and it's damn inspiring! You know how most people sweep their "failed" relationships under the rug, hiding in shame? Not me! I bring those experiences to the forefront, turning them into powerful learning moments. The heartbeat of my story is rooted in my participation in a 12-step program for sex and love addiction. But it's not just about that! This show speaks to the universal human experience, touching the hearts of anyone who's ever loved, lost, and yearned for connection. Get ready to be moved, uplifted, and transformed!
Is it new for Edinburgh or is it tried and tested material you’ve performed before?
You bet I've put this show to the test! It's been a wild ride, refining and crafting the performance to perfection over the last few months in Los Angeles. So hey, Edinburgh Fringe is about to witness my first performance outside of the USA and the grand premiere of the fully-polished version, and it's going to be mind-blowing!
Do you have a particular type of venue you like to perform in back home?
Back home, I love to perform in venues that pulse with energy and intimacy. I feed off the crowd's vibes, and when the atmosphere crackles with excitement, that's when the magic happens! Give me a stage that's alive with the pulse of the audience, and I'll deliver an unforgettable show that leaves everyone breathless and begging for more.
What are your main concerns about performing at the Fringe?
Edinburgh Fringe is more than just a performance; it's a personal conquest. I'm here to prove to myself that I've got the perseverance to pull off something this epic! As you can tell from the name Breakup Addict, I'm not the best with commitment. So this is a true challenge for me. My intention is to show myself that I am capable of committing to, following through with, and getting to the other side of any experience, while still honouring my self-care. Bottom line: if I can avoid burnout, I've won!
What are you hoping to gain from your time here?
I want to prove to myself that I can do this. I want to see what I'm truly capable of when I commit to something like this. As you can tell from the name of my show, I'm not the best at commitment, so this will be a huge breakthrough for me to stick with the show all the way through the run.
When not performing, you work as an empowerment coach. What does that entail?
I started my coaching business specialising in breakups, because as the self-proclaimed Breakup Addict, that's what I knew best. I would support people through all stages of the breakup process, whether they needed clarity in their existing relationship, or to move on from an old relationship. I quickly noticed how my clients started thriving in all areas of their lives once we started working together, not just in relationships. It's amazing what's possible when you can create freedom within yourself! The transition to empowerment coaching was natural and allowed me to work with a wider range of clients.
What sorts of issues do people come to you with?
Clients come to me feeling unfulfilled (and often frustrated) in some area of their life. They are often quite successful in their career, but they feel like something is missing or there should be something more. I tell my clients, "I am not the expert; you are," and our work together helps them bring forward their brilliance so they can make bold, empowered choices in their lives.
Can you give us an anonymous case study of the transformative power of what you do for people's lives?
I've seen people completely change their lives when working with me! Some examples of things clients have done in our work together: write books, launch their dream storefront, rebuild incredible relationships with ex-partners, discover a passion for cycling, move into their dream home, powerfully complete a long-term relationship and start dating again. And that's just scratching the surface!
You also created Paige’s Pop-Ups which you describe as 'transformational live events'. How do they work?
I am absolutely obsessed with building community. In recovery, there's a popular saying that "connection is the opposite of addiction," and I know no other way through life than immersing myself in communities of like-minded humans. Paige's Pop-Ups are experiential events that bring people together to try something new and step outside their comfort zone (improv comedy, karaoke, cooking, etc.). Participants have the opportunity to experience personal challenges and breakthroughs alongside new friends! I may even host one while in Edinburgh. Stay tuned! *wink*
