Cruise ship entertaining is my dream job

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10: Sarah Scheunage, a star performer on the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship, is living a dream life. The Vancouver native trained in gymnastics at a young age. She put those skills to good use and combined them with a degree in Dance from Simon Fraser University.

Having trained with former Cirque du Soleil performers, Sarah continued to improve at her craft.

In 2010, she had an opportunity to do something, she never thought was going to be possible — perform on a cruise ship using her unique skills.

Sarah was hired to headline the Oasis of Dreams water show, which is performed in the first Aquatheatre ever built on a cruise ship. She also stars in the aerial production show Come Fly With Me in the ship’s Opal Theatre.

Last month she sat down with Don Burgess and spoke about what it’s like to perform at sea.

Did you ever think you would be a performing on a cruise ship?

It’s like a dream job. I had been thinking about performing on cruise ships for about 15 years because I had a lot of friends who were dancers as I was in university for dancing. I am more of an acrobat than a dancer, but at that point and time there were no shows like what we have in Aquatheatre or Come Fly With. The production shows were just singing and dancing. I saw a lot of them go off and live this job where they are performing and travelling and thought ‘I’d love to get a job like that.  So in 2010 to get this opportunity, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do.

How did you get the job?

It was through one of my circus agents. He thought I might be suitable for this and told me to take a look. We sent in some videos and the casting director said they wanted to see a few specific things so I sent them another video and the casting director said ‘yes, you’re hired.’

What was your first month like performing at sea? Can you feel the motion of the sea?

In the aquashow, it’s probably safer for us (the synchronized swimmers) than it is for the divers. When I’m underwater and getting ready to be lifted up, that’s when I feel like I’m in a washing machine.

What emotions did you have before your first show?

That was Come Fly With Me. I was nervous because the previous cast was out there watching so I really wanted to do a good job. It adds a little bit of pressure, but in a good way because they are my colleagues and they are there to add support. I was nervous and excited and just ready to be out of rehearsals and get the show on the road.

Is there a different vibe performing in the Aquatheatre compared to the main Opal Theatre?

I can see the audience more clearly and they are closer to the stage. I’m dancing out front on the teak deck so I am literally three or four feet away from front row. Also, because I get to splash them, there’s a bit more for me in the show with the audience interaction.

You had a slight smile on your face when you said you get to splash them.

(Laughs) It’s good fun. You can tell by who is sitting in the front — with the kids go for it — everyone of them is going to love it. But on formal nights, that’s a no. I try to be selective, especially if they are in their fancy dresses.

How much difference does it make to the performer seeing the audience’s reaction?

It makes a big difference when you can see them. In Oasis of Dreams when I’m walking down the stairs under the umbrella, I can hear little kids comments ‘Oh, it’s a princess’ or ‘oh, or she’s this or that.’ I can remember when I was that age so it’s meaningful.

Which part of the Oasis of Dreams show do you enjoy the most?

I love the bluebird section because there is a lot of dance involved when I’m first revealed out of the water. I get to push the male bluebirds in so it’s kind of flirty.

Is there any part of the show you enjoy watching?

The finalé when the divers are going off one after another like clockwork. Seeing some of those dives…when I’m smiling and looking like I’m enjoying it, I really am. I never get sick of watching that part.

How often do you have to train for Oasis of Dreams?

We have two open dive practices a week. We’re called in an hour and a half before every show to warm-up and train.

Does it make any difference that the rehearsals are open to the guests?

The Aquatheatre is blocked off but people can stand at the back and watch. It doesn’t bother me, but I know guests like the behind the scenes look.

On Come Fly With Me, which part of that to you enjoy the most?

Even though I am almost out of breath, but the summer in the city section where we have the tumble track. I love that part because there is so much action, it’s a lot of fun.

What’s a performer’s life like on a ship?

I’m really happy to be in the entertainment division. It’s a good life, especially if you enjoy what you’re doing. It’s different than performing on land because the intimacy is really pronounced here. You’re never away from anybody because this is where we live and work. As long as you are an adaptable person, it’s a really great job.